Thursday, 25 August 2005

United Future is committed to tax relief

Unlike New Zealand First, United Future would be interested in talking with National after the election about its tax cut package, United Future leader, Peter Dunne, said today.

"We were the first party to announce our tax policy back in May. It combines giving tax relief at all income levels through a $3000 tax free threshold and an increase to the other tax thresholds.

"National's policy also focuses on raising the thresholds, so we think that provides a good basis for talks.

"But we also unabashedly support giving families greater relief. That's why we were the only other party to support the Working For Families package, even though we disagree with Labour on the way it is delivered.

"Above all, United Future will want to make absolutely certain that the scope of any tax cut package would not lead to cuts in frontline services in education, health, law and order, and the like.

"Let's not forget that I was Minister of Revenue when the National/United coalition cut tax in 1996. However, National's plan to cut tax further were derailed when it deferred them to accommodate the coalition agreement with New Zealand First.

"We do not want to see that happen again," said Mr Dunne.

ENDS

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