National admits tax package costs Kiwi workers

National has admitted that working Kiwis will be $730 million worse off under its unfair tax package currently going through Parliament, Labour Finance spokesperson David Cunliffe said.

“The financial veto, used under Standing Order 317, was employed to quash an amendment by Michael Cullen to protect low income earners from tax increases resulting from the Bill.”

“The Cullen amendment proposed a new tax credit which pays people the difference between the tax they would pay under National’s package and the amount payable under Labour’s tax package.

“National would have New Zealanders believe that there are no losers under the plans. If that were true, the cost of this amendment would be zero and no financial veto could apply,” Mr Cunliffe said.

“Mr English has proven this to be untrue by certifying the cost of the amendment to be $730 million over five fiscal years.”

“Hard working Kiwi families are already struggling to keep their jobs and make ends meet.

“They did not deserve a $730 million kick in the guts from National’s very first legislative act,” Mr Cunliffe said.

ends

© Scoop Media