15 August 2015

Goff misleading on petrol tax and Government relationship

Auckland Mayoral Candidate, Vic Crone, says Phil Goff has been caught misleading Aucklanders about the Government's support of his regional petrol tax.

"Phil Goff has now been corrected by the Prime Minister, and the Transport Minister says the Government has no interest in his Auckland petrol tax policy. That's exactly what I understood the last time I spoke to the Minister and Phil was clearly being untruthful,” says Ms Crone.

“His claims of a $40bn infrastructure deficit for Auckland are unfounded and it's not surprising he's struggling to work out how to fund it. Aucklanders are not supportive of a congestion tax, Government aren't supporting a petrol tax and that leaves rates and debt as the primary way Goff can fund his plan.”

Crone says it’s fundamentally irresponsible to base Auckland's fiscal policies on a dishonest principle and then double down on it.

"This city needs a Mayor who will deliver results and build trust between Aucklanders and our Council. What's clear from this is that Phil Goff won't deliver a better Council relationship with the Government,” Ms Crone says.

"After 30 years of being 'tribal Labour', I've seen him berate the Government on the campaign trail at every opportunity. He's now been put back in his place.

"I have a reputation as an honest leader of action and results. Having worked closely with the Government on a range of projects, I am confident I can read signals Government send and deliver the strong Council-Government relationship Auckland needs. I’ve done my homework and my plan definitely doesn't include petrol taxes or congestion charging.”

ENDS

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