Anger At Unfair Tax

Anger At Unfair Tax

11 March 2004

Anger At Unfair Tax

The decision by a select committee to pay for border security by taxing trade makes no sense, says the Travel and Trade Industry Coalition.

The Coalition is bitterly disappointed that a select committee has reported the Border Security Bill back to Parliament with provisions that will enable the Government to gouge a further $20 million a year from the business community.

Coalition Chairman Stewart Milne says no coherent arguments have been given either by the Minister of Customs or the select committee itself to justify loading security costs solely onto carriers, exporters and importers.

"Border security affects us all," Mr Milne said. "Terrorism does not distinguish between carriers, exporters, importers or other sectors of the community. Providing secure borders to protect us from terrorism is the Government's job on behalf of us all.

"The Government should spread the cost of security across all New Zealanders via taxation. By saying that trading companies should pay for everyone else's security, the Government is abrogating its responsibilities.

"This tax on trade will further erode New Zealand's international competitiveness at a time when the Minister of Finance has recognised the pressures placed on traders. If Dr Cullen really wants to help, one of the first things he should do is dump the border security tax. Exporters, importers, carriers and the wider business community will be angry at this decision."

Auckland International Airport Limited
Aviation Industry Association of NZ (Inc)
Board of Airline Representatives NZ (Inc)
Business New Zealand
Canterbury Employers Chamber of Commerce
Canterbury Manufacturer Association
Christchurch International Airport Limited
Cruise New Zealand
Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders
Federation of New Zealand Inc

Dunedin Airport Limited
Employers and
Manufacturers Association (Northern)
Employers and
Manufacturers Association (Central)

Export New Zealand
Federated Farmers of New Zealand (Inc)
Fonterra
Forest Industry Contractors Association
Horticulture Export Authority
Importers Institute
Logistics & Transport New Zealand
NZ Association of Shipping Agents
NZ Business Roundtable
NZ Footwear Industry Association
NZ Forest Owners Association
NZ Retailers Association
NZ Timber Industry Federation
Nursery & Garden Industry Association
Otago Southland Employers Association
Palmerston North Airport Limited
Queenstown Airport Corporation Limited
Shippers Council
Tourism Industry Association NZ
Travel Agents' Association of NZ/
Inbound Tour Operator Council of NZ

Waikato Regional Airport Limited
Wellington International Airport Limited

ENDS

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