“The decision by the Australian and New Zealand Governments’ to examine the tax treatment of trans-Tasman investments is
long overdue,” said Simon Carlaw, Chief Executive of the New Zealand Manufacturers Federation.
“What we need now, however, is a firm timeline for progressing the issue and some direct input from the business sectors
of both countries that would keep our respective officials on the pace.
“We have already been down this track before during the nineties without anything concrete to show for it at the end of
the process. This is an important issue for New Zealand exporters that contributes directly to decisions to relocate
off-shore. We are committed to ensuring a sensible commercial outcome is achieved this time round. It is too easy for
domestic tax issues to continually take priority.
“The Australian and New Zealand Governments may be assured that business on both sides of the Tasman will be taking a
keen interest in developments, with the expectation that the promised business consultation will be more than simply
going through the motions.”
Ends