Pansy Wong
Opposition Energy Spokesperson
16 May 2000
Minister of lower petrol prices a failure
The "Minister of Lower Petrol Prices" has chalked up a real gift for motorists with today's massive price hike at the
petrol pumps, Opposition Energy spokesperson Pansy Wong said this evening.
"Jim Anderton has made a lot of noise about keeping petrol prices down, but clearly he has been all talk and motorists
are paying the price.
"He raised expectations amongst New Zealanders that his bluster would actually deliver lower petrol prices. He's been a
big failure.
"The petrol price rise will cost New Zealanders much more than anything Jim Anderton's industry development plans -
being debated in Parliament today - could deliver.
"The Government's actions are daily wrecking confidence and performance in the economy. That means a lower NZ dollar
which is a big reason why New Zealanders are having to pay more for petrol.
"Cigarettes, petrol, home mortgage rates and more tax - how much more are New Zealanders going to have to cough up under
this Government?
"It's been a really bad week for Jim Anderton.
"First, there was the disastrous opinion poll showing the Alliance way below the margin of error.
"Second, he was rolled in Cabinet over the West Coast rimu logging contracts.
"And now his self-titled role of 'Minister of Lower Petrol Prices' is in tatters," Mrs Wong said.
Ends