New Zealanders Petition Cullen for Tax Relief

ACT Leader Richard Prebble today is presenting Dr Cullen with Parliament's first electronic petition, together with 60 pages of comments from the public, calling for an immediate tax cut for every worker.

"ACT created the online petition on Friday last week and has already received more than 2000 individual signatures," said Mr Prebble.

"I emailed Dr Cullen with the petition link and a sample of the 60 pages of comments from angry New Zealanders who have had enough of bearing the brunt of the tax burden.

"There is a real anger evident in the comments petitioners have put on the website. People do not want their taxes squandered on America's Cup challenges, Maori TV or Treaty education.

The comments received so far are at http://www.act.org.nz/taxcomments.

Some typical comments are:

"Why is the government choosing to back a sailing team taking part in an elitist off-shore regatta that barely gets a mention in most international media? Should the government be in the business of backing risky sports ventures? Why not give a few million to the Kingz? The Warriors? Or maybe put a few million on a kiwi entry in the Melbourne Cup?"

"The present government is misreading the will of the people. We are working incredibly hard in the provinces to support families when a great deal of tax money is wasted on creating first world politically feel good organisations on the back of a second world economy. I am not sure that there is an understanding how fine is the line we are all walking at present between economic success and failure." "Press the Government to reduce corporate and personal taxes in line with ACT policy. This is an urgent requirement to facilitate growth in the economy which is equally urgent."

"It is clear from the overwhelming response in such a short time that New Zealanders realise the Government's economic position is untenable. Dr Cullen must heed public opinion and amend the Budget. It is not too late to give tax relief to working New Zealand," said Mr Prebble.

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