Roger Sowry MP - National Party Energy Spokesman

15 December 2004

Labour's quick fix - another tax!

"Labour's answer to every difficult situation is to impose a new tax," says National Party Energy spokesman Roger Sowry, commenting after Pete Hodgson's decision to impose a new 'oil storage tax' on Kiwi motorists.

"National warned the Energy Minister in October 2002 about a looming long-running electricity crisis given the lack of investment in new generation. Seven months later in May, Mr Hodgson was imposing a new electricity levy, or tax, on consumers.

"In August 2002, National warned the Energy Minister of a problem with crude oil storage capacity, in December 2004 he finally reacts - by imposing a new tax on petrol.

"Labour can't help itself from increasing the tax burden on New Zealanders. National will do better," says Mr Sowry.

ENDS

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