Gerry Eckhoff

Thursday, 26 May 2005

Press Releases - Rural

Farmers wanting tax cuts, less red tape, zero tolerance for crime and their property rights protected, should give their party vote to ACT this election, ACT Rural Affairs spokesman Gerry Eckhoff said today.

Mr Eckhoff delivered his message to farmers at the release of ACT’s rural policy in Wanganui today.

“Successive Labour and National Governments have neglected rural New Zealand, with both regarding farming as a sunset industry. ACT understands that the rural sector is still the backbone of a strong and prosperous economy,” Mr Eckhoff said.

“ACT is the only party in Parliament that has consistently stood four-square with rural New Zealand against Labour’s anti-farmer policies, including the Fart Tax, school closures, ACC levy hikes and land access.

“ACT’s policies are best for farmers and their families. We will uphold the sanctity of property rights, reward hard work through tax cuts, slash red tape, and protect farmers and their property from the thugs and bullies”.

ACT will:

- Uphold the sanctity of property rights. ACT will oppose any legislation that will deny farmers the right to say who may enter their property. The status quo must remain.

- Reduce compliance costs, particularly the Resource Management Act. Reform of local bodies to remove a layer of government and confine activities to core services. End ACC’s monopoly.

- Lower the top personal and corporate tax rate to 25c in the dollar and extend the 15c rate up to $38,000.

- Zero Tolerance for Crime, including longer sentences and no parole, early release or name suppression. Boost police numbers to match Australia’s population-to-police ratio.

- End the confiscation by regulation of rural development rights under the guise of resource management, by adopting the principle that development rights should be purchased, not appropriated by regulation.

- More effort from both the public and private sectors towards promoting free trade.

- Promote a strong telecommunications and electricity network operated by competing private sector providers.

- Fund roading through fuel taxes, road user charges and tolls rather than land-based rates.

- Policies on health, education and welfare which benefit rural families through the better use of private and public provision and having less New Zealanders relying on welfare payments.

“Farmers sick and tired of being taken for granted by the two tired, old parties should send them a message and give ACT their party vote this election,” Mr Eckhoff said.

Mr Eckhoff released ACT’s rural policy in conjunction with the launch of his “Standing Up For The Rural Heartland” bus tour, which will see him again tour the country promoting the policy.

ENDS

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