27 July 2005

For the record

Finance Minister Michael Cullen today released a record of contradictory statements by National on when they will announce their tax policy.

“The only constant is that the date keeps evaporating further and further into the future. This is making the dance of the seven veils look like an unseemly dash for the shower,” Dr Cullen said.

14 May 2005
Don Brash tells an Otago Chamber of Commerce meeting in Dunedin that its tax policy would be outlined two to three weeks after Thursday’s budget.

22 May 2005
Brash promises an announcement within the next few weeks.

26 May 2005
Brash: We will therefore announce our [tax] policy shortly - I've said within the next few weeks and we'll do that.

11 June 2005
Brash: The reality is we will announce our tax policy well ahead of the election.

18 June 2005
John Key tells the New Zealand Herald the policy will be released within a maximum of three days after the election date is announced.

6 July 2005
Presenter: Will you release the whole lot at once if the election date is called?
Brash: Ah yes, but we think we’ve got plenty of time….
(Newstalk ZB, Larry Williams)

13 July 2005
Brash: Ask Helen Clark when the election will be. At that point I will tell you exactly when we'll announce our tax policy.
(The Daily News)

ENDS

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