ACT outlines its two bottom lines

Rodney Hide Wednesday, 14 September 2005 Press Releases - Taxation

ACT Leader Rodney Hide today revealed that ACT has two bottom line demands for National in return for its support after the election.

"ACT has been planning for the period immediately after the election. The first 100 days following the election will be critical in ensuring that the change in government sought by New Zealanders delivers the outcomes demanded by New Zealanders.

"A new National-led government could be made impotent by its choice of coalition partners and support parties.

"ACT will insist that National carries out two key election pledges: introducing tax cuts and abolishing the Maori seats.

"ACT's first bottom line is to insist that National's tax cut plan is carried out. We won't support anything less," Mr Hide said.

"National's plan is a good first step and we will be pleased to provide support to deliver National's tax cuts in the 2006 budget.

"However, we will be insisting that National goes further.

"ACT believes that Labour's 39 cent income tax surcharge should be removed, and that New Zealand's company tax rate be reduced below Australia's rate to give Kiwi small businesses a competitive advantage. We will be pushing for these changes by 1 July 2006.

"National has not let people know just how fragile their tax-cut promises are. Their public courting of United Future places tax cuts in jeopardy. Seeking New Zealand First's support will create even greater problems for National given New Zealand First's spending promises and commitments to special interest groups.

"Only ACT can guarantee the implementation of National's tax cut policy.

"ACT's second bottom line is the abolition of the Maori seats.

"Without ACT in Parliament, National can't deliver its promise. New Zealanders who want to end racial privilege must vote ACT to ensure the Maori seats are abolished," Mr Hide said.

"Because abolishing the Maori seats is a constitutional issue, ACT would insist that a binding referendum be held once the legislation has been passed by Parliament. That would allow every New Zealander to participate in this important change. ACT would require a referendum be held by 31 March 2006.

"Neither United Future nor New Zealand First have made any firm commitment to the abolition of the Maori seats.

"Only ACT will insist that National deliver on its Maori seats promise.

"The National Party has talked tough this election and their promises have won them significant support. But it will be tough turning these promises into action.

"That's where ACT comes in. Everyone knows ACT MP's are principled, experienced, and tough.

"ACT will not allow National to compromise on these critical promises," Mr Hide said.

ENDS

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