MEDIA RELEASE
21 September 1999
Government committed to lowering company tax rate
Treasurer Bill English said today the Government remained firmly committed to bringing down the company tax rate to
match Australian moves to lower its company tax rate to 30%.
"As I have already said, I want to maintain our tax advantage over Australia because it helps keep business and jobs in
New Zealand.
"Today's announcement by the Australians makes bringing down our company tax rate the next priority for the Government
and we will aim to lower it to 30%. How quickly we can reduce the rate depends on how fast the economy improves.
"The Australian move is not unexpected. The fact that the tax cut will be phased in gives us more time to respond. The
Australian company rate will initially move to 34% for the 2000-01 year and then to 30% by June 31, 2001.
"The Australian tax cut will largely be paid for by scrapping accelerated depreciation and tightening tax loopholes.
That confirms the view taken by the Government that tax breaks and other incentives for particular industries are less
effective in encouraging business competitiveness than across-the-board tax cuts which benefit every business," said Mr
English.
Ends
Internet address - www.executive.govt.nz/minister/english