Media Release – for immediate release
26 April 2011
Contractors Welcome Cancellation of Fuel Tax Increase
The Government’s decision to cancel this year’s planned fuel tax increase will provide “welcome relief” for the civil
construction industry, says New Zealand Contractors’ Federation chief executive Jeremy Sole.
Mr Sole said the move would particularly help members who were still struggling to get through the effects of the
financial crisis, including the lack of work from local authorities.
He also welcomed Transport Minister Steven Joyce’s statement that the next Government Policy Statement for Land
Transport Funding (GPS) would provide certainty for the country on the Government’s commitment to supporting transport
projects and economic growth.
“We are pleased that the Government has again reinforced its commitment to building the infrastructure that underpins
its GDP growth agenda,” said Mr Sole.
“While that might look like self interest from our point of view, maintaining a strong civil construction industry with
plenty of healthy competition in the market is in the interests of the entire country.
“It will limit cost increases as much as possible and will ensure visibility of forward work in the uncertain times the
industry is currently facing.”
ENDS