MEDIA RELEASE
Taxpayers’ Union welcomes appointment of Sir Michael Cullen to chair Tax Working Group
23 NOVEMBER 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Responding to Sir Michael Cullen’s appointment to the Government’s Tax Working Group, Taxpayers' Union Executive Director, Jordan Williams, said:
“While we acknowledge Dr Cullen’s experience and expertise, it is important to note that taxes increased significantly
under Dr Cullen when he was Minister of Finance.”
“The risk is that the Tax Working Group is used as a stalking horse for the Government to raise revenue and dig deeper
into the pockets of hard-working Kiwi’s and families. They must ensure that Labour’s promise of ‘fiscal neutrality’ is
adhered to.”
Responding to the call by the Public Service Association’s for there to be union representatives appointed to the Tax
Working Group, Mr Williams said:
“That’s a stupid idea. The Working Group should focus on technical aspects of our tax system, not ideological crusades.
If Grant Robertson caves into the unions and appoints lackies, he needs to ensure there are taxpayer advocates on the
Group too, so that the unions’ influences are balanced.”
ENDS