Tuesday, 15 August 2017 12:55

Show us the numbers, Labour

Written by Rural News Group

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Federated Farmers water spokesman Chris Allen.

Federated Farmers water spokesman Chris Allen says with the absence of detail on Labour’s new water tax policy, voters will be sailing blind into the election.

Allen says while the pledge to consult with those affected if Labour is part of the new government is appreciated, farmers need information before the election.

“Surely at least they have a starting figure in mind, to open negotiations with water users and to give voters a clue on the quantum of tax they envisage.

“Ten cents a litre has been suggested for exporters of bottled water, which has been contested as a thousand times exaggerated for the royalty that might apply to large commercial users. So what is the figure?” Allen says.

Federated Farmers is strongly opposed to a water royalty when it would essentially be an extra tax on electricity, food and exports.

“If the problem is with bottled water, then let’s just fix that problem.”

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