Seymour right to question need for new gas tax

Responding to ACT Leader David Seymour’s “willingness to consider” selling gentailer shares to pay for the proposed new LNG terminal, Taxpayers’ Union spokesman James Ross said:

“Rather than slapping Kiwis with a new gas tax, recycling capital out of the Gentailers to pay for the Government’s planned LNG terminal is a win-win for taxpayers: Future-proofing, no new taxes, and increased competition in the energy sector.”

“David Seymour is asking the right questions. Does government control benefit New Zealanders? Or does it result in gentailers too focused on dividends and not enough on investment and competition?

“Minister Seymour deserves credit for his willingness to consider whether taxpayers’ cash could be better invested elsewhere instead of new taxes, but willingness is only one small step towards actually doing it.”