Government hands out more corporate welfare

new-zealand-national-party

Tue Mar 11 2003 13:00:00 GMT+1300 (New Zealand Daylight Time)

Government hands out more corporate welfare

Tuesday, 11 March 2003, 5:00 pm
Press Release: New Zealand National Party

The Government's handout of $1.5 million to EDS is a bizarre use of taxpayer money, says National's Associate Commerce spokesperson John Key.

"This Government has warped priorities. This deal comes at the same time as hospitals are in deficits, waiting lists are going up and student debt keeps skyrocketing. Yet somehow the Government is able to find $1.5 million to give to one of the world's biggest companies, which earned US $21.5 billion last year.

"The Government could create far more sustainable jobs by reducing compliance costs for all businesses, not just a lucky few. Every extra compliance cost this Government has loaded onto business makes it harder to employ people.

"A system of picking winners is always risky and controversial. It becomes not what you know, but who you know.

"This deal promises a lot - lets just hope it can deliver, unlike other similar projects. After the Sovereign yachts debacle Jim Anderton's credibility is seriously on the line," said Mr Key.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

a.supporter:hover {background:#EC4438!important;} @media screen and (max-width: 480px) { #byline-block div.byline-block {padding-right:16px;}}

Using Scoop for work?

Scoop is free for personal use, but you’ll need a licence for work use. This is part of our Ethical Paywall and how we fund Scoop. Join today with plans starting from less than $3 per week, plus gain access to exclusive Pro features.

Join Pro Individual Find out more

Find more from New Zealand National Party on InfoPages.