'Axe' not dulled by the damp

Rain did not dampen Labour's "Axe the Tax" bus trip to Timaru.

Labour MPs David Parker, Maryan Street, Chris Hipkins and Rajeen Prasaad hit the wet streets of Timaru yesterday to give their party's take on the Government's proposal to raise GST from 12.5 per cent to 15 per cent in next month's Budget.

Mr Parker said although the Labour Party had not formed its policy on GST, it was opposed to any tax rise that disproportionately affected lower and middle level income earners.

"I think Labour's track record during our time in government showed that we favour giving money back to those who need it the most. Our Working for Families policy was a classic example of that. In contrast, National wants to raise the GST so they can give tax cuts to higher income earners."

Rain battered the MPs, but Mr Parker said he was pleased with their reception.

"I think this is quite an easy one to campaign on. Most people we have talked to don't want to be taxed unfairly."

The bus will be in Dunedin today.

- © Fairfax NZ News