Cullen extension a vote of no confidence in Robertson

The extension of Sir Michael Cullen’s appointment as the Chair of the Tax Working Group is a vote of no confidence in the ability of Finance Minister Grant Robertson to articulate and defend his Government’s tax plan, says ACT Leader David Seymour.

"Robertson’s excuse for keeping the former Finance Minister around is that there is now 'extended public discussion on the report'.

"New Zealanders won’t believe that for a moment. The Government was well aware there would be huge debate on this report, but it hasn’t been up to the task of defending its plans.

"For taxpayers to continue to pick up Dr Cullen’s $1062-a-day fee after being appointed more than 14 months ago is outrageous.

"The Tax Working Group has delivered its report. It’s now up to the Government to respond and publicly defend its plan for our tax system.

"If Grant Robertson can’t front media and the public himself, he is not fit to be the Minister of Finance."