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"Today John Key says that National would not deliver an extra $50 a week in tax relief over and above what Labour in government legislated for in Budget 2008," Finance Minister Michael Cullen said today.

Mr Key now says that when he made his earlier commitments for an additional $50 a week of tax cuts he 'was not aware of what Labour's tax cut package would look like.'

"While Mr Key's initial musing about the $50 figure was before the Budget both he and his Finance Spokesman Mr English have subsequently reiterated this figure." [See Attached].

"It is alarming that the leader of a major party with aspirations to lead the country can take such a slap dash attitude to absolutely fundamental economic and social issues which are so important to every family as they plan their weekly budgeting.

"This sort of short-term multi position taking, depending on which audience he is in front of at any particular moment or who he happens to be talking to, is the stance of a weak and feeble National Party leader who cannot be trusted any where near responsible government," Dr Cullen said.

"In these challenging times for international financial markets, it is shocking that no one can rely on a single word coming out of Mr Key's mouth. At a time when the country needs strong leadership and some policy certainty, Mr Key's inability to stick to one line for more than one minute is letting all of New Zealand down," Dr Cullen said.

Under the Labour-led government's three phase tax cut programme, the weekly savings achieved from 1 April 2011 range between $21.73 (for those with an annual taxable income of $20,000 or below) and $55.19 a week (for those earning $80,000 a year and above).

http://beehive.govt.nz/sites/all/files/Tax-%20Tables.DOC

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