15 Aug 2023

Tax experts slam GST-free fruit and vegetables policy

From Morning Report, 6:10 am on 15 August 2023

A sign of desperation; stupid populism; a depressingly bad idea.

Ask nearly any tax expert - and it's likely that's how they'll describe Labour's new GST-free fruit and vegetables policy.

RNZ has asked both the Prime Minister and Finance Minister to name a single economist or tax specialist who supports the idea - and they have been unable to do so.

It's not surprising given RNZ's own inquiries - with more than 10 expert voices - have found near universal opposition.

Deputy political editor Craig McCulloch reports.