Michael Woodhouse MP: Income Tax and GST

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Income Tax and GST

Over the past eight months, the Tax Working Group has looked at our tax system and found that the mix of taxes is not ideal. We want to fix that, to improve our economic performance, help create sustainable jobs, and lift family incomes. We'll be making some changes to the way property is taxed. Those changes will be fairer for taxpayers. We'll announce details in the Budget in May. As part of the overall package we are also considering increasing the rate of GST to 15 per cent, together with a reduction in personal income taxes across the board, and up-front increases in benefits, New Zealand Superannuation, and Working for Families payments. What would be the effect of this tax switch? Prices would rise by just over 2 per cent, but at the same time people would have more money in their pockets through income tax cuts, and increases in benefits, Super, and Working for Families. As a Government, we are working to ensure that the extra money in people's pockets would be more than the increase in prices. If we can't make sure that happens for the vast bulk of people, we won't be increasing GST.

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Background:

I was most recently the Chief Executive Officer of Mercy Hospital Dunedin, a position I held for 7 ½ years. Previous to that I held senior management positions with ACC, where I was instrumental in implementing ACC’s Elective Services Contracting framework and at Dunedin Hospital in change management, revenue and planning roles.

I was educated at St Pauls High School (now Kavanagh College) and graduated from the University of Otago with a Bachelor of Commerce degree. I am a Chartered Accountant and also have a Master of Health Administration from the University of New South Wales.

I was also the President of the NZ Private Surgical Hospitals Association and have also been the Vice President of the NZ Private Hospitals Association, a larger organisation which included the private aged care sector. I am also a Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Management and the New Zealand Institute of Directors.

I have been a Rotarian since 2001 and am active in community and voluntary work in the region. I am an avid rugby fan, having played age group representative rugby for Otago and South Island teams and am a premier grade referee as well as a “fair weather” runner. My wife Amanda and I and our three daughters have a crib in Cromwell and in our spare time enjoy the great outdoors of Central Otago.

Responsibilities:

I am a member of the Health Select Committee, and of the Transport and Industrial Relations Select Committee.

I am also a member of the National Party’s Economic and Commerce Caucus Committee.

My Commitment as Your MP:

I firmly believe in the values that underpin the National Party – loyalty, security, equity of opportunity, freedom and choice, limited Government, strong families, caring communities and a sustainable environment.

I commit to maintaining those values and working on your behalf to ensure that these important principles are upheld. Although not an electorate MP, I believe all MPs have a responsibility to represent and advocate for the people in their communities.