ACT Disappointed At Latest ETS Deal

ACT Leader Rodney Hide is disappointed at the Government’s latest deal on the Emissions Trading Scheme because of the massive costs it will impose on ordinary New Zealanders.

"It makes no sense at all to impose extra costs on everyone without delivering any advantages to New Zealand," Mr Hide said.

"There is no need to act until 2012. It’s stupid for New Zealand to be attempting to lead the world. The best result would be a low level carbon tax, exempting trade exposed industries, such as agriculture.

"The deal announced today with the Maori Party shows that the Government is foolishly rushing to impose greater costs without identifying any benefits at all.

"We continue to be alarmed that a quantified regulatory impact analysis has not been conducted. We have called for this important assessment throughout the select committee process but the Government has refused to deliver.

"We are particularly concerned that agriculture is set to be included from 2015, because it disadvantages New Zealand’s vital farming industry against our trading partners.

"The Government needs to be honest about what deals are buried in the details. The subsidies to forestry and fishing need to be spelt out for all New Zealanders."