New Zealand isolated on green jobs policy

03 March 2009

New Zealand isolated on green jobs policy

John Key’s response to climate change and the economic crisis is at odds with international best practice, the latest science and with the broader consensus in New Zealand.

"The acting Prime Minister’s answers in the House today show that John Key has isolated himself from the international community in order to placate the extreme views of his coalition partner," said Green Party Climate Change Spokesperson, Jeanette Fitzsimons.

"An Australian Treasury report shows conclusively that quick action on climate change creates jobs and leads to greater prosperity.

"Australia has just allocated NZD $5 billion to insulate private homes and add solar hot water, putting millions of dollars back into the pockets of ordinary Australians and creating countless jobs.

“Many other countries − including the US, France, Germany, Denmark, Spain, Australia, Korea, China and Mexico − have included investment in a green economy in their economic stimulus packages, creating millions of jobs pursuing energy efficiency and renewable energy, while addressing climate change issues at the same time.

“The best that our Government can do is wrongly claim credit in the House about State House insulation, when in fact it was fully funded in last year’s budget as a result of a Green Party initiative,” said Ms Fitzsimons.

Here in New Zealand, John Key has refused to support the $1 billion dollar Green Homes Fund and has put the ETS under review.

"While other countries are using their stimulus packages to invest in a low-carbon future, our government is busy tearing down anything and everything that could part of a Green New Deal. We are going the opposite way.

“We also heard in the House today that John Key is still thinking the climate sceptics may be right, and wants to keep open the option of doing nothing about climate change.”

ENDS

Australian Treasury, Australia’s Low Pollution Future, available online at:
http://www.treasury.gov.au/lowpollutionfuture/report/default.asp