9 October 2009
Media Statement

Another chapter written in National’s dodgy ETS dealing

Environment Minister Nick Smith has continued his shonky practices in the latest attempt to conceal just how bad for hardworking Kiwi families National’s ETS deal with the Maori Party is, Labour says.

Climate change spokesperson Charles Chauvel said today: “Nick Smith’s release of documents under the Official Information Act today relating to the costs of the deal is nothing more than cynical politics.

“Unfortunately it comes as no surprise that Nick Smith has released the official papers on a Friday when Parliament is in recess. He hasn’t followed proper process all along so why start now?

“Climate Change is one of the major issues facing New Zealanders but Nick Smith seems to think sneaky politics to try and hide a poor deal done in haste and which will cost taxpayers billions of dollars extra is the best course of action.

“Nick Smith is obviously embarrassed that he has to sell the deal John Key struck with the Maori Party to New Zealanders.

“From an initial reading of the documents it seems the deal with the Maori Party over amending the emissions trading scheme was verbal and done without any formal papers or advice from officials.

“The Government has been forced to admit that no record of the deal exists.

“This is an issue worth billions of dollars and that the business community and taxpayers want certainty around.

“Nick Smith however is dishing up bad process, short cuts and policy on the hoof while business is getting uncertainty and Kiwi taxpayers are going to foot the bill so large polluters can keep polluting,” Charles Chauvel said.

ENDS

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