16 November 2009
Media Statement

Nick Smith’s head in the sand approach a huge risk for Kiwis

National is in total denial with its rejection today of Treasury’s estimate that the government’s ETS scheme will cost the Kiwi taxpayer a staggering $110 billion dollars, Labour says.

"Climate Change Minister Nick Smith’s dismissal today that the figures are speculative because they look beyond the next 10 years should be a real worry for New Zealanders,” Labour’s Climate Change spokesperson Charles Chauvel said.

“Responsible governments plan as far ahead as they can. They do it for other big ticket, multi-generational programmes such as superannuation, ACC and health – so why is this government ignoring Treasury advice on the cost of the ETS?

“National is making a bet that the public will accept Nick Smith’s myths over Treasury advice. They won’t be fooled.

“The reality is that under National’s scheme, taxpayers will be writing huge cheques to subsidise big polluters for years to come -- at the expense of education, health, and growing the economy.

“It is time for the Government to accept it is in a bind of its own making and call a halt to this shambles,” Charles Chauvel said.

ENDS

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