David Carter National Finance Spokesperson

6 June 2002

PM's Kyoto photo-op just got costlier

"New Zealand's rush to ratify the Kyoto Protocol will prove even more costly to our economy now that Australia has opted out," says National's Finance spokesman David Carter.

Mr Carter says with Australian businesses and farmers not burdened by the costs of Kyoto commitments, exports from that country would have a distinct competitive advantage over New Zealand products.

"It's clear that Australian Prime Minister John Howard - unlike Helen Clark - is not prepared to put at risk Australian jobs or its economy just for the sake of a photo opportunity in South Africa later this year.

"All Kyoto is going to deliver for New Zealand businesses is more costs through carbon taxes and research levies, while handing an advantage to competing businesses in the US and Australia."

Mr Carter says National has always said that it is foolhardy for New Zealand to sign up to Kyoto ahead of key competing countries such as Australia and the US.

"Despite all spin by the Government Kyoto ratification risks damaging New Zealand's economic, trading and export competitiveness.

"The Kyoto Protocol will fail to deliver the supposed environmental benefits when major polluters such as China and India are not included and the US refuses to sign up," Mr Carter added.

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