Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Hodgson can't answer questions on competition
John Key MP - National Party Finance Spokesman
04 May 2005
Hodgson can't answer questions on competition
National Party Finance spokesman John Key says Pete Hodgson has been unable to answer questions about how Labour's carbon tax will impact on our competitiveness with our major trading partners.
"Mr Hodgson can't answer simple questions on this issue. China, Australia and the US will not be imposing a carbon tax on business, New Zealand will.
"Why should New Zealanders be paying a premium on coal recovered from the South Island, when the same coal can be exported to China where it won't carry a carbon charge?
"Labour's carbon tax will drive up electricity and fuel prices, it will cost jobs and will undermine our international competitiveness.
"This is yet another tax on business growth. Mr Hodgson needs to guarantee to all New Zealanders that every dollar raised in the carbon tax will be spent on reducing CO2 emissions. I predict he will be unwilling to do anything of the sort.
"National has a clear policy on this issue. National will oppose Labour's carbon tax and will repeal it. This is based on uncertain science and commonsense suggests we should reserve judgment until the second commitment period in 2012," says Mr Key.
ENDS
Gordon Campbell: On The Coalition’s Awful, Not Good, Very Bad Poll Results
Government: Streamlining Building Consent Changes
Koi Tu - The Centre for Informed Futures: If Not Journalists, Then Who?
FIRST Union: May Day, The Biggest Threat To NZ Workers In 2024 Is Our Government
Green Party: New Unemployment Figures Paint Bleak Picture 
Labour Party: National Should Heed Tribunal Warning And Scrap Coalition Commitment With ACT
Government: Saves Access To Medicines
