John Key MP
National Party Leader

29 November 2006

National wants emissions market talks

National Party Leader John Key says New Zealand should look at being part of talks the Australian Government is undertaking on an emissions trading system.

In a speech in Queenstown today, he said National has always favoured an emissions trading system, and in the end it may make sense for this to include Australia.

"It’s possible that by aligning our emissions markets, both Australia and New Zealand interests would be served

"Furthermore, this is the kind of initiative we have to encourage to ensure that non-Kyoto countries are part of the global emissions reduction effort."

Mr Key will visit Canberra next week, and will be putting this issue on the agenda in meetings with senior federal ministers.

He also reaffirmed in the speech National’s commitment to tax cuts.

"As we have made clear many times, National’s policy on tax has been, and remains, to reduce personal and company taxes across the board. We are committed to lowering the tax burden New Zealanders face.

"We need to have 2020 vision, not 1970 vision.”

ENDS

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