17 April 2002

The Government's National Interest Analysis (NIA) is a grossly inadequate examination of the social, economic and environmental impacts ratification of the Kyoto Protocol will have on New Zealand, says Federated Farmers President Alistair Polson.

In a submission to the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Select Committee Mr Polson said that the NIA falsely assumes that ratification of the Kyoto Protocol is separate from the policy mechanisms the Government will introduce to honour New Zealand's commitments under ratification.

"The Government's preferred policy package needs to be incorporated into the analysis to ensure the full range of costs and benefits are taken into consideration when considering whether it is in the national interest to ratify the Kyoto Protocol.

"Even though the cost-benefit analysis undertaken by officials is inadequate it clearly states that New Zealand risks slowing economic growth and diverting investment offshore.

"The Government is failing all its citizens if it remains hell-bent on ratifying the Kyoto Protocol. It has to properly work out what action it proposes and then undertake a proper National Interest Analysis before shackling New Zealand to Kyoto commitments."

Federated Farmer's NIA Submission is attached.

ENDS

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