More sophisticated approach than carbon tax needed

The business community is disappointed by the Green Party carbon tax policy, saying it would not be good for communities, bringing potential loss of jobs and industry.

The carbon tax policy appears to ignore the substantial work already being done by businesses that are leading the move to lower emissions, says BusinessNZ.

“Business would like a conversation about how New Zealand can best continue its transition to a low carbon economy while maintaining competitiveness, jobs and investment,” BusinessNZ Chief Executive Phil O’Reilly said.

“Our approach should be unlocking business solutions rather taxing business more.

“New Zealand businesses have taken part in the Emissions Trading Scheme in good faith and have shown significant courage in doing so on the world stage, now to be told that a Greens government would simply throw the ETS out the window and carbon tax everyone instead.”

Mr O’Reilly said that as a small open trading economy New Zealand was better positioned to manage its carbon risk by participating in the growing number of international trading schemes.

© Scoop Media