Australia's ETS Delay Plays Into John Key's Hands

Reports that Australia has decided to postpone the implementation of its Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) until 2013 is just the sort of news that Prime Minister John Key was waiting for and he can now delay the start of New Zealand's ETS, ACT New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) Spokesman John Boscawen said today.

"This news plays right into the hands of the man who, in October 2008, said that National would balance New Zealand's environmental responsibilities with our economic opportunities," Mr Boscawen said.

"This comment was reported on Mr Key's campaign blog on October 23 2008.  He also said:

‘...while we must play our part in the fight against climate change, we shouldn't be the world leader, because that will come at the expense of our economy ... I see no sense in New Zealand exporting emissions - and jobs - to another part of the world.'

"The Prime Minister clearly sees that implementing the ETS is madness: it will cause the cost of electricity to increase five percent from July 1 2010, and push the price of petrol up to four cents per litre - and double it in 2013.

"I call on Mr Key to follow Australia's sensible lead and postpone the ETS.  Implementing it now the ETS will impose a significant, if not crippling, burden of cost on to all New Zealanders - especially farmers and exporters - which is exactly what he said he didn't want to do," Mr Boscawen said.