3. JEANETTE FITZSIMONS (Co-Leader—Green) Link to this
to the Minister responsible for Climate Change Issues
Does he agree with British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, that “in terms of the long term future there is no issue that’s more important than climate change”; if so, will he support a cross-party agreement on the seriousness of this issue and the broad parameters for the way forward?
Hon PETE HODGSON (Acting Minister responsible for Climate Change Issues) Link to this
Yes and yes. The Government support for a cross-party agreement would, however, be dependent on New Zealand responding assertively to the threat that climate change presents.
Jeanette Fitzsimons Link to this
Does the Minister agree that a first objective would be to form some agreement on the degree of seriousness and urgency of climate change, and of the need for action soon?
Steve ChadwickIs the Minister aware of any examples internationally where there has been cross-party support for climate change policy?
Yes, we can learn lessons from those in other countries. I would particularly instance the Dutch and the Canadians, both of whom have had experiences we can learn from. I await with interest the response of other parties.
Rt Hon Winston Peters Link to this
Is it fair to expect cross-party support on an idea enunciated by Tony Blair, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, when one of the MPs in this House has described him as an “absolute liar” and “somebody he cannot stand”, even though he has not met him, and who has further said that anyone supportive of such a meeting is “sucking up to the pommies”—views expressed by Tau Henare this morning on Paul Holmes’ show in respect of Tony Blair?
Yes, I have seen that transcript. I must say that I think the issue is now no longer Tau Henare’s behaviour as much as it is his leader’s response to it. I would like to know what the Leader of the Opposition intends to do.
Jeanette Fitzsimons Link to this
Does the Minister think it might be possible to reach agreement that there needs to be a price on carbon throughout the economy to give business certainty about investment; and is he aware that the former National Minister for the Environment Simon Upton told this week’s climate change conference that a carbon tax would be the simplest, most effective, and most transparent tool to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and that all parties that had rejected it should eat humble pie and reconsider?
Yes, I am aware of the Rt Hon Simon Upton’s comments, and I do believe that having a price on carbon is very valuable. If, however, we were not able to achieve that, we could achieve some measure of success by ensuring through other policy measures that capital investment was made in a way that took into account the carbon issues surrounding climate change.
Gerry BrownleeCan the Minister confirm that subsequent to his extraordinary mishandling of this portfolio, he has asked the Prime Minister to relieve him of the portfolio in the forthcoming reshuffle?
Jeanette Fitzsimons Link to this
Does the Minister agree with economist Steve Hatfield-Dodds, from the climate change conference, that under all economic models, cutting emissions significantly has only a minor impact on the growth of GDP; if so, is he concerned that sacrificing the future of the planet for the sake of a minor slow-down in GDP growth might not be sensible prioritisation?