Scoop Audio: Nick Smith and the PM Announce Maori Party Support For Massive Water Down of the Emissions Trading Scheme
By Spike Mountjoy
Click for big version
Climate Change Minster Nick Smith (left) playing defense over Government negotiations with Labour
The Government has secured Maori Party support for a major watering down of the Emissions Trading Scheme.
The new plan will see the introduction of agriculture pushed back to 2015, even though the Maori Party’s select committee minority report called for the inclusion of agriculture to be brought forward.
The Government has chosen an ‘intensity approach’ which means polluters can continue to increase emissions provided they also increase production.
The Prime Minster said his Government addressed three main areas of concern with the Maori Party; the cost on households, a clause addressing the treaty, as well as fishing forestry and agriculture changes.
Listen below to hear more.
The audio begins with the Prime Minister john Key, followed by Climate Change Minister Nick Smith.
DOWNLOAD MP3
Listen to the second half of Monday's Post Cabinet Press Conference where Prime Minister John Key discusses Auckland boundaries and more