Gerry Brownlee National Party, Ilam MP

04 July 2003

Officials admit possible $1 billion Kyoto windfall

Farmers have been delivered another slap in the face by the Government at a meeting over the so-called 'flatulence tax' in Christchurch, according to National Party Ilam MP Gerry Brownlee.

"Officials have admitted that in the first commitment period under Kyoto, from 2008 to 2012, Government projections show New Zealand will have between 40 and 50 million tonnes of carbon credits, worth an estimated $1 billion. "They come from the trees that have been planted, many on privately owned farms," says Mr Brownlee.

"Now those farmers who've helped generate the carbon credits are to be taxed more than $8 million a year for the emissions from their stock.

"It's just outrageous, the Government is taking with one hand and taking again with the other," Mr Brownlee says.

"Far from being what the Government describes as 'whingers' these farmers are asking reasonable questions and not getting straight answers.

"Our farmers should not be paying for the ideological decision of the Government to prematurely sign up to the Kyoto Protocol," says Mr Brownlee.

"None of their competitors are facing the same costs.

"National has made a commitment to repeal this sly tax, our farmers deserve a fair go," Mr Brownlee says.

Ends

© Scoop Media