Monday, June 30 2008
Send ETS Back To Select Committee Heather Roy MP
ACT New Zealand Deputy Leader Heather Roy today put her support behind those businesses and individuals pressuring the
Government to put the brakes on the Emissions Trading Scheme - a major piece of legislation with wide-ranging effects
that should not be rammed through before the election.
"This Bill has undergone so many amendments that it is now a very different piece of legislation than that which was
first presented to the House and submissions made on," Mrs Roy said.
"As such, it would be completely irresponsible for Labour to try to pass this Bill before the election without allowing
those businesses and individuals who will have to participate in the ETS to have their point of view considered.
"Forgotten in the whole discussion is the fact this legislation will have an enormous impact on the elderly and those on
low incomes - those who can least afford it. They will be hit hardest as they already struggle with increased fuel,
energy and food costs.
"This Bill should be referred immediately back to Select Committee, and the submission process started again. ACT has
always opposed this Bill in its entirety, and to rush it through the House so that Labour can claim a world first status
on caring for the environment is totally out of order," Mrs Roy said.
ENDS