24 September 2008 Media Statement
Imitation the sincerest form of flattery
The National Party's policy on forestry offsetting would cost taxpayers $600 million, but in all other respects is
exactly the same as the current Government's, Forestry Minister Jim Anderton said today.
Jim Anderton said that for all the National Party's talk of change, it showed that actually the Government had the best
policy and ideas, and the opposition had no choice but to copy them.
"There is only one difference from what's being done now and that's the promise of a forestry offset planting scheme.
But it's quite clear that that is dependent on what it costs - and they don't say what the cost threshold will be.
"Well, I can help there. The Government has already assessed that - and it will cost all other taxpayers more than $600
million. That's why our Emissions Trading Scheme legislation allows for a forestry offset trading scheme when such
schemes are recognised under the Kyoto Protocol rules. We're negotiating hard at international forums to achieve that
recognition."
Jim Anderton said the opposition were full of hot air and bluster on forestry, but when push came to shove, they were
unable to highlight anything they would do differently.
"This Labour-Progressive Government has worked hard, in partnership with the forestry industry, to facilitate industry
development. More than $309 million has been spent since 2000 in doing this."
ENDS