17 April 2002
The Government's National Interest Analysis (NIA) is a grossly inadequate examination of the social, economic and
environmental impacts ratification of the Kyoto Protocol will have on New Zealand, says Federated Farmers President
Alistair Polson.
In a submission to the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Select Committee Mr Polson said that the NIA falsely assumes
that ratification of the Kyoto Protocol is separate from the policy mechanisms the Government will introduce to honour
New Zealand's commitments under ratification.
"The Government's preferred policy package needs to be incorporated into the analysis to ensure the full range of costs
and benefits are taken into consideration when considering whether it is in the national interest to ratify the Kyoto
Protocol.
"Even though the cost-benefit analysis undertaken by officials is inadequate it clearly states that New Zealand risks
slowing economic growth and diverting investment offshore.
"The Government is failing all its citizens if it remains hell-bent on ratifying the Kyoto Protocol. It has to properly
work out what action it proposes and then undertake a proper National Interest Analysis before shackling New Zealand to
Kyoto commitments."
Federated Farmer's NIA Submission is attached.
ENDS