Govt Jumping The Gun Over ETS Manager’s Job
July 16th, 2008
The Ministry for the Environment is about to begin interviewing applicants for the job of Manager to implement the Emissions Trading Scheme, a move that seems presumptuous, given the legislation has not been passed by Parliament. Applications closed last Friday, and the five-month contract is due to run from July 28 to the end of the year. The Ministry describes the job as a core component of the Govt’s initiatives aimed at tackling climate change and transforming the economy in a way that is sustainable. The Manager will oversee implementation of the ETS (assuming the legislation is passed) to ensure the necessary systems, infrastructure and resources are in place to support the new regime. The work includes supporting the NZ-Aust Joint Officials Group with respect to implementation of the ETS.
Given the Govt is still struggling to get the numbers to pass the ETS legislation, one wonders what the successful applicant will do if the Bill fails to pass. Senior staff from the PM’s office are putting in long hours talking to minor parties on whose support the ETS legislation depends. NZ First’s support appears critical and at this stage the party is sitting on the fence. Business lobbies are focusing a lot of attention on persuading NZ first to vote against the Bill. With just 18 more sitting days left in this term of Parliament, the Govt has a race against time to get the numbers it needs to pass the ETS into law.
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