Minister at odds with his own statements

Environment Minister Nick Smith is at least a year out on delivering the Environmental Protection Authority he promised, says Labour’s water spokesman Brendon Burns.

“Dr Smith is now saying the matter will be decided by Cabinet in a matter of weeks. Why then did he tell the NZ Planning Institute on May 8 last year – in a speech still on his Beehive website – that he wanted ‘the expanded EPA fully operational by 1 July 2010’?” *

“It’s clear the minister over promised and is under delivering.

“Eighteen months into government, the Budget estimates for the Environmental Protection Authority show it will receive only $2m a year for the next four years, $1m less than the current year.

“It employs just seven staff – one fewer than last year.

“The estimates show the EPA will receive $16.8m as a resource consent processor for major energy, land and roading projects. But that was never intended as its core function.

“Dr Smith promoted the EPA as filling the gaps in the RMA which have allowed such outcomes as a deterioration of water quality across much of New Zealand.

“Today he’s confirmed that Cabinet might at best by July have decided on the role of the Environmental Protection Agency; a year ago that was when it he wanted it funded and running.”

Brendon Burns said the delays in the EPA are another dent in Dr Smith’s credibility as Environment Minister.

ENDS

© Scoop Media