By Dan Satherley
ACT leader Rodney Hide jetted off to Australia this morning to speak at the launch of a new book which questions the science of climate change.
Climate: The Counter-Consensus, by paleoclimatologist Prof Robert Carter, argues that the evidence of climate change suggests it is a natural phenomenon, and the Earth may in fact be heading into a cooling phase.
"ACT believes that the ETS [emissions trading scheme] should never have been implemented and will continue to campaign for its suspension," says Mr Hide.
"This is a key issue for New Zealand’s future and therefore all New Zealanders who care where this country is headed. Australia should not make the same mistake that we have."
Mr Hide will be appearing at the book launch in his capacity as ACT leader. The trip is being paid for by the Institute of Public Affairs.
While in Australia, he will also be meeting with Victoria Treasurer John Lender and CEO of the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal New South Wales, James Cox, to discuss regulatory management developments in Australia.
To assist with the upcoming review of Local Government in New Zealand, Mr Hide will also meet with director of the Centre of Local Government at the University of Technology, Prof Graham Sansom, to discuss the constitutional reforms of local government in Australia.
“Australia’s Productivity Commission has been very successful in helping lift the quality of public debate and policy," says Mr Hide.
"I hope that by continuing to utilise their expertise we will be able to enjoy the same level of success here in New Zealand."
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