1. Question No. 1—Prime MinisterCHRISTOPHER LUXON (Leader of the Opposition) to the Prime MinisterORAL QUESTIONSQUESTIONS TO MINISTERSQuestion No. 1—Prime Minister1. CHRISTOPHER LUXON (Leader of the Opposition) to the Prime Minister: Does she stand by all of her Government's statements and actions?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON (Deputy Prime Minister) on behalf of the Prime Minister: Yes particularly the emissions reductions plan released yesterday. The plan sets out a work programme that meets the Climate Commission's independent emission reductions targets and supports our transition to a high-wage low-emissions economy that provides greater economic security. The plan is backed by a $2.9 billion investment to fund the next steps in our emissions reductions work the largest investment in climate initiatives ever made. New Zealand trades on its environmental reputation; it's the key to the ongoing security of our primary exports and tourism—two of our main export earners. Reducing our reliance on fossil fuels will also shield households from the volatility of international price hikes while reducing transport and energy bills. The plan sets out practical ways to cut power transport and other costs and ensures that the early heavy lifting is done by the Government in partnership with business and seeks to take the pressure off Kiwis by providing choices and options for tackling climate change.Christopher Luxon: Does she believe Kiwis paying 17c per litre at the pump because of the emissions trading scheme (ETS) should be subsidising large corporates to the tune of $650 million to reduce their exposure to carbon price risk" when the entire point of the ETS is to deliver a price signal so businesses make those investments themselves?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: On behalf of the Prime Minister what I believe is that it's really interesting to hear the National Party advocating for higher costs on businesses and higher costs on Kiwis by doing absolutely nothing. There has always been a place in New Zealand politics for business and Government working together—for example Air New Zealand being provided $18000 from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority to support filters in their Auckland Airport lounge during the period around 2014 2015 2016.Christopher Luxon: Does she accept that the Government is creating a perverse incentive for businesses who now know that if they just delay action the Government will turn up with more taxpayer money to bail them out?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: No because the Government Investment in Decarbonising Industry fund that the member seems to be so obsessed with and getting so wrong actually requires businesses to contribute. It actually means that they are contributing up to 50 percent of the costs and it means that we're actually supporting businesses to get on with the job of decarbonising. Sure we could take the National Party's approach and sit on our hands; on this side of the House we want to support New Zealanders including businesses to decarbonise.Christopher Luxon: Why did the emissions reduction plan include policies like changes to NCEA income insurance or merging polytechnics? How will these changes reduce our emissions?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: I think that betrays the complete lack of understanding of the complexity of the issue of climate change. If the member doesn't understand that climate change is going to mean that New Zealanders need to change jobs move into high-wage jobs be supported to do that through an education system—that New Zealanders might actually lose their jobs through climate change and be supported by an income insurance scheme it just shows how out of touch the National Party is on the significance of this issue.Christopher Luxon: Is she concerned by reports that the majority of actions listed in the emissions reduction plan are actually plans to make future plans; and does she think announcing a series of working groups will be enough for New Zealand to achieve our ambitious emissions targets?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: I believe that these plans—and this is backed up by the science of the climate budgets—will mean that we can meet the goals of our zero carbon Act. There are a range of initiatives that are happening now and things we need to investigate. Mr Simpson just got up and said that we need to be working around methane inhibitors—that would be investigating it Mr Luxon that would be researching it. That would be making sure that we actually do the work now so we can implement this into the future. This is a plan for the here and now and for the next 15 years.Christopher Luxon: What is her response to the Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA) CE who said "It's not unreasonable for the business sector to expect the Government to make policy in a more coherent way"? Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: I would say to the EMA and to others get on board with a Government that has got a plan to make sure we meet our emissions reduction plans. And actually the reaction from businesses has been strong because they know that when the Government partners with them we do well. In fact a former senior businessman said "companies [here] should be part of [actually] strengthening the place working alongside Government working alongside community leaders to do that." I suggest to the Leader of the Opposition he talks to Christopher Luxon circa 2019.Christopher Luxon: Does she accept that Kiwis expect more from their Government than just spending announcements; they actually want a Government that can get things done and deliver better outcomes?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: What New Zealanders expect is a Government that actually takes climate change seriously that steps up with a plan rather than an Opposition who have not put out one idea about how to make sure we actually deal with one of the most serious challenges facing our planet."