Hot air on climate change

Hi, I’m Simon Bridges, the bold and exciting face of generational change in the National Party. Here, have a Cameo Cream. You know, in my job as leader for the time being of the National Party, I spend a lot of time reading our polling and focus group results – or as I call it, listening to hardworking New Zealanders. And as I listen to hard-working New Zealanders, it’s clear that what they’re really concerned about for their children and their children’s children is climate change.

That is why I’m determined to make talking about climate change one of my highest priorities.

When I visit businesses, I talk about climate change. When I visit community groups, I talk about climate change. When I visit farms, I talk about climate change. When I visit schools and kindies, I talk about climate change.

I talk about climate change a lot. Natalie says to me ‘‘Simon, stop talking about climate change already!’’

She doesn’t really, I’m just joking.

But look, I’m committed to talking about climate change. And I’m the first to admit that in the past some people in my caucus haven’t faced up to the challenge of talking about climate change. A few of them think the whole idea of talking about climate change is a left-wing conspiracy.

And I have to tell them look no, it’s a real thing and we have to step up and do our share of the talking.

But my message today is not about National’s bold vision. My message is about the Government’s reckless decision to do something about climate change by banning off-shore oil and gas exploration. That’s right, banning it!

Well, banning it in about thirty years’ time, technically, but still. In just thirty years’ time there could be no offshore drilling for oil or gas. None! This government is literally taking a wrecking-ball to the Taranaki economy!

I mean, granted, it’s a pretty slow-moving wrecking ball with a few decades from the top of the swing to the point of impact. But that’s not the point. This government is making a decision that will affect businesses. A decision that will affect hardworking New Zealanders. And that is simply outrageous.

Because the role of government is not to make things happen. The role of the government is to get out of the way.

That’s why when National is elected in 2020 we will reverse this silly ban. As Prime Minister my message to the the oil industry will be ‘‘Thirty years was really mean. You know best. Please, take all the time you need’’.

And in thirty years’ time when – if this current Government had its interfering way – the oil and gas would have been recklessly shut down, I Simon Bridges will return to Taranaki.

To stand on the foreshore, with the water oddly lapping round my calves. To witness the mighty pipelines still – thank goodness! – bringing nature’s black gold ashore. To toast the hydrocarbon explorers as they boldly seek out fresh fields to burn!

And to talk about climate change, obviously.