Greens say Budget a sign of 'stable, positive relationship' with Labour

4.30pm

One day after the Greens delivered an ultimatum to Labour, they have commended the government for a number of initiatives in the Budget.

Yesterday, the Greens said they would not join any future coalition with Labour unless Labour promised to extend the moratorium on the commercial release of genetically engineered organisms beyond October next year.

But Green co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons today said she was delighted that the Green Party had negotiated a $23 million funding package in the Government's budget, up from $17 million last year.

"This shows that the Greens role in supporting the Government has paid dividends. We have been able to maintain a stable, positive relationship with the Government, while at the same time keeping an independent voice."

Ms Fitzsimons said the Green Party was especially pleased with the range of new initiatives negotiated with the Government during this Budget round.

New Green initiatives for 2002/2003, including some jointly promoted by the Greens and the Government, total $11 million.

Initiatives negotiated by the Greens in the two earlier budgets will receive $12 million in funding this year.

These initiatives include continuation of the successful Conservation Awareness Programme, Environmental Legal Aid, the completion of the Sewage Handbook for small communities, the quit smoking programme, the work of the committee on complementary healthcare and the small growers organics programme.

"This is the first electoral term that a party outside Government has been able to negotiate budget initiatives with the Government," said co-leader Rod Donald.

"In the last three years, the Government has agreed to fund $55 million of Green Party initiatives."

"The success of the Green Budget initiatives is a tribute to the good working relationship between the Greens and the Government, and to the growing maturity of MMP," he said.