National queries role of Greens

An advertisement for two advisers for Green Party MPs has prompted National Party deputy leader Gerry Brownlee to question their roles in the new Government.

The Green Party is not part of the Government but as part of its post-election deal won policy concessions.

Co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons was made Government spokeswoman on energy efficiency and solar programmes, and Sue Bradford takes over Rod Donald's role and is spokeswoman for a new Buy Kiwi-Made programme.

A Ministerial Services advertisement says the ministerial liaison advisers would work with Government officials, ministers' offices and relevant sector groups.

"If neither Jeanette Fitzsimons nor Sue Bradford are in Government, who will answer questions and be accountable for these programmes in Parliament?" Mr Brownlee asked.

"If Jeanette Fitzsimons is not in Government, why will the taxpayer be footing the bill for an adviser who will provide advice in her portfolio areas of sustainable economics and transport?"

He wanted to know if the Greens were bound by collective responsibility on issues including energy, economics and transport.

Ms Fitzsimons said the co-operation agreement between the Green Party and the Labour Government had been widely publicised.

"Gerry obviously has had his head in the sand if he failed to notice that a government was formed and a number of agreements were signed," she said.

The Green Party had an agreement with the Government which included the Buy Kiwi-Made programme and energy efficiency and solar energy.

"Under an MMP government work is done by people who are best qualified. In this case the Green Party is working on areas they have particular strengths in."

Mr Brownlee's questioning of the Greens' role follows a concerted National Party attack on New Zealand First's confidence and supply arrangement with Labour.

- NZPA