Mallard’s new Environment role no punishment

If Trevor Mallard was to be punished, giving him the Environment portfolio is an odd way for that to be expressed, Green Party Co-Leader Jeanette Fitzsimons says.

“Supposedly, Mr Mallard has been punished in the Cabinet re-shuffle. The reality is that he has been given responsibility for the Environment, one of the most crucial jobs in the Cabinet,” Ms Fitzsimons says.

“Environmentalists everywhere would be concerned if the Prime Minister saw the Environment portfolio as so unimportant that it could serve to signify the downgrading of Mr Mallard's status. This would not sit well with the Government's new commitment to sustainability.

“I sincerely hope Trevor does not view this portfolio as any less rewarding than the Sports posts he has lost. Future generations stand to gain from the decisions he will make in his new job, long after the 2011 World Cup has faded to insignificance.

“The Greens welcome the fact that the Environment portfolio will now be handled by a Minister with higher Cabinet ranking than formerly – and we look forward to Trevor bringing his considerable energy and skills to bear on the challenges that this new post entails,” Ms Fitzsimons says.