Minister Simmonds Faces Tough Questions on Circular Economy and Job Cuts

On Tuesday evening, Penny Simmonds, New Zealand’s Minister for the Environment and Vocational Education, faced intense scrutiny from opposition members during a parliamentary session. The focus of the questioning was primarily on the proposed waste minimisation amendment legislation and its implications for the circular economy. Rachel Brooking, the Labour Party’s environment spokesperson, launched the inquiry, asking Simmonds about the environmental benefits linked to the circular economy and the government’s waste levy spending.

Brooking’s persistent questioning highlighted a fundamental concern: is seeking a circular economy merely an ideological stance? Simmonds initially dismissed the question, leading to further prodding from Brooking. The circular economy, which emphasizes the continuous reuse and recycling of products and materials, is a concept that many environmental advocates support. When pressed again, Simmonds responded with skepticism, stating, “The term ‘circular economy’ is one that the previous government enjoyed using. It is not a term that I have picked up on.”

Despite attempts by members of the Labour Party, including Deborah Russell, to engage Simmonds further on the topic, the Minister remained reticent. Russell asked for Simmonds’ definition of a circular economy and questioned why she avoided using the term. Simmonds simply reiterated, “The member can keep using the term as much as she wants to. It is not an intention that I have of using it.”

While discussions about the circular economy dominated the initial part of the session, Simmonds soon shifted gears to her responsibilities as Minister of Vocational Education. The conversation turned to Te Pukenga, the organization overseeing vocational education reform in New Zealand, as questions arose regarding potential job losses resulting from these changes. The first institution Simmonds visited to discuss her reforms was Otago Polytechnic, which played a central role in the dialogue.

Labour’s sector spokesperson, Shanan Halbert, pressed Simmonds for clarity on anticipated job cuts within the sector. Simmonds deflected, stating she had no updated information on job losses and emphasized that some institutions were still evaluating their positions. The lack of concrete answers frustrated opposition members, who were keen to understand the human impact of the reforms.

In a lighter moment, Damien O’Connor, a Labour list MP, elicited laughter from his colleagues when he interjected during a question directed at Health Minister Simeon Brown. O’Connor’s comment, “Money for your mates,” prompted a humorous exchange regarding parliamentary decorum.

Later in the session, Francisco Hernandez, another Labour MP, was in the spotlight as he delivered a robust critique of the government’s Appropriations Bill. In a moment of enthusiasm, he accidentally spilled water on his colleagues, leading to further amusement in the House.

As the parliamentary session concluded, it was evident that while Simmonds’ responses left many questions unanswered, the discussions around the circular economy and vocational education reforms are likely to continue, reflecting the ongoing tensions between the government and opposition parties over environmental and employment policies.