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Is it reasonable to expect that a strong evidence base should be established on the impact of any climate tort law on business certainty, in order to justify the risks posed to principles of comity and the rule of law?

Answered Question 25544 (2026)
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Asked by

Chlöe Swarbrick

Member for Auckland Central · Green Party

Question

  • Is it reasonable to expect that a strong evidence base should be established on the impact of any climate tort law on business certainty, in order to justify the risks posed to principles of comity and the rule of law?

Answered by

Hon Paul Goldsmith

List MP · National Party · Minister of Justice

Answer

Officials provide us with a range of advice and potential outcomes, but it is for the elected Government to determine how it moves forward. What we hear is that there is a widespread concern across the business community about the potential impact of the Smith v Fonterra litigation.