ID :
11129
Mon, 06/30/2008 - 11:08
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/11129
The shortlink copeid
Libs unlikely to back emissions scheme
(AAP) - Federal Liberal leader Brendan Nelson says it's highly likely the opposition will not support the government's emissions trading scheme.
Economist Ross Garnaut is due to hand down his interim report into climate change
and its economic impact on Friday, which will feed into a government green paper by
the end of the month.
Professor Garnaut is considering what sort of emissions trading scheme should be
implemented from 2010.
The federal government says all of the revenue raised from an emissions trading
scheme (ETS) will be used to compensate households and business for increased energy
costs.
The Australian Greens, who will share the balance of power in the Senate from
Tuesday, say some of the profits should go towards renewable energy.
Dr Nelson said the coalition would carefully scrutinise any scheme.
But the coalition was concerned that including petrol in the ETS would push up fuel
prices at a time of record highs.
"I suspect there's a high probability that we will not support what the government
may actually choose to do," Dr Nelson told the Ten Network.
The government is still in the process of drafting its scheme, which it has
committed to have up and running by 2010.
Treasurer Wayne Swan said details, including whether or not fuel would be exempt,
would be outlined in a green paper to be released next month.
Mr Swan said revenue raised from the scheme would be used to compensate people for
higher energy costs.
"There will be revenue raised from an emissions trading system and every cent of
that revenue will certainly be used to assist either households or the business
community with the impacts of this scheme," Mr Swan told the Nine Network.
"It won't be used for any other purpose other than to ensure that the scheme has
integrity and those people who need assistance will receive it."
Greens leader Bob Brown welcomed the commitment but said profits should also be
spent on renewable energy.
"We want to see that (revenue) help offset poorer people who may be affected from
increased costs," Senator Brown told the Nine Network.
"But also (we will) be innovative and put that money into putting Australia back at
the forefront of research and development and manufacture of renewable energy."
Economist Ross Garnaut is due to hand down his interim report into climate change
and its economic impact on Friday, which will feed into a government green paper by
the end of the month.
Professor Garnaut is considering what sort of emissions trading scheme should be
implemented from 2010.
The federal government says all of the revenue raised from an emissions trading
scheme (ETS) will be used to compensate households and business for increased energy
costs.
The Australian Greens, who will share the balance of power in the Senate from
Tuesday, say some of the profits should go towards renewable energy.
Dr Nelson said the coalition would carefully scrutinise any scheme.
But the coalition was concerned that including petrol in the ETS would push up fuel
prices at a time of record highs.
"I suspect there's a high probability that we will not support what the government
may actually choose to do," Dr Nelson told the Ten Network.
The government is still in the process of drafting its scheme, which it has
committed to have up and running by 2010.
Treasurer Wayne Swan said details, including whether or not fuel would be exempt,
would be outlined in a green paper to be released next month.
Mr Swan said revenue raised from the scheme would be used to compensate people for
higher energy costs.
"There will be revenue raised from an emissions trading system and every cent of
that revenue will certainly be used to assist either households or the business
community with the impacts of this scheme," Mr Swan told the Nine Network.
"It won't be used for any other purpose other than to ensure that the scheme has
integrity and those people who need assistance will receive it."
Greens leader Bob Brown welcomed the commitment but said profits should also be
spent on renewable energy.
"We want to see that (revenue) help offset poorer people who may be affected from
increased costs," Senator Brown told the Nine Network.
"But also (we will) be innovative and put that money into putting Australia back at
the forefront of research and development and manufacture of renewable energy."
