Change ETS and we'll pass it: Turnbull

The federal opposition says it will pass the emissions trading scheme (ETS) - if
there are sweeping changes to make it more business-friendly.
In a major policy development, Opposition Leader Malcolm Turnbull has released a
list of nine demands he says must be met before his party will vote "yes".

He's indicated the coalition would pass a suitably amended scheme this year.
Mr Turnbull is seeking to end days of confusion and squabbling over what the
opposition will do on emissions trading.
But conservative coalition MPs will not be pleased at the prospect of passing the
scheme, and there's likely to be a party room showdown.
And the government does not seem impressed with Mr Turnbull's "wish list" - it wants
the demands presented as real amendments, and backed by the coalition party room.
Mr Turnbull's list of demands would be a big win for heavy polluters, coal mines and
farmers.
But it would shift more of the burden of cutting greenhouse pollution onto the rest
of the economy - including households.
Heavy polluting, trade-exposed industries would get full compensation for the ETS
under Mr Turnbull's amendments.
Coal mines would get more assistance.
The scheme would have to offer the same protection to industries and workers as the
US emissions trading scheme.
Storing carbon in soil and plants, including biochar, would reap financial rewards
for farmers under Mr Turnbull's changes.
The Senate is due to vote on the ETS on August 13. Confusion has reigned this week
as to whether the opposition will try to amend the scheme or vote it down.
Mr Turnbull said shadow cabinet met on Friday and agreed a position.
"If the government amends its ETS to put in place these crucial improvements, I will
seek, and am confident of obtaining, the support of the coalition party room for the
amended scheme," he said.
Climate Change Minister Penny Wong said Mr Turnbull's demands were aimed at
appeasing his own party and buying more time.
"Mr Turnbull's shopping list is not good enough - we are past the point of wish
lists," she said.
Senator Wong said she wanted to see real amendments that had been backed by the
coalition party room.
"Once Mr Turnbull has agreed amendments with his party, the government has always
said we'll consider these amendments," she said.
Australian Greens leader Bob Brown said the changes would give billions more to
polluters and mean less assistance for households.
John Connor, chief executive of the Climate Institute, said the changes amounted to
"wrapping our big polluters in cotton wool".
Tony Mohr from the Australian Conservation Foundation said Mr Turnbull's amendments
would "further brown down the ETS".
The ETS is due to start in 2011 and will put a price on carbon pollution throughout
the economy.