Kevin Rudd (Griffith, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

What the people of this country—engaged in a debate about the economy, engaged in a debate about jobs, engaged in a debate about the future of emissions trading—want is for both sides of politics to have some consistency. What we have put forward through the green paper, through the white paper, through the draft legislation, is our approach of dealing with what is an economic problem for Australia—namely, how to deal with climate change. Again I say this is the hottest and driest continent on earth; therefore the jobs consequences and economic consequences will be felt in Australia hardest and earliest compared with other countries.

The honourable member also refers specifically to the aluminium industry. I draw his attention to the fact that it is listed in the CPRS white paper as one of the activities likely to receive 90 per cent free permits. I just draw that to his attention. I also draw the honourable member’s attention to the following—that, when it comes to consistency of policy, last year they were saying that action on climate change and emissions trading was necessary, irrespective of international action. This year they have changed again. Last year we had in fact the Leader of the Opposition saying that commencement could be in 2011-12. Now he says it is to be only in 2012.

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