Wayne Swan (Lilley, Australian Labor Party, Treasurer) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the shadow minister for his question. On this side of the House we believe that putting in place a carbon price is the most efficient way to reduce carbon pollution and make our economy much more competitive in the long term. If we do not get the investment, particularly in the energy sector, then prices will be far higher. If we do not get the investment in the energy sector, particularly when it comes to electricity generation, then we will face a future with an economy which is less competitive and prices that are higher than they otherwise would have been. Of that there is no doubt. But those on that side of the House will go to any lengths to run a scare campaign about the introduction of a carbon price and any lengths not to face up to this very big challenge for Australia.

See this speech in context