Eric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Minister for Fisheries, Forestry and Conservation) Share this | Hansard source

Whether or not the minister, Mr Turnbull, has read that particular report I am unable to say. I will pass that aspect of the question to Mr Turnbull for his consideration. I simply say that, as he has been in the job for a very short period of time, I do not know whether he would have done, but I will pass that aspect of the question on to Mr Turnbull, my colleague. In relation to greenhouse gas emissions, I think we are all agreed that it makes very good sense to try to limit the amount of greenhouse gases that are emitted into the atmosphere. The difference, I think, that divides this place is that we believe in practical solutions rather than signing documents and becoming involved in a degree of mantra. So we are in a position where, not having signed the Kyoto protocol, we are in fact on track—much more so than other countries that actually have signed the protocol—in achieving or coming very close to achieving the outcomes that are being sought.

We as a government are addressing these issues, as I have indicated and we have indicated in previous times. I think it is a hallmark of the Howard government that we approach these issues not on the basis of some extreme ideological bent but on the basis of a measured approach which is sensible and practical. At the end of the day, that is what the Australian people want and that is in fact what we are delivering.