Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Climate Change and Water) Share this | Hansard source

Thank you to Senator Boswell for the question. This government absolutely understands the challenges that are posed by the global financial crisis, which is why we are seeking to maintain and pass our budget measures to retain a budget surplus which will be a buffer in those circumstances. On the issue of the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme, I note that the Prime Minister has also reiterated, whilst overseas, that the government’s intention—‘ambition’ I think was the word used—is to have the scheme commence by 2010. That is the election commitment.