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

It is quite clear what approach the opposition wishes to take on this issue. In relation to the named business and to other businesses, the government has consulted and will continue to consult in relation to the propositions that were put out in the green paper. We will do so because we understand that it is the economically responsible approach to take. We will be very clear about the views of business as we proceed to design this scheme. But we will also be clear about the costs of inaction, because one thing we do know—and the Treasury modelling and Professor Garnaut’s review also confirmed this—is that the costs of inaction are far greater than the costs of responsible action now.

What is clear is the approach that the opposition will continue to take on this issue. They will not come forward with a coherent position and they will not come forward with any position that demonstrates a willingness to tackle the issue of climate change. (Time expired)