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

I thank the good senator for her question. I could go through and list off all those on that side who do not believe we should take action on climate change. That might take a great deal longer than I have for responding to this question. We made it clear as a government when we put out the green paper that we were putting out some detailed design propositions for consultation because we understood how important it was to get the balance right on the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme. We on this side absolutely understand the importance of getting the balance right when it comes to the design of this scheme. It will be progressed in an economically responsible way.

We have undertaken extensive consultation with industry, as the good senator knows, in relation to the issues in the scheme. I would also remind the senator in relation to the start date that we have clearly also heard the views of people such as the Business Council of Australia and the Minerals Council of Australia, who have clearly indicated that what business does require when it comes to climate change is policy certainty, which was never provided in your government, other than the certainty of inaction and delay. We have heeded the calls of the Business Council of Australia, the Minerals Council of Australia and others when it comes to the issue of the start date. It is only those on the other side who are failing to recognise the importance of business certainty in this regard.

We on this side of the chamber absolutely understand that climate change is a key economic challenge for the future of this nation and the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme is the economically responsible way to respond to climate change and to do what we told the Australian people we would do before the election, which is to take action on climate change. (Time expired)