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

I do not think that, in relation to Professor Garnaut, that was what I said. I made the point that Professor Garnaut modelled, chose and put a view about 25 per cent. This is going back to last year now, but my recollection is that he did that by working back from the 450 ppm to considering what was an appropriate share for Australia as at 2020. There were decisions made about what should be modelled over a period of time. There was certainly a discussion about assumptions. There was consultation. My recollection is that it was Treasury which in fact conducted the modelling.

We are just trying to recall when various decisions were made in relation to Professor Garnaut’s decision, Senator. I am sorry, I might have to take on notice the sequence of that. This was last year sometime. Certainly Professor Garnaut looked at the 450 ppm and worked out the 25 per cent. The government made a decision to model five and 15 per cent in addition to that. I think Professor Garnaut might have modelled 10 per cent as well. So it was a five, 10, 15 and 25 per cent modelling which was undertaken. I understand the Green’s position in relation to 40 per cent. I think I have indicated to you the government’s view about a 40 per cent reduction by 2020. I again say I think what we have to look at is not just one milestone but the turning around of the trajectory. Without action on climate change this country’s emissions will go to 120 per cent of our emissions at 2000. So a 15 or a 25 per cent reduction is a very significant reduction of what we would otherwise be doing. That is why the government would like this legislation passed.