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

As I said, yes, we do agree with Senator Xenophon that a well-designed emissions trading scheme is the most effective way to reduce Australia’s carbon pollution. We did attempt to get it through the Senate some three times, and we all know the history of that and the political turmoil on the other side, and the assassination of Mr Turnbull as leader—although I notice he is back, most unfortunately to the disappointment of Senator Minchin and Senator Bernardi, no doubt. It is the case that many policy alternatives, Senator Xenophon, were examined over the years. It is very clear from those that the best way to reduce our emissions is through a cap-and-trade scheme, putting a limit on how much pollution can be produced. Even if the government thought that Senator Xenophon’s alternative was the way to go, it would fall short of a majority view of the Senate. (Time expired)