Eric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations) Share this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, Senator Wong. I refer to recent statements from the Prime Minister and the Treasurer pointing out the risks facing the international economy, the significant challenges faced by so many Australian businesses in areas such as manufacturing and retailing and also the need to improve productivity. Given the government's own stated concerns, isn't this the worst possible time to be introducing the world's biggest carbon tax? Can the minister name any other country that has introduced a carbon tax as expensive and far-reaching as the one proposed by this government?