Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Finance and Deregulation) Share this | Hansard source

We did outline in the clean energy package a transition process when it comes to road transport, and the minister has spoken about that. I accept that there are always going to be arguments from different sectors about why they should be exempt and why someone else should not be exempt. I would say this: we have taken a very careful and considered approach across the economy. We have consulted with the agricultural sector, we have consulted with the transport sector and we have consulted with significant industries, such as aluminium, steel and those with a very high carbon exposure. We have put in place a very large amount of assistance to industries to maintain their competitiveness. We are of the view, as John Howard was, that a carbon price is the lowest cost way to move to a clean energy economy—something the Liberal Party used to understand.