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

I again refer to the Treasury modelling, which the senator may dismiss, but it was one of the most extensive and robust economic modelling exercises ever performed in Australia. What it shows is that, with a carbon price, we can continue to have growth and, as importantly, we can decouple growth from carbon pollution. The modelling not only projects income growth and strong economic growth, with GNI—gross national income—projected to grow at 1.1 per cent per year to 2050; it also sees 1.6 million new jobs created by 2020. That is the Treasury modelling prediction.

I understand that Senator Bernardi believes that climate change is some sort of left-wing conspiracy. I understand that he does not believe it is real; he thinks it is a left-wing conspiracy. We actually agree with former Prime Minister Howard: a price on carbon is the most sensible way to reduce pollution. (Time expired)