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

Something that the Greens have never understood, it would appear, is balance in any argument. Whilst they will not be satisfied until we all ride bicycles and have windmills, there does have to be a balance. We say that renewable energy is a worthy cause, that it is something that we should pursue, but we need to do it in a manner that is sustainable for the average Australian household and retain jobs within the Australian economy.

Let's make no mistake. I may be corrected in relation to this, but I understand our target will be about 0.2 per cent of GDP and will have considerable cost implications for the Australian people, and you cannot shy away from that. But the Greens' proposal would see that as being even higher, with even greater job losses, and that is why we seek to have a balanced approach. (Time expired)