FED: Govt looking at alternatives to emissions scheme: oppn

AAP General News (Australia)
02-19-2009
FED: Govt looking at alternatives to emissions scheme: oppn

CANBERRA, Feb 19 AAP - The federal government is looking for alternatives to its planned
carbon emissions trading scheme, knowing it is flawed, the opposition says.

The scheme, yet to be finalised, is due to start operating from July 2010, and aims
to reduce the nation's emissions by between five and 15 per cent by 2020.

The opposition, which wants to delay introduction of emissions trading until at least
2011 and, possibly 2012, says the government's scheme is "deeply flawed".

"The government's already starting itself, to look at alternatives," opposition emissions
trading spokesman Andrew Robb told ABC Radio on Thursday.

A carbon tax, which the coalition supports, is being considered in many other countries
including Canada and the United States.

"The bottom line is the government has got too far ahead of the world, with their scheme."

The opposition had asked a parliamentary committee to look at all options including
a tax, Mr Robb said.

"And I think we need to be open-minded."

Labor's approach to emissions trading meant the government had got itself into "one
hell of a mess".

"The government itself is starting to look at all sorts of other approaches, and so
should everybody else"

AAP srj/rl/srp

KEYWORD: CLIMATE ROBB

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