Australia Emissions Trading

This discourse in the Australian parliament, while in truth was perhaps not a riveting performance, reads well.

 

Mr HOWARD—at least and until we have a protocol throughout the world that includes all of the major emitters, and that means the inclusion of countries such as China, the United States and India. Until we have all the major emitters, one country unilaterally embracing an emissions trading scheme will result in great damage to that country. The reason we will not sign Kyoto is that, if we were to sign, we would accept burdens under the protocol that would not apply to our competitors, such as China and Indonesia. We would export jobs, and that is my point.

 

And for some reason, there is what appears to be good comedy.

 

Mr HOWARD—about the Treasurer’s position that the member for Grayndler did not acknowledge. Firstly, the Treasurer, unlike the party of the member for Grayndler, was not advocating a carbon tax. I know the Labor Party loves taxes but the Treasurer was not advocating a carbon tax. I also know that the Treasurer’s views on this matter are within context—

Opposition members interjecting—

The SPEAKER—The member for Melbourne is warned!

Mr Tanner—What for? I didn’t say anything.

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Question

Does anyone care to tell me what is going on as regards emissions trading in Australia? I am really curious just now, since I would like to go there soon.