The West has it wrong on emissions trading

Media Release, 13 February 2007

The Carpenter Government should be congratulated on joining with other States and Territories to support a national emissions trading scheme, say the Greens.

"Contrary to the views expressed by the West Australian in this morning's editorial, the States and Territories have not ignored 'evidence or practical consequences' ", said Greens MLC Giz Watson.

"In fact, the States and Territories have put forward a detailed scheme, together with economic modelling on its impacts."

"The clear message from this and other work is that we can reduce greenhouse emissions in the energy sector at an affordable cost."

"Indeed, it would be quite affordable to make much deeper cuts than proposed in the State and Territory model."

Ms Watson supported the State and Territory leaders' commitment to establish the scheme under State laws by 2010 if the Commonwealth Government refuses to act.

"We can't wait forever for the Commonwealth Government. If there is no action after the next election, the States and Territories should step in."