John Howard (Bennelong, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

For the information of the Leader of the Opposition, governments do not construct markets; markets are developed by people who buy and sell goods and services. That has been the truth for many generations and it will continue to be the truth. But, as the Leader of the Opposition knows, currently there is a task force comprising the most senior bureaucrats in the federal government and leaders of companies, both resource companies and power generation companies, looking at the possible shape of an emissions trading system. On that emissions trading system that might operate in Australia, having regard of course to the interface with the international community, I expect to have the benefit of that report by some time in May. I think it is proceeding in an orderly fashion. I am sure it will be an informed report. I would say to the Leader of the Opposition that he can read the report as much as I can and he can draw his own conclusions.

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