asked the Prime Minister, in writing, on 3 May 2011:

Do the Government's plans for the introduction of a carbon price scheme contain provisions for compensating (a) local councils, to prevent rises in rates, and (b) public and private schools, to prevent rises in fees; if not, would she consider such provisions.

The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows:

As previously stated by the Government on several occasions, further details of the carbon pricing scheme, including any assistance arrangements, are still being developed and will be announced by the Government in due course once final decisions have been made.

The Government invited the Opposition to join the Multi-Party Climate Change Committee; however, the Leader of the Opposition did not accept this invitation.