Kim Carr (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the senator for his question. The government’s proposals with regard to the CPRS have been outlined through a number of different stages—through the white paper and now through the draft legislation. That policy framework provides a clear framework for business investment and sets out how our carbon emissions will be managed in the Australian economy in the long term. Whether it be the coal industry or any of the other industries that are emissions intensive and trade exposed, the government is committed to addressing the competitive challenges that face emissions-intensive trade-exposed industries. We will ensure that incentives remain for these industries to adjust to an emerging global carbon constrained economy. The allocation of free permits to emissions-intensive trade-exposed industries will ease the transition to a lower emissions economy while encouraging industry to move towards lower emissions-intensive production techniques. There has also been additional assistance outlined in regard to the electricity sector adjustment scheme.