Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

Many other countries are taking action to reduce carbon pollution and it is in Australia’s interest to do the same. We recently made public a paper on the extensive action that is being taken by countries around the world. Many states of the United States are moving ahead with their emissions trading schemes. The EU has been pricing carbon in Europe for over five years. China and India are also taking action. It is very clear that countries around the world accept the economic reasons for taking action on climate change.

Our recently announced Productivity Commission study will provide more information about what the effective price is that already exists in our major trading partners. It is in our long-term economic interest to reduce the emissions intensity of our economy. In a carbon constrained future, clean energy technology will be in greater and greater demand. Innovation and investment in clean energy will ensure our long-term competitiveness. A carbon price will be a fundamental transformation of the way we produce. It is important that we get this economic reform. (Time expired)