Eric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Minister for Employment) Share this | Hansard source

We are getting very close to the hypothetical questions with the honourable senator's question because I am asked what might happen if we were to abolish the renewable energy target. The government has made no such announcement. What the government has said is that there would be a review of the renewable energy target, something that was actually in the legislation when it was passed. The review now falls to this government to undertake.

Like with everything we do, we will look at this in a methodical manner, in a purposeful manner and in a careful manner to ensure that we get the right policy settings. We will not be responding as Senator Singh and the Labor Party does—for example, there is a Four Corners program so you ban the live export trade. We do not behave like that in government. We take a very considered approach to policy making and that is why, Senator, whilst you want us as a government—and I can understand the political tactic of trying this—to be pre-empting our own inquiry and its findings, we will not be. We hear the comments of Mr Thomson and other people. I am sure they have put their views to the committee of review in relation to the renewable energy target. All that will come out in the wash with their report, and the government will consider it.