The Government and the Turnbull Opposition are claiming loudly that the benefits of an ETS (Emissions Trading Scheme) will be minimised, if not lost, should passing of the legislation currently before Parliament be delayed until next year. By any measure this is a gross exaggeration.
By itself Australia’s ETS will have minimal effect on climate change or total world emissions. Few countries will engage at Copenhagen with legislated schemes in place. Few will be swayed or influenced by Australia’s fixed position should the legislation pass.
An ETS introduced now could prove difficult to modify, post the Copenhagen meeting, should it be desirable to do so once the details of schemes introduced by others are known.
Seems more sensible to delay finalisation of Australia’s ETS until Government can accurately assess the final commitments of our major trading partners and competitors to ensure that our National Interest is best served, including by our carrying a fair share, but not more, of the international burden to ameliorate the contribution of humans to climate change.
