ets scheme put on back burner, page-9

Eagle

The pm was adamant over the last few months that he would not change on the ETS. Penny Wong was in the same boat.

Maybe I am being speculative on the 'backflips' but that's the way I see it especially in light of his comments.

"Mr Rudd said the "significant'' changes to the scheme were made because of three factors: the impact of the global financial crisis on the Australian economy; the need to provide a strong outcome at the Copenhagen (climate) meeting at the end of the year; and third, because it was in Australia's fundamental national interest to provide "business certainty and investment certainty for the future''.

The good old GFC is an out for everything.

Turnbull's responce follows..

May 04, 2009
Article from: Australian Associated Press

THE Government's decision to delay emissions trading by a year is a massive backdown for Kevin Rudd, Opposition Leader Malcolm Turnbull says.

Mr Turnbull also says the Coalition would not support Mr Rudd's amended scheme.

He says the changes, announced today, are a "panic response" to criticisms levelled at the scheme.

"Today's announcement represents a massive backdown given the way he's attacked the Opposition for more than a year as we pointed out the flaws in his emissions trading scheme," Mr Turnbull said.

He said the 12-month delay meant there was no need for legislation to be rushed through Parliament.

He called on the Government to refer the scheme and alternatives to the Productivity Commission for scrutiny, saying the Coalition would not support the amended scheme.

"Mr Rudd is changing his scheme on the run," Mr Turnbull said.

"On this basis what we've seen today we wouldn't support it, but he will no doubt be making other changes as time goes on."