Discussion Paper on a National Emissions Trading Scheme -


Acting Premier David Llewellyn today joined all other State and Territory leaders to launch a Discussion Paper on a National Emissions Trading Scheme.
Mr Llewellyn said the purpose of the paper was to start national debate on the critical matter of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and seek input from the community.
“Emissions trading is one possible tool for reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” Mr Llewellyn said.
“The Discussion Paper considers whether a market-based scheme could form an important part of a suite of policies to prepare Australia for a carbon constrained future.”
Mr Llewellyn said that the state and territory governments were demonstrating leadership on what was an important issue for the future.
“We recognise the risks and threats posed by greenhouse gases to our environment and our livelihoods now and for our children into the future,” he said.
“Climate change is a real issue for us all in Australia and we need to take action now. The world and our markets are changing and we need to adapt to those changes or be left behind.”
Mr Llewellyn said the National Emissions Trading Taskforce, comprising senior officials from all states and territories, conducted an extensive investigation and nationwide consultation process in developing the Discussion Paper.
“Seventy submissions were considered, including from all major industrial sectors, industries, environmental groups and the agricultural sector.
“The Discussion Paper sets out a possible design for an emissions trading scheme applying to the stationary energy sector, in particular to those parts involved in the generation of electricity.
“These industries account for 35 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions in Australia. The scheme’s coverage may be expanded in the future.”
Mr Llewellyn said the proposed scheme should be of particular benefit to Tasmania due to its significant investment into renewable energy.
“Given our role as a global leader in renewable energy, Tasmania should receive the highest net benefit from a scheme,” he said.
“We want a scheme that will deliver real reductions in greenhouse gas emissions but also promote strong economic growth and reward us for the investment we’ve made in renewable energy.
“The Tasmanian Government has agreed to the release of the Discussion Paper but our agreement to participate in the final scheme will depend on it delivering on expected benefits for Tasmania.
“It must have mechanisms to provide adequate cost protection for Tasmania’s major trade exposed industries.
“These mechanisms must allow our major industries to be protected from any unfair competition from overseas countries that are not factoring in the cost of carbon. We are not going to allow the export of jobs overseas.
“We also need to be satisfied that the Scheme is able to provide protection for our most vulnerable energy customers. We are interested in feedback from the community as to whether the Discussion Paper adequately addresses these issues.,”
Responses to the Discussion Paper must be received by 22 December 2006. Feedback can be provided to emissionstrading@dpac.tas.gov.au
Copies of the Discussion Paper are available at www.emissionstrading.net.au