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You shall not pass: Abbott tries to halt Europe carbon link

11/10/2012 - Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has moved to halt the federal government's plans to link Australia's carbon price with a European scheme before they can proceed through parliament.

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Abbott says Labor wants to put the Australian carbon price in the hands of "Eurocrats".

"You wouldn't put the Australian dollar into the Eurozone but what this government wants to do is to put our carbon pricing scheme into the European system," he told parliament on Wednesday.

"I have nothing against Europe. But I tell you what, they're hardly economic or environmental models for anyone."

He moved an amendment that would stop the suite of legislation from passing through parliament.

As well as linking Australia to Europe's Emissions Trading System (ETS), the legislation ditches the $15 floor price that would have applied once the carbon price moved to a floating market-based mechanism in 2015.

Abbott said this was one of almost weekly changes made to the carbon tax since it began on July 1.

"Let us be absolutely crystal clear: this government was adamant that we could not have an effective carbon pricing scheme without a floor price," he said.

"The government was, if anything, far more adamant about this post-election than it was pre-election, that there would be no carbon tax."

But Labor MP Gai Brodtmann insisted it was in the interest of all Australians to link with an international market.

She said it's simply cheaper.

"An internationally linked ETS can reduce carbon pollution at the lowest cost," she said.

"And aside from the technical components ... the most critical outcome here is that Australia will be supporting global co-operation on climate change."

Debate on the Clean Energy Amendment (International Emissions Trading and Other Measures ) Bill 2012 continues.

Source: AAP

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Have your say...

alan | 11/10/2012 09:51 1

Can this Labor government get anymore dysfunctionl.

Mark Chapel | 11/10/2012 10:03 2

This government has no idea what it is doing. Perhaps if we said carbon was actually a male entity, then the peerless PM could screech and make it go away.

Peter Skinner | 11/10/2012 10:49 3

Well done Tony for speaking in the best interest of Australians. Pity the rediculous Carbon tax wasn't stopped by understanding Australian in the first place. This is typical of the Australian Government over many years where the rights of the people are eroded and the power put with some unaccountable entity that cannot be recinded.

VG | 11/10/2012 11:00 4

I am amazed that these cockroaches could have survived this long. No doubt however, without the benefit of the deceit and the green, they would not have survived. From now on, no matter what is ever said about their poor performance, they will cry gender bias, whether it is or not. It's now like a get out of gaol card, when all else fails.

max | 11/10/2012 11:31 5

Well done Tony for speaking in the best interest of Australians,dont you mean the best interest of his backers Palmer,Rinehart, Forrest. These are Tonys constituents that pour millions into his party .Remember he only beat Malcolm by 1 vote 1 vote and it was on this issue.Ever since he has banged on and on and on about it and has never once come up with any policy. Prediction Once the ETS is linked with the world and He has run out of puff with the Slipper afair He will be back banging on about boat people.Wake up to this baffoon he revels in the past and has no future.Asked what his plans were for Australia he said "Howard and Costello did a great job " Bring back Malcolm

a arnold | 11/10/2012 12:36 6

Labor MP Gai Brodtmann, you have shown quite a few Australians just how dysfunctional this Labor Government is, Keep up the good work as one day you might join the unemployed ranks of people of this country you are presently destroying.

Kermit | 11/10/2012 18:05 7

Unfortunately the Carbon Tax debacle is about as horrific for the country as the Bank SA disaster was for South Australia....no problems it gives the next 3-5 generations something to slave away at paying for the sh** we are served.....I think these things are designed to show us what Labour stands for as we move forward... Wouldn't it be great if we could remember the good things a political party did for us...SOMETHING POSITIVE!

Vic Garland | 11/10/2012 19:29 8

I have been around for near 70 years, labor governments can never manage finances, they all end up with the country on it's financial knees, every time, but those who vote for them never, never learn, they are swayed by the elusive promise of the personal pot of gold. the illusion was reinforced by the hand out said to offset the GFC.....it made no difference, i just paid a bit more off my mortgage, like most others, it largely was not circulated, so little relative gain was made, it is all a con. This whole government is a con, and so many just suck it up...madness...

max | 12/10/2012 06:19 9

Vic are you talking about the Australian economy or are you confused and think you are in Greece.

Mark Chapel | 12/10/2012 09:04 10

OK, well I am sure that a poll tax would fix all our woes once and for all. Of course, this is to be balanced with a wealth tax (can't have the do-nothings missing out on a new plasma TV can we)? Hey, may as well throw in a death duties and, hmmm, how about just a wake-u in the morning tax. Why not? We all know a good hard tax will solve all problems. I mean, the alco-pop tax sure stopped kiddies drinking didn't it? (Well, they don't drink pre-mixed now, just the straight liquor). And the cider tax is sure going to tackle those pesky people who just won't get nice and drunk.

alan | 12/10/2012 09:05 11

Max the only people who want Mr Turnbull back are the very same people who would never vote for him anyway, he had a go at being the leader and was a complete failure

Kermit | 12/10/2012 09:18 12

Max, it is apparent that you are still looking at the Australian economy through the "rose coloured" glasses Juliar has guided you to.. I think the employment figures and a look at the slowdown in the Chinese economy will give you a little checksum for the false sense of security you enjoy. Remember we are only a sneeze or a war with Iran away from the US dollar collapsing.....it's not doomsday but I would not start a big party just yet?....Watch our Greek friends and learn!

Vic Garland | 12/10/2012 22:53 13

Max, I am looking at the Australian economy, but afraid of it looking like Greece if we keep spending like there is no tomorrow.

Alf Arnold | 13/10/2012 09:07 14

My friends I am staggered that Malcolm Turnbullsballs have been mentioned 99% of all the comments are from very concerned people, so I can`t see any justification in mentioning Malcom as this is the only member of the Liberal party that really thought he was joining the Labor team.He loves the carbon tax, possibly as he has investments in it and we all know he needs the money, the list of thing he supports Labor with is mind boggling. So friends If you need him vote Labor.

Kermit | 13/10/2012 11:16 15

Malcolm is a clever man, unfortunately academics do not make the ideal statesman. He has great knowledge, and has business skills to die for, however this does not complete the package. In saying this I would ask that as we plan a sensible replacement for the Labor party. Stop throwing stones and seek and put forward positive candidates to lead us. With the disastrous performance of the current government and their out of control spending spree driving us toward the fate of Greece and other failed states...let's take strength and work and think positively so the people of Australia get what they deserve as a clever people and not what they deserve should they choose to reinstate this mob of "drongos".....the end of their rein is near, this can be a step toward prosperity if we choose the right path....the position of STATESMAN is still vacant!

alf | 13/10/2012 15:12 16

To Kermit, Again I applaud you, You are spot on. But thinking about it very seriously unfortunately I can think of no one that fits the bill, not with the current lot except possibly Bronwyn Bishop not only is she a great speaker but a credit to the LIBs and could be a winner.Comments please.

OT | 16/10/2012 07:59 17

Max, how many times must it be said on the many similar discussions on the same topic on this website that Abbot wont reveal any policies until he knows it is time to do so...otherwise gillard will flog them for herself, and say they were hers originally. Get a life, and open your eyes.

alf | 16/10/2012 08:47 18

OT, I fully agree look closely at what happened when they changed their mind on the boat people and Naru, All of a sudden it was their policies, and aren't we great.

max | 16/10/2012 09:45 19

I told you you would be banging on about boat people .How predictable.

Mark Chapel | 16/10/2012 10:27 20

I agree with you OT. This government are incapable of any policy making. The sad fact is, they steal decisions, implement them poorly and then make adjustments on the run depending on the poll of the week.

Mark Chapel | 17/10/2012 10:06 21

Yep, on top of this, I notice now the Carbon Tax is $29 a tonne. It just becomes a big silly revenue grab that all but the rusted on's can see.

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