24-September-2008
Goldstein Media Releases, Emissions Trading Scheme, Personal
The Hon Andrew Robb MP, Federal Member for Goldstein has welcomed his appointment as the new Shadow Minister for Infrastructure and the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) and Shadow Minister Assisting the Leader on Emissions Trading Design.
“As the Opposition Leader, Mr Turnbull, has said this new shadow portfolio will be at the cutting edge of some of the most complex and contentious economic issues; including infrastructure and COAG. I will also be assisting Mr Turnbull on the Emissions Trading Scheme, working closely with the Shadow Environment Minister, the Hon Greg Hunt MP,” Mr Robb said.
“Climate change is real and is a global challenge but a poorly designed emissions trading scheme would impact in a most profound way on Australia’s future sustainable prosperity. In this regard the Government is not filling anyone with confidence that they know what they are doing.
“Bayside residents have a strong interest in climate change and the design of an emissions trading scheme and as such I very much look forward to discussing these vitally important issues with the electorate between now and the next election. There is much at stake.
“As part of my new role I will also be looking very closely at the various infrastructure funds that have been established by the Government, off the back of surpluses generated by the former Government.
“It is critical that these funds totalling $41 billion are used in order to ensure the continued economic growth of Australia rather than to bail out incompetent State Labor Government’s – whose mismanagement of utilities and infrastructure projects has put them on course to run up over $70 billion of debt over five years.
“I have found the Foreign Affairs portfolio enormously stimulating and have been fortunate to meet many interesting people covering a wide range of global, regional and national issues.
“I had the pleasure to travel to a number of countries as part of my role, including Israel, which I found to be a profound experience and I left extremely optimistic about the spirit and resilience of the Israeli Jewish community.”
Media Contact: (03) 9557 4644