27-August-2009
Portfolio Media Releases, The Economy, Emissions Trading Scheme
The Shadow Minister Assisting the Leader on Emissions Trading Design, the Hon Andrew Robb AO MP, today visited Geelong to meet with a range of industry and local government representatives to discuss the adverse economic and job impacts that the Rudd Government’s proposed Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) will have on the local area.
“Should the Rudd Government go ahead with their proposed emissions trading scheme, Geelong will be severely disadvantaged with the potential loss of thousands of jobs,” said the Hon Andrew Robb AO MP, Opposition spokesman on Emissions Trading Design.
Secret Government research shows that key regional centres like Geelong will shrink by more than 20 per cent under the Rudd Government’s emissions trading scheme.
“Geelong is already suffering as a result of factory closures and the economic crisis. Coupled with the Rudd Government’s flawed and rushed ETS, Geelong will be impacted disproportionately as it has the largest industry carbon footprint of any region in Australia.
“The Government has not got it right on its rushed and flawed emissions trading scheme. It will export jobs and emissions without doing anything to reduce CO2 emissions.
The Government cannot compromise Australia’s competitive position. The Coalition has released nine clear propositions addressing the serious flaws in the current design and has commissioned alternative modeling which proves that a greener, cheaper and smarter ETS could be delivered. The Government has dismissed anything other than their flawed design.
“The ETS is the biggest deliberate structural change in Australia’s history and the Coalition has been prepared for some time now to discuss the proposed design with the Government, however they have unfortunately taken a take it or leave it approach.
“It is time for the Government to stop ignoring the risks its flawed ETS will put areas such as Geelong in, and sit down to discuss an alternative model.
Media Contact: Nick Xerakias, 0410 417 173