Failed CPRS an opportunity to get design right, business =4

AAP General News (Australia)
12-02-2009
Failed CPRS an opportunity to get design right, business =4

The Australian Industry Group (Ai Group) said the failure of the Senate to pass the
CPRS would "prolong, if not compound" the uncertainty for business.

"While it is good to let tempers cool and allow time for clear thought, Ai Group expressed
support for the amended bill and its failure to pass through the parliament leaves this
important policy issue unresolved," the group's chief executive Heather Ridout said in
a statement.

The Ai Group supports a market-based approach to climate change as a means of reducing
emissions at the lowest possible overall cost to the economy.

"Departures from this principle will impose unnecessary costs on the Australian community,"

Mrs Ridout said.

"One of the major risks of the failure of the CPRS is the threat of the further proliferation
of uncoordinated and costly regulatory interventions by federal and state governments
in the name of emissions reduction and energy efficiency."

The government said on Wednesday it would be reintroducing the CPRS legislation for
a third time when parliament resumes in February, including the amendments it negotiated
with the former leadership of the Liberal party.

Mrs Ridout said it was even more imperative that the education effort for business
started sooner rather than later.

"For this reason the Climate Change Action Fund should not be put on hold even though
the direction of climate policy is now uncertain,' she said.

"Ai Group will also continue to argue for an approach to climate policy that recognises
and addresses the threats to our trade exposed industries which would face costs that
are not imposed in other countries."

AAP cb/sb/bwl

KEYWORD: CLIMATE BUSINESS 4 CANBERRA

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