there is no substitute for carbon price action now – greens

Senator Bob Brown

The Australian Greens want action now on a carbon price set by legislation as critical for climate change action Australian Greens Leader Bob Brown said in Canberra today.

"Energy efficiency, renewable energy measures and saving forests – as already put to Parliament by the Greens - are needed but are not substitutes for a carbon price," said Senator Brown.

"There is an estimated $50 billion investment in electricity production awaiting a carbon price signal.

"We are ready to set this signal with either a Gillard or Abbott Government after the election.

"However the Gillard delay until 2012 and worse still, the Abbott delay until 2015, before putting the price mechanism to Parliament is not on.

"It leaves business uncertain.

"It leaves the Australian electorate fearful of failure on climate change.

"The Greens' option of the Garnaut-style carbon tax set up to facilitate a future carbon trading scheme is now the live option around which political debate will take place," Senator Brown said.