Christine Milne

Crawlies lurk under federal rock

19 May 2012 | Brian Toohey

PRINT: 19 May 2012 | PAGE 4 | Crawlies to be found under federal rock

Toohey | The existing system relies on the AFP to unearth corruption, but that’s not good enough. We need a federal integrity watchdog.

Has Labor lost Gen Y?

18 May 2012 | Benjamin Law

PRINT: 18 May 2012 | PAGE 2 | Gen Y and the blight on the hill

Bejamin Law says Labor’s poor media performance and conservatism have alienated younger voters, but there’s still time for the disaffected to make a difference.

Greens call for more oversight of MPs

17 May 2012 |

The Australian Greens will ask parliament to set up a body that investigates the expense claims of politicians and their staff.

Greens push for integrity commissioner

17 May 2012 | Louise Dodson

PRINT: 17 May 2012 | PAGE 3 | Greens push for integrity commissioner

The Greens are in confidential discussions with independent MPs in a bid to win support for legislation to introduce a national integrity commissioner to rebuild confidence in parliament following the allegations against Craig Thomson and Peter Slipper.

Tax cuts for environment

16 May 2012 | Alan Mitchell

PRINT: 16 May 2012 | PAGE 1 | Tax cuts for environment

Christine Milne celebrates her role in stopping a cut in the company tax rate but complains about the decision to scrap green building subsidies.

Budget 2012: business, markets react

08 May 2012 | Will Glasgow

Live | Treasurer Wayne Swan is set to unveil a contentious $1.5 billion 2012-13 budget surplus at 7.30pm AEST against the backdrop of fresh revelations in the Thomson affair and a shifting political landscape in Europe. Refresh for the latest budget updates.

Forrest praises decision not to cut diesel fuel rebate

08 May 2012 | Natalie Gerritsen

PRINT: 08 May 2012 | PAGE 10 | Forrest welcomes reprieve for diesel fuel rebate

Fortescue Metals Group chairman Andrew Forrest says the federal government’s apparent decision not to cut the 32¢ diesel fuel rebate to mining companies is “sensible and fair”.

Dental blitz faces six-month delay

08 May 2012 | Laura Tingle

PRINT: 08 May 2012 | PAGE 10 | Dental blitz faces delay

The federal government’s plans for a “blitz” on public dental waiting lists will take at least six months to start, bogged down by the need to negotiate a new funding deal with the states and find more dentists.

Carbon floor price rethink a revenue threat

08 May 2012 | Louise Dodson

PRINT: 08 May 2012 | PAGE 1 | Floor price rethink a revenue threat

The federal government has been warned there is a risk to its budget revenue estimates if moves to overturn regulations for a carbon scheme floor price prove successful.

Hands off Ashby: Hockey

07 May 2012 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 07 May 2012 | PAGE 8 | Lay off Ashby: Libs

Shadow treasurer Joe Hockey has called on the Labor Party to stop treating a former adviser to Speaker Peter Slipper as a “political football” over his allegations of sexual harassment, amid new questions about the Coalition’s involvement in the case.

Weatherill aligns with miners on diesel rebate

07 May 2012 | Ayesha de Kretser

PRINT: 07 May 2012 | PAGE 2 | Weatherill aligns with miners

South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill has joined the throng of miners petitioning federal Treasurer Wayne Swan not to scrap the 32¢ a litre diesel fuel rebate ahead of Tuesday’s budget.

Ex-banker takes Brown’s spot

04 May 2012 | Gemma Daley

PRINT: 04 May 2012 | PAGE 3 | Ex-banker takes Brown’s spot

A former investment banker who once worked for BHP Billiton, Peter Whish-Wilson, has been endorsed to replace ex-Greens leader Bob Brown in the Senate.

Oakeshott threat to block carbon price floor

03 May 2012 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 03 May 2012 | PAGE 2 | Oakeshott threat on carbon price

Independent Rob Oakeshott has threatened to block regulations in Parliament to introduce a price floor on carbon after 2015.

Time to discard Green fairy stories

30 April 2012 | Mark Lawson

PRINT: 30 April 2012 | PAGE 51 | Time to discard Green fairy stories

When Louis XVIII was restored to the French throne in 1814. he and his brother, Charles X, behaved in such a way that the diplomat Talleyrand was supposed to have commented that the French royals “had learnt nothing and forgotten nothing” from their long exile.

Axe miners’ fuel rebate, say Greens

27 April 2012 |

The Australian Greens are keeping pressure on the federal government to scrap the diesel fuel rebate for miners in the upcoming budget.

Something in the air: Labor’s carbon con

27 April 2012 | Pierpont

PRINT: 27 April 2012 | PAGE 52 | Something in the air: Labor’s carbon con

Pierpont has been covering federal budgets since they were delivered by the late, great Artie Fadden, but he has never approached one with as much dread as this year. Since the last election, Pierpont has been working on the premise that our Prime Minister and Treasurer have been thoughtlessly ruining the Australian economy. Pierpont has now changed his mind and is prepared to apologise. He now believes they are ruining it deliberately.

Greens set to block cuts to foreign aid

27 April 2012 | Laura Tingle

PRINT: 27 April 2012 | PAGE 6 | Greens set to block cuts to foreign aid

Greens leader Christine Milne has warned her party is likely to block any attempt to cut the foreign aid budget but may support changes to super­ tax, means testing of welfare payments and several other measures.

Brown’s house of cards

26 April 2012 | Mark Latham

PRINT: 26 April 2012 | PAGE 1 | Brown’s house of cards

Latham | Whatever else one thinks of Bob Brown, his sense of timing is to be admired.

Climate debate mix

23 April 2012 | Lew Bretz

PRINT: 23 April 2012 | PAGE 51 | Climate debate mix

Mark Latham wonders how even intelligent people can doubt the allegedly settled science forecasting a dangerously warmer planet due to man-made carbon “pollution” (“Mass denial”, Review, April 20).

Greens’ high stakes business game

21 April 2012 | Andrew Clark

PRINT: 21 April 2012 | PAGE 47 | Greens’ high stakes game

Political forecasting may be a mug’s game, but, to reverse a nostrum about history, we need to look into the future to understand the present. To understand what is going on now in national politics, the observer should first time travel to 2014.

Abbott plays catch-up: PM

21 April 2012 | Sophie Morris

PRINT: 21 April 2012 | PAGE 5 | Abbott plays catch-up: PM

The federal government said Coalition leader Tony Abbott was mimicking Labor moves to slash green tape by proposing a one-stop-shop, leaving environmental approvals to the states.

Coalition rallies to Hockey’s call

20 April 2012 | Sophie Morris

PRINT: 20 April 2012 | PAGE 15 | Rallying to Hockey’s call

Coalition MPs have backed Joe Hockey’s call for a review of welfare spending, nominating education, indigenous health and unemployment benefits as areas where savings could be made.

Abbott goes green to undercut Milne

20 April 2012 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 20 April 2012 | PAGE 1 | Abbott goes green to undercut Milne

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott will on Friday flag he is prepared to do a deal with the government to slash “green tape” amid ALP fears that it will be harder to deal with the Greens under new leader Christine Milne.

Greens are more than Brown

20 April 2012 | James Norman

PRINT: 20 April 2012 | PAGE 50 | Greens are more than Brown

With Christine Milne at the helm, the party – with its taut structure, firm beliefs and grassroots base – has never been stronger.

We share farmers’ concerns: Greens

19 April 2012 |

Rifts between Australia’s farming community and the Australian Greens over the carbon tax have been "wildly exaggerated", says the party's new leader Christine Milne.

Coalition welfare cuts ‘Thatcherite’: Milne

19 April 2012 | Michaela Whitbourn

Greens leader Christine Milne has accused the federal Coalition of pursuing a “Thatcherite” plan to cut the country’s welfare payments.

PM: surplus can drive down rates

19 April 2012 | Laura Tingle

PRINT: 19 April 2012 | PAGE 1 | PM: surplus can push down rates

PM Julia Gillard will on Thursday aggressively link her budget surplus goal directly to lower interest rates, saying that the RBA has “plenty of room” to cut its 4.25 per cent cash rate.

Keep Green policies out of business

18 April 2012 | Tim Wilson

PRINT: 18 April 2012 | PAGE 55 | Keep green policies at arm’s length from business

The Greens’ strategy to build a business constituency will be successful, at least among the Australian and multinational companies whose rent seeking and vested interests are advanced by Greens policies.

More pain in Afghanistan: PM

18 April 2012 | Laura Tingle

PRINT: 18 April 2012 | PAGE 8 | More pain in Afghanistan: PM

Prime Minister Julia Gillard has warned that there will be “new days of grief” for Australia in Afghanistan despite foreshadowing the start of withdrawal of our troops from id 2013.

Milne presses PM on jobless payments

18 April 2012 | Louise Dodson

PRINT: 18 April 2012 | PAGE 1 | Milne presses PM on jobless payments

New Greens leader Christine Milne is pushing for the federal budget to include more funding for unemployment payments and a national disability insurance scheme.

Don't go nuts over budget: Swan to Greens

17 April 2012 |

Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan says the Australian Greens' change of leadership does not affect the government's determination to bring the budget back to surplus.

Green energy views drowned

17 April 2012 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 17 April 2012 | PAGE 2 | Green energy views ‘drowned’

Clean energy companies yesterday claimed they were being drowned out by business opponents of the carbon price, with some suggested they needed to do more to do more to be heard to show support for the scheme.

Greens aim for economic high ground

17 April 2012 | Richard Denniss

PRINT: 17 April 2012 | PAGE 1 | Greens aim

The new leader of the Australian Greens, Christine Milne has both vowed to engage more deeply in economic debates and been challenged to do exactly that by the Prime Minister.

Big spending won’t cure what ails us

17 April 2012 | Kelly O’Dwyer

PRINT: 17 April 2012 | PAGE 63 | Big spending won’t cure what ails us

Does spending more equate to caring more? Does the man who buys his wife a simple gold band as a wedding ring care less for her than the billionaire who invests in a 25-carat masterpiece?

Ridout hits back at economic threat

16 April 2012 | Louise Dodson

PRINT: 17 April 2012 | PAGE 1 | Ridout hits back at economic threat

New RBA board member and outgoing AIG chief Heather Ridout has hit out at the Greens for having a “hard nosed, ideological stance” that threatened investment, jobs and living ­standards.

Coalition has Senate carbon plan

16 April 2012 | Gemma Daley

PRINT: 16 April 2012 | PAGE 11 | Coalition has carbon plan

Opposition frontbencher Christopher Pyne says the Coalition will target Queensland and Western Australia as it tries to gain Senate control and abolish the carbon tax after the next election.

Milne seeks business split

16 April 2012 | Sophie Morris

PRINT: 16 April 2012 | PAGE 1 | Milne seeks business split

The new leader of the Australian Greens, Christine Milne, said the Business Council of Australia and other industry groups were stuck in the last century and progressive businesses must form an alliance to challenge their views on climate.

Centre needs a pro-growth reform agenda

16 April 2012 | The Australian Financial Review

PRINT: 16 April 2012 | PAGE 54 | Centre needs a pro-growth reform agenda

Editorial | The elevation of Christine Milne to the leadership of the Greens, to replace Bob Brown, appears to signal a harder left leadership in the party.

For Milne, coming years are do or die for the planet

16 April 2012 | Sophie Morris

PRINT: 16 April 2012 | PAGE 53 | Tough operator a woman of strong beliefs

For the new leader of the Australian Greens, Christine Milne, the next few years are do or die for the planet and those in positions of power must do all they can to avoid an apocalyptic future of conflict and famine.

All parties should look to the past for a clue to the future

14 April 2012 | Geoff Kitney

PRINT: 14 April 2012 | PAGE 12 | Past holds key to parties’ future

It took just a few seconds after the bolt-out-of-the-blue news of Bob Brown’s decision to quit politics for all sides of federal politics to ask the obvious question: What does this mean for us?

Bob Brown, man of genius and principle

14 April 2012 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 14 April 2012 | PAGE 46 | Bob Brown, man of genius and principle

Bob Brown has been defined as much by his sexuality, as by his commitment to Tasmanian forests. This has forged his strength of character and his energy as a politician from the moment he became a public figure in conservative Launceston in 1976.

Gillard’s job about to get harder

14 April 2012 | Jennifer Hewett

PRINT: 14 April 2012 | PAGE 12 | Success a relative concept for Gillard

Hewett | Given all the other things Julia Gillard has to worry about, the impact of Bob Brown’s exit will be just one more problem to manage as best she can.

‘One tough lady’ with credentials

14 April 2012 |

PRINT: 14 April 2012 | PAGE 12 | ‘One tough lady’ with credentials

The new leader of the Australian Greens, Christine Milne, describes herself as “a country person” and she has pledged to work with farmers and businesses on dealing with climate change.

Greens to veer left under Milne

14 April 2012 | Laura Tingle

PRINT: 14 April 2012 | PAGE 3 | Greens to veer left under Milne

The political fortunes of the Greens are likely to be checked – and the party headed for a harder left future under Christine Milne – after Bob Brown shocked the political establishment on Friday by resigning.

Fiery Milne steps into Brown's shoes again

13 April 2012 |

Replacing Bob Brown as a party leader is nothing new for Christine Milne. Nor is political activism, having been jailed for trying to save the Franklin River in the 1980s.

Farmland issues eat into food security

10 April 2012 | Nick Xenophon

PRINT: 10 April 2012 | PAGE 55 | Farmland issues eat into food security

We need to question the claim that there is no reason to believe foreign investment is somehow less beneficial if it occurs in agriculture.

Xenophobia at the farm gate

04 April 2012 | Alan Mitchell

PRINT: 04 April 2012 | PAGE 54 | Xenophobia at the farm gate

The debate about foreign investment in Australian agriculture has been conducted in increasingly emotive terms.

Mitchell trumps Mark

04 April 2012 |

PRINT: 04 April 2012 | PAGE 52 | Mitchell trumps Mark

Sky News aired an interesting program on Monday called State of the Nation in which anchor David Speers discussed “A Question of Leadership” with 12 eminent Aussies

National briefs

23 March 2012 |

PRINT: 23 March 2012 | PAGE 18 |

Independent MP Andrew Wilkie is close to sealing a deal with the federal government for a package of measures aimed at tackling problem gambling.

Victorian Speaker puts case against coal seam gas

22 March 2012 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 23 March 2012 | PAGE 17 | Greens chase data on CSG

Victorian speaker Ken Smith has broken ranks with the coalition to speak out publicly against coal seam gas mining in his electorate.

Diesel slug looms in tax cut deal

22 March 2012 | Fleur Anderson

PRINT: 22 March 2012 | PAGE 1 | Diesel slug looms in

The Greens are pressing the Gillard government to cut a $2 billion diesel tax rebate for mining companies which have been warned to expect more tax hikes in the May budget.

Greens see red over Victorian brown coal

20 March 2012 |

The Australian Greens have labelled Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu an “environmental vandal” after it was revealed the state was looking to massively expand brown coal mining operations in the Latrobe Valley.

Blog | Senate passes mining tax

19 March 2012 | John Kerin

Revisit the Senate debate on Monday night leading up to the historic vote in favour of Labor’s $10.6 billion minerals resource rent tax.

Gunns’ key investors take potshots at Chandler

13 March 2012 | Carrie LaFrenz

PRINT: 13 March 2012 | PAGE 17 | Gunns’ key investors take potshots at Chandler

The reluctance of Gunns biggest investors to give the company away “on the cheap” played a role in scuttling Richard Chandler Corp’s proposed $150 million investment in the timber company.

Chandler pulls plug on Gunns

09 March 2012 | Carrie LaFrenz

PRINT: 10 March 2012 | PAGE 20 | Chandler pulls plug on Gunns

Updated | Gunns boss Greg L’Estrange says he is “disappointed” with Singapore-based billionaire Richard Chandler’s decision to pull his proposal to invest $150 million in the timber company.

Coalition split on agriculture

03 March 2012 | Sophie Morris

PRINT: 03 March 2012 | PAGE 9 | Coalition split on agriculture

Coalition divisions have emerged over foreign investment in agriculture, with Liberal MPs warning that tougher regulation could deter investment and deprive farmers of opportunities.

Greens deny allegations

02 March 2012 | Gemma Daley

PRINT: 02 March 2012 | PAGE 9 | Greens deny Wotif claims

Greens leaders Bob Brown and Christine Milne did not use their political influence to aid party donor Graeme Wood, their lawyers have told a parliamentary privileges committee.

Abrupt end to solar rebate slated

01 March 2012 | Pip Freebairn

PRINT: 01 March 2012 | PAGE 19 | Solar rebate action slated

The opposition, Greens and industry slammed the federal government’s abrupt closure of its solar rebate scheme as a threat to jobs and a money grab to achieve surplus.

Plug pulled on solar hot-water rebate

29 February 2012 | Pip Freebairn

PRINT: 29 February 2012 | PAGE 5 | Plug pulled on solar hot-water rebate

The federal government has abruptly cancelled a solar hot water rebate without warning to local manufacturers that say the move threatens hundreds of local jobs as they attempt to transition to green economy while suffering from the higher dollar.

Pacific Hydro challenges big power retailers

27 February 2012 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 27 February 2012 | PAGE 10 | Pacific Hydro takes on big energy retailers

One of Australia’s largest renewable energy companies will start up a retail arm in a bid to break the dominance of the major retailers, Origin, AGL and TRUEnergy.

Rudd win could slash carbon tax

25 February 2012 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 25 February 2012 | PAGE 1 | Resurrection

Kevin Rudd has raised the prospect of rapidly moving to a lower carbon price after Julia Gillard’s $23-a-tonne tax begins on July 1, in a pitch to industry concerns that Australian companies will pay a high cost on emissions while being crunched by a high dollar.

Greens leaders hire QC for privilege case

20 February 2012 | Geoff Kitney

PRINT: 20 February 2012 | PAGE 7 | Greens leaders hire QC for key case

The Australian Greens parliamentary leaders Bob Brown and Christine Milne have hired one of Australia’s leading human rights lawyers to lead a legal team to defend them in a parliamentary privilege case relating to Australia’s largest single corporate political donation..

Victoria next for carbon capture as WA plan falters

10 February 2012 | Louise Dodson

PRINT: 11 February 2012 | PAGE 1 | Victoria next for carbon capture as WA plan falters

The federal and Victorian governments will provide $100 million towards a project to prove that carbon from Latrobe Valley coal-fired power stations can be captured.

Problems flare as solar tender reopened

07 February 2012 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 07 February 2012 | PAGE 12 | Problems flare as solar tender reopened

The government was yesterday forced to reopen the tender process for public funding of its $1.5 billion solar flagship project as doubts mounted over whether the project could ever be financially viable.

Greens slam Ferguson on solar projects

07 February 2012 | Louise Dodson,

PRINT: 07 February 2012 | PAGE 1 | Greens slam Ferguson on solar projects

The Greens have launched an assault on Resources Minister Martin Ferguson over the Gillard government’s most expensive solar power projects yet, declaring he had favoured them to defend the coal industry.

Never mind the Greens, here’s Gina Rinehart

03 February 2012 | Rowan Dean

PRINT: 03 February 2012 | PAGE 59 | Never mind the Greens, here’s Gina Rinehart

Despite predictable bleating from the intelligentsia, a mining magnate owning a media outlet could reset the balance.

Cut fossil fuel subsidies to rejig economy

31 January 2012 |

The federal government should rejig its upcoming budget to focus more on environmental policies in line with a new United Nations report on global sustainability, acting Australian Greens leader Christine Milne said.

Super funds will fight to preserve tax concessions

30 January 2012 | Louise Dodson

PRINT: 30 January 2012 | PAGE 1 | Super funds will fight to preserve tax concessions

Superannuation funds plan to use a new consultation group established by the federal government to fight pressure to reduce tax concessions for higher-income earners.

Greens target Fraser’s seat

28 January 2012 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 28 January 2012 | PAGE 5 | Greens target Fraser’s seat

Queensland deputy premier and treasurer Andrew Fraser is in danger of losing his seat in the coming state election, with the Greens unlikely to recommend he be preferenced over the Liberal National Party candidate.

Canada ditches Kyoto commitments

14 December 2011 | Gemma Daley

PRINT: 14 December 2011 | PAGE 8 | Canada ditches Kyoto commitments

Canada has become the first original Kyoto Protocol signatory to withdraw from the agreement.

Fudge exposes carbon tax to critics

12 December 2011 | Adrian Rollins

PRINT: 12 December 2011 | PAGE 6 | Fudge exposes carbon tax to critics

The federal government is under pressure to increase compensation amid concerns the failure to achieve a global deal has damaged the nation’s competitiveness.

Deal hostage to Kyoto impasse

07 December 2011 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 07 December 2011 | PAGE 11 | Deal hostage to Kyoto impasse

The government is facing pressure from environment groups, the global union movement and the Greens to sign a second commitment of the Kyoto Protocol.

Climate changes may cut emissions task

01 December 2011 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 01 December 2011 | PAGE 12 | Climate changes may cut emissions task, raise $1bn

Australia will have to do much less to meet its international pledge to cut emissions as a result of slower global economic growth and proposed international carbon accounting rule changes.

Coal seam gas must be tapped

21 November 2011 |

PRINT: 21 November 2011 | PAGE 54 | Coal seam gas must be tapped

Editorial | Within days of voting the carbon tax package into law, the Greens began to push for Australia to move to a new renewable energy target.

Emissions core of Indian nuclear debate

17 November 2011 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 17 November 2011 | PAGE 7 | Emissions core of Indian nuclear debate

India could reduce its carbon emissions by over 300 million tonnes by 2030 due to nuclear energy but critics claim there were better ways of tackling climate change.

Ballot box the test on uranium sales: Greens

16 November 2011 | Sophie Morris

PRINT: 16 November 2011 | PAGE 11 | Ballot box the test: Greens

The Greens say that Labor will be punished by voters for moving to lift the ban on uranium sales to India and that the government will be fuelling a nuclear arms race.

Gillard talks up green tariff reductions

15 November 2011 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 15 November 2011 | PAGE 13 | Gillard talks up green tariff reductions

Asia-Pacific countries have agreed to promote “green growth” by cutting tariff rates on environmental goods, increasing energy efficiency and other measures.

Not so green, more a bit glum

12 November 2011 | Laura Tingle

PRINT: 12 November 2011 | PAGE 47 | Not so green, more a bit glum

The Gillard government’s carbon tax bill was passed on Tuesday amid much rancour on all sides of the debate – and the pile of political corpses may yet grow.

Abolish RET, say miners

12 November 2011 | Louise Dodson

PRINT: 12 November 2011 | PAGE 6 | Abolish target, say miners

The mining industry has called on the government to abandon the Renewable Energy Target and for the states to streamline incentives.

Brown tells Swan to end fuel subsidies

10 November 2011 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 10 November 2011 | PAGE 11 | Brown tells Swan to end fuel subsidies

Greens leader Bob Brown revealed yesterday he has lobbied Treasurer Wayne Swan to abolish fossil fuel subsidies.

Green light for carbon tax

09 November 2011 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 09 November 2011 | PAGE 1 | Green light for carbon tax

The Greens have seized on the passage of the carbon tax through parliament to push to abolish fossil fuels from the Australian economy and the burgeoning coal seam gas sector.

Downbeat amid the downpour

09 November 2011 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 09 November 2011 | PAGE 14 | Downbeat amid the downpour

In the minutes following the historic vote in the Senate to pass the carbon price legislation, the sky really did fall in – just as Tony Abbott predicted it would.

CSG ‘essential’ for food supply, says Anderson

08 November 2011 | Angela Macdonald-Smith

PRINT: 08 November 2011 | PAGE 15 | CSG ‘essential’ for food supply

Former deputy PM John Anderson says the coal seam gas industry has a vital role to play alongside agriculture in helping provide food security.

‘Coming together of minds’ on coal-seam gas

05 November 2011 | Louise Dodson

PRINT: 05 November 2011 | PAGE 6 | ‘Coming together of minds’ on coal-seam gas

Federal government negotiations with cross-bench MP Tony Windsor to win support for the mining tax are making good progress.

Territories given greater say in self-govt

01 November 2011 |

The federal government has been stripped of its power to overturn territory laws it doesn't like by an Australian Greens bill which the lower house passed on Tuesday.

Windsor gets CSG hearing in last-minute meetings

01 November 2011 | Gemma Daley

PRINT: 01 November 2011 | PAGE 3 | Act on coal seam gas or else: Windsor

Updated | PM Julia Gillard says the government will discuss Tony Windsor’s concerns about land use with him as ministers convened last-minute meetings to win support from independents for its mining tax.

Carbon tax ‘does nothing’: Joyce

31 October 2011 |

Updated | The government's carbon tax is being considered by the upper house for the first time, following its approval by the House of Representatives earlier in October.

Farming permits to stay, opposition says

19 October 2011 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 19 October 2011 | PAGE 6 | Farming permits to stay, opposition says

The Opposition was yesterday forced to clarify its warning to business not to buy future carbon permits saying it does not apply to those generated through changes to agricultural practices.

Gillard’s brave carbon future

13 October 2011 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 13 October 2011 | PAGE 1 | Gillard’s brave carbon future

The Gillard government has secured an ambitious carbon price scheme ahead of many other economies, but business may face up to two years of uncertainty.

Carbon compo: it’s a steal

11 October 2011 | Gemma Daley

PRINT: 12 October 2011 | PAGE 1 | Carbon compo: it’s a steal

BlueScope and OneSteel will be able to slash staff and cut production by 77 per cent but still qualify for part of a $300 million government handout.

Cowley’s cunning: How he got $9m out of Canberra

24 September 2011 | Matthew Cranston

PRINT: 24 September 2011 | PAGE 47 | Cowley’s cunning

It’s hard to believe. A company owned by News Ltd gets a big grant from the government and plans the biggest carbon farm in the world.

Foster’s: no use crying over spilt beer

23 September 2011 | Mathew Dunckley,

PRINT: 23 September 2011 | PAGE 64 | Foster’s: no use crying over spilt beer

Peter Bartels isn’t sentimental about Foster’s, the company he led during some of its glory years. Although SABMiller’s bid for the brewer’s sparked dismay for some, Bartels will vote his shares in favour of the deal.

Origin boss refutes Greens claims

19 August 2011 | Angela Macdonald-Smith

PRINT: 19 August 2011 | PAGE 12 | Green claim ‘not appropriate’: Origin

Origin Energy chief Grant King has hit back at claims that switching from coal to gas for power generation will not deliver the assumed cuts in greenhouse gases.

Imports blamed as solar plant closes

18 August 2011 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 18 August 2011 | PAGE 8 | Imports blamed as solar plant closes

Australia’s only manufacturer of solar cells for roof-top panels will close its Sydney plant, in a blow to the federal government’s efforts to sell its carbon price scheme.

Call to accept political reality

06 August 2011 | Geoff Kitney

PRINT: 06 August 2011 | PAGE 6 | Call to accept political reality

Ministers are urging the business community to cool intense criticism of the federal government amid concern that  confidence in Australia is being damaged.

Emissions target up in smoke

29 July 2011 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 29 July 2011 | PAGE 8 | Emissions target up in smoke

The federal government has dropped any reference to its 2020 emissions reduction goal in new legislation, paving the way for it to be increased to meet a new 2050 target.

Call for ASIC inquiry into alleged leak

22 July 2011 | Ayesha de Kretser

PRINT: 22 July 2011 | PAGE 4 | Senators want ‘leak’ inquiry

Two members of Parliament’s committee on climate change called on the corporate watchdog to investigate potential tax policy leaks to steel makers.

Bond bonanza for $10 billion fund

20 July 2011 | David Crowe

PRINT: 20 July 2011 | PAGE 13 | Bond bonanza for $10bn fund

The government will issue Commonwealth bonds to launch a company to invest in renewable energy as Labor and the Greens counter Coalition moves to undermine the fund.

How the carbon tax gave Europe a free kick

13 July 2011 | Peter Anderson

PRINT: 13 July 2011 | PAGE 63 | How Europe received an inside run

The Gillard government’s carbon tax policy has effectively given the European Union a free kick as far as business goes – and the continent is obviously delighted.

Ai Group urges Coalition to back assistance plan

12 July 2011 | Dan Hall and David Crowe

PRINT: 12 July 2011 | PAGE 14 | Ai Group urges Coalition to back assistance plan

Ai Group chief Heather Ridout has urged the Coalition to support the $300 million assistance package offered to steel producers under the proposed carbon tax.

Greens confident emissions will fall

12 July 2011 | David Crowe

PRINT: 12 July 2011 | PAGE 11 | Greens confident emissions will fall

The Greens insist domestic greenhouse gas emissions will fall by 2020 despite government estimates showing a rise in pollution over the next eight years.

Greens ‘open-minded’ on steel

11 July 2011 | David Crowe

The Greens are keeping an “open mind” on the government plan to spend $300 million on the steel industry to help it adjust to the looming carbon tax, as steel makers BlueScope and OneSteel praised the government assistance.

A tortuous process towards final resolution

11 July 2011 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 11 July 2011 | PAGE 15 | A tortuous process towards final resolution

Some members of the climate committee took more than a bit of convincing before they finally agreed to the carbon price package.

Faster emissions growth in offing

11 July 2011 | David Crowe

PRINT: 11 July 2011 | PAGE 15 | Faster emissions growth in offing

Emissions are to grow more strongly under the carbon tax than under a similar plan rejected last year, figures show.

Savvy savers get $1 billion

11 July 2011 | Mathew Dunckley

PRINT: 11 July 2011 | PAGE 16 | Savvy savers get $1 billion

Businesses will get access to more than $1 billion in grants to cut their power use as part of a clean technology program that will allow manufacturers to apply for grants over the next seven years.

What they said...

11 July 2011 |

PRINT: 11 July 2011 | PAGE 14 | What they said. . .

I’ve knocked the brick wall down. This is going through, this is done, full stop.

Why we’re so afraid of carbon tax

09 July 2011 | David Crowe

PRINT: 09 July 2011 | PAGE 49 | Why we are so frightened of carbon tax

The government says don’t panic, the Greens say we will lead the world and the opposition screams about a big new tax. No wonder the electorate is alert and alarmed.

Revenue windfall for rural care

09 July 2011 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 09 July 2011 | PAGE 11 | Revenue windfall for rural care

A billion dollars of carbon revenue will be invested in rural land care schemes as part of the climate change package to be announced on Sunday

Independent body to oversee $3.2bn renewables funding

08 July 2011 |

An independent authority has been established to manage $3.2 billion of funding to support renewable energy research, development and commercialisation, Greens deputy leader Christine Milne says.

New CSR boss attacks carbon tax

08 July 2011 | Michael Hobbs

PRINT: 08 July 2011 | PAGE 41 | New CSR boss attacks carbon tax

CSR managing director Rob Sindel has fired a broadside at the federal government’s proposed carbon tax.

Independent body to give support

08 July 2011 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 08 July 2011 | PAGE 11 | Renewables

An independent body will be set up to fund renewable energy development, commercialisation and demonstration by rolling together grants and schemes.

Wotif head gets name in Hansard

07 July 2011 |

PRINT: 07 July 2011 | PAGE 40 | Wotif head gets name in Hansard

Wotif.com Holdings executive director and founder Graeme Wood got a mention in federal Parliament yesterday.

All aboard Bob’s big green bus

06 July 2011 | Geoff Kitney

PRINT: 06 July 2011 | PAGE 7 | All aboard Bob’s big green bus

The seating plan on the floor of the Senate tells the story of how seriously the major political parties must now take the Australian Greens.

Electricity win in new carbon plan

06 July 2011 | David Crowe

PRINT: 06 July 2011 | PAGE 1 | Electricity win in new carbon plan

Electricity generators have secured a concession in late negotiations over the carbon scheme, with Labor agreeing to bring forward their compensation.

ACCC to police carbon price rorts

05 July 2011 | David Crowe

PRINT: 05 July 2011 | PAGE 1 | ACCC to police carbon price rorts

The ACCC will gain new authority to investigate price gouging and prosecute companies that raise prices unfairly during the introduction of a carbon tax.

Gillard’s carbon deal ready

04 July 2011 | David Crowe

The Gillard government’s carbon tax policy has been largely signed off by federal cabinet and is scheduled for public release on Sunday.

Windsor queries Gillard petrol pledge

04 July 2011 |

Key independent MP Tony Windsor doubts whether the Gillard government can guarantee petrol's exemption from a carbon tax forever.

Push to back farmers on coal seam gas projects

04 July 2011 | David Crowe

PRINT: 04 July 2011 | PAGE 4 | Push for curbs on coal seam gas projects

The Greens plan to force the major political parties to choose between helping farmers or drillers.

Business to pay fuel carbon tax

04 July 2011 | Louise Dodson

PRINT: 04 July 2011 | PAGE 1 | Business to pay fuel carbon tax

All liquid fuels including petrol will be exempt from the proposed carbon pricing scheme but business will pay an implicit price through fuel excise concessions cuts.

Fuel subsidy trade-off in climate deal

01 July 2011 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 01 July 2011 | PAGE 10 | Fuel subsidy trade-off in climate deal

The federal government will order an official inquiry into fossil fuel subsidies and fuel taxes as part of its carbon deal, as senior business leaders ­publicly backed an emissions scheme.

Carbon pricing deal close: Greens

30 June 2011 | Marcus Priest

Updated | The Greens on Thursday claimed they were close to a deal with the federal government over carbon pricing, with leader Bob Brown saying major hurdles in the talks have been overcome.

More carbon evidence and less spin needed

30 June 2011 | Geoff Carmody

PRINT: 30 June 2011 | PAGE 63 | More carbon evidence and less spin needed

Australia could simply go through the motions to avoid the cost of a carbon tax, writes Geoff Carmody.

Cross bench push for solar

23 June 2011 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 23 June 2011 | PAGE 5 | Crossbench push for solar backing

The Greens and key NSW independents yesterday backed a push for a new national scheme to support the solar industry.

Toyota on tax starting line

22 June 2011 | Fleur Anderson

PRINT: 22 June 2011 | PAGE 7 | Toyota on tax starting line

Toyota has joined tax experts and environmental groups in calling for an emissions-based car tax to replace the luxury tax.

Tough laws on farm ownership rejected

20 June 2011 | Alex Boxsell

PRINT: 20 June 2011 | PAGE 10 | Tough laws on farm ownership rejected

A Senate review committee has rejected proposed new federal laws regulating foreign ownership of Australia’s farmland.

Brown ready to climb up power rung

20 June 2011 | Laura Tingle

PRINT: 20 June 2011 | PAGE 1 | Brown ready to climb up power rung

Greens leader Bob Brown has foreshadowed a major reshuffle of portfolio responsibilities among his expanded team.

Carbon price ‘might need to be lower’

20 June 2011 | David Crowe

PRINT: 20 June 2011 | PAGE 8 | Price may need to be lower: Oakeshott

A key independent on the climate change committee has warned against a high carbon price, saying “economics of the moment” might call for a lower level.

Traders cash in on solar energy

18 June 2011 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 17 June 2011 | PAGE 3 | Traders cashing in on solar energy

Banks, energy companies and trading firms are cashing in on a loophole in the solar power scheme to profit from renewable energy certificates, in a blow to Labor’s attempts to increase the use of green power.

Greens win for small business R&D

16 June 2011 | Fleur Anderson

PRINT: 16 June 2011 | PAGE 7 | Greens win for small business

The federal government’s $1.8 billion changes to R&D tax breaks will start on July 1 after it agreed that smaller businesses receive quarterly cash incentives.

Greens move to compromise

16 June 2011 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 16 June 2011 | PAGE 3 | Greens move to compromise

Heavy industry in the aluminium, copper, steel and petroleum sectors is set to initially receive a large proportion of its permits free under a carbon scheme, after the Greens flagged a compromise.

Wilkie vows to vote with Libs on LPG tax

15 June 2011 | Fleur Anderson

PRINT: 15 June 2011 | PAGE 7 | Independent to vote with Libs on LPG

Independent MP Andrew Wilkie has strengthened his opposition to a new tax on liquefied petroleum gas.

Labor hauls Greens over the coals

15 June 2011 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 15 June 2011 | PAGE 1 | Labor hauls Greens over the coals

The Gillard government is threatening to jettison negotiations with the Greens over a carbon price if it fails to secure compensation for highest emitting coalmines.

Greens rebuffed on key carbon demand

11 June 2011 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 11 June 2011 | PAGE 8 | Greens rebuffed on key carbon demand

Federal Resources Minister Martin Ferguson has used a Productivity Commission report to reject a demand from the Greens for more support for renewable energy.

Key adviser embraces carbon tax

10 June 2011 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 10 June 2011 | PAGE 1 | Key adviser embraces carbon tax

The Productivity Commission has given the federal government strong backing for a carbon price, finding it the most cost-effective way of cutting emissions.

Swan appeases as tempers flare

08 June 2011 | Laura Tingle

PRINT: 08 June 2011 | PAGE 16 | Swan appeases as tempers flare

The complexities of climate change policy and politics are obvious, but even the baseline presumptions seem to be changing.

Greens see red over carbon talks

07 June 2011 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 07 June 2011 | PAGE 10 | Greens see red over carbon talks

A row has broken out among the MPs negotiating the carbon scheme as the government prepares to release new findings showing Australia’s income growth will fall only marginally under emissions trading.

Greens want assistance for needy

01 June 2011 | David Crowe

PRINT: 01 June 2011 | PAGE 19 | Greens want assistance for needy

The Greens have called for generous payments to some of the nation’s poorest citizens to shield households from the impact of a carbon tax.

Industries to receive 46pc of revenue

31 May 2011 | Louise Dodson

PRINT: 31 May 2011 | PAGE 6 | Industries to receive 46pc of revenue

Innovation and Industry Minister Kim Carr says the government is set to allocate 46 per cent of the revenue raised by a price on carbon for industry assistance.

Climate talks go down to wire

30 May 2011 | David Crowe

PRINT: 30 May 2011 | PAGE 4 | Climate talks go down to wire

Greens deputy leader Christine Milne declared yesterday there was a “long way to go” in talks to set a carbon price but that reforms could be agreed by July.

Petrol may be exempt from carbon plan

28 May 2011 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 28 May 2011 | PAGE 8 | Petrol may be exempt from carbon plan

Parliamentary committee members designing the carbon scheme will this weekend consider a plan to exclude petrol until fuel excise has been restructured.

Bookies back on carbon price under $25

26 May 2011 |

As the multi-party climate change committee gets down to the serious business of setting a carbon price, bookies suggest it will be under $25 a tonne.

Business warns on Greens offer

26 May 2011 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 26 May 2011 | PAGE 1 | Business warns on Greens offer

Business has warned that a deal over a carbon price scheme will lead to investment uncertainty, as a report shows Australia faces a more difficult transition to a low-emissions economy than its trading partners.

Commodities drive tentative rebound

25 May 2011 | Anna Raissis

Before the Bell – Commodity price gains have offset concerns about European debt overnight, leaving equity markets broadly flat ■ Oil, copper jump ■ SPI up 3 pts ■ Pharmaxis gets negative vote on Bronchitol ■ Programmed beats guidance ■ Broker Watch: Boral, QR National, Resmed

Piggies in danger? That’s no porky

25 May 2011 |

PRINT: 25 May 2011 | PAGE 46 | Piggies in danger? That’s no porky

Question: Which Australian federal politicians would call a press conference about “pig HIV”?

Greens relent over carbon tax

25 May 2011 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 25 May 2011 | PAGE 1 | Greens relent over carbon tax

Greens deputy leader Christine Milne says the party is prepared to take a flexible approach to negotiations on Labor’s proposed emissions scheme, including the carbon price.

Power prices to rise 30pc nationwide

19 May 2011 | Louise Dodson

PRINT: 19 May 2011 | PAGE 1 | Power prices to rise 30pc nationwide

Household electricity prices are set to jump by 30 per cent in the next three years even without a carbon price and could rise further if a pricing scheme is delayed.

Greens clash with Labor over carbon pricing

18 May 2011 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 18 May 2011 | PAGE 1 | Greens clash with Labor over carbon pricing

Climate Change Minister Greg Combet has distanced Labor from demands by the Greens for a $40 a tonne carbon price.

Plan calls for plant closures

13 May 2011 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 13 May 2011 | PAGE 7 | Plan calls for plant closures

Green groups are backing a proposal by the energy sector to pay the most polluting coal-fired powered plants to close using revenue from a carbon price.

Inquiry into milk war split

10 May 2011 | Staff reporter

PRINT: 10 May 2011 | PAGE 10 | Inquiry into milk war split

A senate inquiry says the sustainability of the dairy industry depends on whether price cuts are permanent and lower profits are reflected in farm-gate prices.

Small business wins tax write-off

09 May 2011 | Laura Tingle

PRINT: 09 May 2011 | PAGE 1 | Small business wins tax write-off

Small business and the car industry will benefit from a new tax write-off in Tuesday’s federal budget, which is expected to reveal a 2011-12 deficit of about $20bn as the soft economy robs the government of revenue.