Ross Garnaut

Meet the China lobby

19 May 2012 | Tony Walker

PRINT: 19 May 2012 | PAGE 2 | Meet the China lobby

Australia and China have arrived at a moment in their relationship that might be likened to a marriage in which two partners who’ve taken each other for granted realise life has become a whole lot more complicated.

Switch on power reform

02 May 2012 | Alan Mitchell

PRINT: 02 May 2012 | PAGE 1 | Switch on power reform

Mitchell | With infrastructure upgrading pushing up power bills, an obvious strategy to deal with the rises would be for states to sell old electricity assets.

In a state of resentment

28 April 2012 | Mathew Dunckley

PRINT: 28 April 2012 | PAGE 51 | In a state of resentment

The big states dislike sharing their wealth with the smaller ones, arguing they just fritter it away.

Climate policy too hot to handle

28 April 2012 | Brian Toohey

PRINT: 28 April 2012 | PAGE 51 | Gillard climate policy too hot to handle

Toohey | Tony Abbott has killed off more than the carbon tax – reformers who want to raise the GST can forget it.

Mining shift takes toll on productivity

20 April 2012 | John Kehoe

PRINT: 20 April 2012 | PAGE 5 | Productivity’s mining shaft

The slump in productivity over the past decade is largely due to the mining, manufacturing and agriculture sectors being under adjustment pressures, a study by the Productivity Commission says.

Business must rise to challenge

14 April 2012 | Alan Mitchell

PRINT: 14 April 2012 | PAGE 53 | Business has to rise to the challenge of rate cut

Mitchell | The RBA is likely to cut the cash rate next month but that will not solve the deeper structural problems Australia faces.

Two worlds fuel creative thinking for the future

02 April 2012 | Erica Cervini

PRINT: 02 April 2012 | PAGE 1 | Two worlds fuel creative thinking about the future

Even as an economics undergraduate at Melbourne’s Monash University, Glenn Withers understood how ideas and knowledge could influence policy.

Rod Sims, boundary setter

10 March 2012 | Colleen Ryan

PRINT: 10 March 2012 | PAGE 55 | Rod Sims, boundary setter

After his regulation eight hours sleep, the new head of the competition and consumer commission will bring a cool head and a pragmatic approach.

Mission into Asia: Emerson’s trade crusade

23 February 2012 | Geoff Kitney

PRINT: 23 February 2012 | PAGE 69 | Mission into Asia: Emerson’s trade crusade

It was no surprise to anyone that one of the first cabinet ministers to come out fighting in defence of Julia Gillard’s leadership was Trade Minister Craig Emerson.

Carbon tax to crush aluminium

09 February 2012 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 09 February 2012 | PAGE 1 | Carbon tax to crush aluminium

Updated | The government has flagged an all-out effort to save aluminium jobs even though Treasury modelling shows Labor’s emissions-reduction policy plans to slice the industry in half by 2050.

Charges should reflect peak demand

06 February 2012 | The Australian Financial Review

PRINT: 06 February 2012 | PAGE 54 | Power charges should reflect peak demand

Editorial - The last thing that Australian consumers want to hear is that they should be charged a lot more for turning on their air conditioner on a hot day.

Science and consensus

03 February 2012 | Kevin Kartun

PRINT: 03 February 2012 | PAGE 55 | Science and consensus

Mike Martin uses the old argument that science is done by consensus, which is contrary to the scientific method. (Letters, February 1).

Carbon price no problem

28 January 2012 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 28 January 2012 | PAGE 2 | Carbon price no problem

The federal government’s former climate change adviser Ross Garnaut has dismissed concerns the price of carbon in Australia will be too high.

Vast wealth underwrites a PNG crisis

17 December 2011 | Tony Walker

PRINT: 17 December 2011 | PAGE 50 | Vast wealth underwrites a PNG crisis

Money and power have swept away the nostalgia of Papua New Guinea’s transition to nationhood.

Painful energy reform to tempt a PM

17 December 2011 | Alan Mitchell

PRINT: 17 December 2011 | PAGE 26 | Painful energy reform to tempt a PM

Curbing the growth of peak demand for electricity is a highly cost-effective means of reducing the need for industry investment.

The poison politics of carbon

09 November 2011 | Louise Dodson

PRINT: 09 November 2011 | PAGE 61 | The poison politics of carbon

The debate on climate change has been the political struggle of the decade, claiming the scalps of two prime ministers and one opposition leader so far.

Carbon pricing: a long time coming

13 October 2011 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 13 October 2011 | PAGE 14 | Emissions pricing a long time coming

After nearly 40 hours of debate over 30 days Australia is a step closer to putting a price on carbon. But it is not there yet.

Power rules require cautious approach

05 October 2011 |

PRINT: 05 October 2011 | PAGE 58 | Power rules require cautious approach

Investment in Australia’s electricity network over the next five years is similar to that planned for the higher profile and more controversial national broadband network.

Time for concrete action on Asia’s rise

01 October 2011 | Tony Walker

PRINT: 01 October 2011 | PAGE 60 | Time for some concrete action on Asia’s rise

Ken Henry, in his review of Australia’s relations with Asia, could do worse then look at Alan Dupont’s Lowy Institute paper, Living with the dragon.

Unions attacked for pro-carbon tax stance

28 September 2011 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 28 September 2011 | PAGE 12 | Unions attacked for emissions stance

Unions have defended the carbon tax, a position the opposition used to argue that they support a reduction in wages and jobs.

He’s a star ... but only from afar

24 September 2011 | Geoff Kitney

PRINT: 24 September 2011 | PAGE 48 | He’s a star . . . but

Shadow treasurer Joe Hockey’s ridiculing of Wayne Swan’s record following his naming as finance minister of the year masks the pressing challenges the country faces.

Tax reform’s missing link

21 September 2011 | Alan Mitchell

PRINT: 21 September 2011 | PAGE 62 | Tax reform’s missing link

Sometimes it is the recommendations that are the least newsworthy which are among the most important.

Flexibility is vital

27 August 2011 | Alan Mitchell

PRINT: 27 August 2011 | PAGE 27 | Flexibility is vital

If we care about employment and living standards in the 21st century, it is the mining and service industries, not failing manufacturers, that we should be worrying about.

When no one hears you scream . . . advertise

20 August 2011 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 20 August 2011 | PAGE 53 | When no one hears you scream . . . advertise

Labor MPs who cruised into government in 2007 with the help of the ACTU’s anti-Work Choices ads didn’t realise they’d created a Frankenstein that would monster them.

Power to the people

13 August 2011 | Mark Ludlow

PRINT: 13 August 2011 | PAGE 53 | Power to the people

International sharemarkets may have fluctuated wildly since the global financial crisis in 2008, but the average electricity bill for households and business has gone only one way – up.

Climate, science and a load of codswallop

29 July 2011 | Pierpont

PRINT: 29 July 2011 | PAGE 68 | Climate, science and a load of codswallop

It’s too late, but Pierpont has just thought of an infallible way of making money at this year’s Diggers and Dealers in Kalgoorlie.

Real reform going cold

27 July 2011 | Alan Mitchell

PRINT: 27 July 2011 | PAGE 54 | Real reform going cold

Why, after a brief period of success, are Australians so tempted by the discredited economic policies of the past?

Czech leader rubbishes climate change policies

27 July 2011 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 27 July 2011 | PAGE 12 | Czech leader slams climate change views

Czech Republic President Vaclav Klaus has likened climate change policies of the federal government to communism.

Cutting the cost of carbon cuts

25 July 2011 | Alan Mitchell

PRINT: 25 July 2011 | PAGE 23 | Cutting the cost of carbon cuts

The attention of analysts has switched from Garnaut’s reports to the minutiae of the government’s white paper and its Treasury modelling.

Combet pleads for calm in troubled valley

14 July 2011 | Mathew Dunckley

PRINT: 14 July 2011 | PAGE 12 | Combet pleads for calm in troubled valley

Climate Change Minister Greg Combet has appealed for calm in the Latrobe Valley, which is tipped to suffer job losses in the power generating industry.

Labor to rush carbon tax into law

14 July 2011 | Laura Tingle

PRINT: 14 July 2011 | PAGE 1 | Labor to rush carbon tax into law

The federal government is racing to have its carbon tax passed into law before the end of the year and is planning to release a draft of the legislation within weeks.

All just hot air, bread and circuses

11 July 2011 | Geoff Carmody

PRINT: 11 July 2011 | PAGE 63 | All just hot air, bread and circuses

Will the government’s carbon tax/emissions trading scheme policy work? Will it help reduce global emissions cost-effectively? If not, why bother?

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.

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.

Selling more than an ETS

10 July 2011 | Alan Mitchell

PRINT: 10 July 2011 | PAGE 27 | Selling more than an ETS

A price on carbon makes wider economic reform imperative, writes economics editor Alan Mitchell.

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.

The prolific carbon change sceptics of Collins Street

09 July 2011 | Tony Walker

PRINT: 09 July 2011 | PAGE 49 | The prolific climate change sceptics of Collins Street

From the Institute of Public Affairs at 410 Collins Street the view takes in the art deco facade of 401 Collins, home of Morgans at 401 function rooms.

Industry to win more in carbon plan

08 July 2011 | Louise Dodson

PRINT: 08 July 2011 | PAGE 10 | Industry to win more in carbon plan

Assistance for low-emission steel makers, a clean energy fund and financial guarantees for power stations are key elements of the carbon pricing scheme.

Income tax cuts to match carbon costs

07 July 2011 | Louise Dodson

PRINT: 07 July 2011 | PAGE 10 | Income tax cuts matched with costs

Income tax cuts for householders will keep pace with higher carbon costs under the federal government’s carbon pricing scheme to be unveiled on Sunday.

The politics of clean energy

06 July 2011 | Peter Roberts

PRINT: 06 July 2011 | PAGE 53 | The politics of clean energy

Australia is well regarded for its innovative scientific research, but unhelpful government policies often force companies to commercialise their inventions overseas.

Rent seekers dumb down carbon tax debate

04 July 2011 | Alan Mitchell

PRINT: 04 July 2011 | PAGE 23 | Dumbing down carbon tax debate

So, the carbon tax debate is about to be enriched by the addition of yet another television advertising campaign – this one sponsored by business, writes Alan Mitchell.

Carbon costs will keep rising: Garnaut

01 July 2011 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 01 July 2011 | PAGE 10 | Costs will keep rising: Garnaut

Climate change adviser Ross Garnaut has warned business it faces higher costs from future attempts to reduce carbon emissions.

NAB chief backs Labor climate plan

29 June 2011 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 29 June 2011 | PAGE 1 | NAB chief backs Labor climate plan

Labor’s carbon price scheme has gained strong backing from National Australia Bank chief executive Cameron Clyne.

Carbon pricing spurs clean fuel project

28 June 2011 | Louise Dodson

PRINT: 28 June 2011 | PAGE 10 | Carbon price spurs clean fuel project

A new $7.5 billion clean fuel project in Central Australia has been spurred on by the federal government’s proposed carbon pricing scheme.

Flat Tony versus the moribund mob

24 June 2011 | Geoff Kitney

PRINT: 24 June 2011 | PAGE 6 | Flat Tony versus the moribund mob

It was hard to find a pulse on ‘assassination day’, as government MPs sat mute behind their embattled leader and Tony Abbott failed to fire up.

Solar yield beats BHP any time

16 June 2011 | David Hetherington

PRINT: 16 June 2011 | PAGE 59 | Solar yield beats BHP any time

Forget the blue-chip shares, opt instead for the sun’s rays. It’s a far better deal.

Garnaut survives trip to the Latrobe Valley

16 June 2011 | Jason Murphy

PRINT: 16 June 2011 | PAGE 10 | Garnaut unscathed after journey into valley of conjecture

Carbon pollution’s nemesis, Ross Garnaut, ventured into coal country last night with a lure of government funding for innovation.

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.

The carbon message gets through

11 June 2011 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 11 June 2011 | PAGE 47 | The carbon message gets through

The key finding of a long awaited report was that carbon pricing is the most effective way to reduce emissions.

A carbon-tax driven upgrade solution

10 June 2011 | John Davidson

PRINT: 10 June 2011 | PAGE 60 | A carbon-tax driven upgrade solution

What if I told you I know of an actor who is not just a pretty face, but who has also devised a formula that calculates the price of carbon dioxide?

Study backs a broad ETS

10 June 2011 | Kevin Chinnery

PRINT: 10 June 2011 | PAGE 17 | Study backs a broad ETS

The Productivity Commission study of carbon policies provides evidence of how effective an emissions trading scheme could be.

BlueScope should look at itself

08 June 2011 |

PRINT: 08 June 2011 | PAGE 60 | BlueScope should look at itself

If, as Graham Kraehe has argued, Ross Garnaut is nothing but “a salesman supporting his own ideology”, one would have to ask how best to describe Mr Kraehe?

The new carbon welfare

08 June 2011 | Alan Mitchell

PRINT: 08 June 2011 | PAGE 62 | The new CO2 welfare

Who should be compensated for the government’s emissions trading scheme or “carbon tax”? And how generous should the compensation be?

Garnaut has scorched-earth view

07 June 2011 | Graham Kraehe

PRINT: 07 June 2011 | PAGE 63 | Garnaut has scorched-earth view

Ross Garnaut has overstepped the mark in his latest climate change report, discarding all pretence of objectivity and making him irrelevant in the debate.

Kraehe slams Garnaut report

07 June 2011 | David Crowe

PRINT: 07 June 2011 | PAGE 10 | Kraehe tackles Garnaut head-on

BlueScope Steel’s chairman has hit back at Ross Garnaut’s remarks about businesses seeking compensation for change,

Transfield chairman takes Garnaut to task

06 June 2011 | Kevin Chinnery

PRINT: 06 June 2011 | PAGE 6 | Shepherd: Garnaut

One of Australia’s most respected company chairmen, Tony Shepherd, says Ross Garnaut’s quarrel with business is misguided.

Labor to power up climate debate

06 June 2011 | Laura Tingle

PRINT: 06 June 2011 | PAGE 1 | Labor to power up climate debate

The federal government will release new Treasury modelling this week showing a carbon price will lead to a threefold increase in gas-fired electricity generation.

Carbon tax cuts for all

04 June 2011 | Adam Creighton

PRINT: 04 June 2011 | PAGE 61 | Carbon tax cuts for all

Whatever you believe on climate change, a carbon tax is no reason to expand government, boost handouts or redistribute wealth. Taxpayers must receive all revenue.

Smarter way to cut carbon bills

04 June 2011 | Kevin Chinnery

PRINT: 04 June 2011 | PAGE 47 | Smarter way to cut carbon bills

Ross Garnaut’s blunt message to the electrical power industry this past week was that it can cure its own carbon tax headaches by becoming more efficient.

Business caught in carbon crossfire

04 June 2011 | The Australian Financial Review

PRINT: 03 June 2011 | PAGE 60 | Business caught in carbon crossfire

It is worth pondering how far business should go in pursuing the public interest over its own interests when it comes to any national economic restructuring effort.

Emissions stir emotions on the anthill

04 June 2011 | Tony Walker

PRINT: 04 June 2011 | PAGE 60 | Emissions stir emotions on the anthill

Ross Garnaut took captains of industry to task over their argument that home-grown efforts to curb carbon pollution would be insignificant.

Windsor wants to tap ‘greater minds’

04 June 2011 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 04 June 2011 | PAGE 6 | Windsor wants to tap ‘greater minds’

A Productivity Commission report into carbon pricing in Australia’s major trading partners is unlikely to provide clear guidance for a domestic scheme.

Garnaut’s distribution model questioned

04 June 2011 | Geoff Winestock

PRINT: 04 June 2011 | PAGE 6 | Garnaut’s distribution model faces queries

Economists are questioning Ross Garnaut’s recommendation to distribute the revenue from the carbon tax to those on lower and middle incomes .

Fight Labor like it’s 1975: Abbott

04 June 2011 | Geoff Kitney

PRINT: 04 June 2011 | PAGE 6 | Fight Labor as we did in 1975: Abbott

The Opposition Leader has issued a call to arms to the business community to mobilise against the federal Labor government’s “toxic” policy agenda.

Good policy adrift in sea of distraction

03 June 2011 | Laura Tingle

PRINT: 03 June 2011 | PAGE 59 | Good policy adrift in sea of distraction

Nick Minchin and Ross Garnaut seem unlikely soul mates. Both could be appalled by the idea.

PM survives Abbott spook

03 June 2011 | Geoff Kitney

PRINT: 03 June 2011 | PAGE 13 | PM survives Abbott spook

A Labor Party anniversary on ousting former PM Kevin Rudd is approaching, but it is not one its members are in a mood – or a position – to celebrate.

Climate knowledge vacuum being filled

03 June 2011 | AAP

PRINT: 03 June 2011 | PAGE 10 | Knowledge vacuum filled

Professor Ross Garnaut says more “true information” is getting out about global warming and the need for Australia to do its fair share to solve the problem.

Garnaut’s claims are incorrect

02 June 2011 |

PRINT: 02 June 2011 | PAGE 59 | Garnaut’s claims are incorrect

Incorrect claims on climate led Ross Garnaut to change his view from the science being right on “the balance of probabilities” to being “beyond reasonable doubt”.

China will provide climate change solution

02 June 2011 | Greg Earl

PRINT: 02 June 2011 | PAGE 16 | The sun shines in the north

The Garnaut climate change report has put China at the centre of Australia’s policymaking system for the first time.

PM rejects Abbott’s tax taunts

02 June 2011 | David Crowe

PRINT: 02 June 2011 | PAGE 12 | PM rejects Abbott’s tax taunts

Julia Gillard has hit back at the opposition’s taunts about plans to let unelected experts set a carbon price, saying there was no such proposal.

Tick from 13 key economists

02 June 2011 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 02 June 2011 | PAGE 12 | Tick from 13 key economists

Leading Australian economists, including the chief economists of St George, Westpac and Macquarie Group, have publicly backed a price on carbon and warned against special concessions for industries.

Wealthy likely to gain compensation

02 June 2011 | Fleur Anderson

PRINT: 02 June 2011 | PAGE 13 | Wealthy likely to gain compo

The government is considering using the family tax system to deliver carbon tax compensation to households.

Generators lash ‘hit and hope’ policy

02 June 2011 | Mark Ludlow

PRINT: 02 June 2011 | PAGE 12 | Generators lash ‘hit and hope’ policy

State-owned utilities and private generators say they will be seeking adequate compensation for scaling back production of coal-fired power stations.

We must do fair share on climate: Garnaut

01 June 2011 |

Australia has to do its fair share in the global mitigation of climate change, federal government climate adviser Ross Garnaut says.

Ferguson quizzed on carbon and Garnaut

01 June 2011 | Perry Williams

Federal resources minister Martin Ferguson answers reporters’ questions in Canberra about carbon price proposals from the government’s key climate change advisor, Ross Garnaut, and the national economic outlook.

Solar innovation, if only we were good

01 June 2011 | Peter Roberts

Calls by Ross Garnaut for part of the cash raised by a price on carbon to be spent on alternative energy innovation would be welcome if one had any confidence in this government’s ability to make the most of it.

Linc between carbon price and relocation

01 June 2011 | Perry Williams

Ross Garnaut says the idea that some industries could relocate if Australia imposed a carbon price ahead of other nations is “exaggerated”. But for Linc Energy’s Peter Bond the cost of doing business in Australia is becoming a serious consideration.

Cut fuel excise to ease pain at pump: Garnaut

01 June 2011 | Pip Freebairn

PRINT: 01 June 2011 | PAGE 19 | Cut excise to ease pain at pump

Ross Garnaut says the federal government should cut the fuel excise to offset any increase in ­petrol prices associated with the introduction of a carbon price.

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.

Household compensation comes at a high cost

01 June 2011 | Brian Toohey

PRINT: 01 June 2011 | PAGE 19 | Household compensation comes at a high cost

Lifting the tax-free threshold from $6000 to $25,000 to compensate households for the impact of a carbon tax would cost around $34 billion in 2012-13.

Speaker an unlikely victim

01 June 2011 | Geoff Kitney

PRINT: 01 June 2011 | PAGE 18 | Speaker an unlikely victim

When Professor Ross Garnaut delivered his final climate change report no one could have guessed it would trigger a parliamentary crisis.

Abbott won’t back down on spending

01 June 2011 | David Crowe

PRINT: 01 June 2011 | PAGE 18 | Abbott won’t back down on spending

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has come under attack for proposing a big spending program to cut greenhouse gas emissions.

Farming tougher to bring into fold

01 June 2011 | Matthew Cranston

PRINT: 01 June 2011 | PAGE 17 | Farming tougher to bring into fold

The government’s key climate change adviser has warned agriculture needs to be dealt with more carefully under a carbon price plan.

Tighter regualitons for power industry

01 June 2011 | Mark Ludlow

PRINT: 01 June 2011 | PAGE 16 | Tighter regulations for power industry

Professor Garnaut wants an overhaul of the electricity market and tighter regulation of state-owned distribution companies as part of the move towards a carbon price.

‘Scorched earth’ policy: BlueScope lashes Garnaut

01 June 2011 | Ayesha de Kretser

PRINT: 01 June 2011 | PAGE 16 | ‘Scorched earth’ policy: BlueScope

The manufacturing industry will suffer job losses as the mining industry puts a strain on the rest of the economy, the Garnaut Climate Change Review says.

Garnaut raises the bar

01 June 2011 | Alan Mitchell

PRINT: 01 June 2011 | PAGE 62 | Garnaut raises the bar

The television advertising campaign probably won’t make much difference, but Ross Garnaut’s final report on Australia’s response to climate change just might.

Garnaut report resets debate

01 June 2011 |

PRINT: 01 June 2011 | PAGE 62 | Climate report

Australia is embarked on its fourth effort to reduce carbon emissions across the economy amid arguably the most difficult political circumstances yet.

Relief to be scaled down in 10 years

01 June 2011 | Michael Dwyer

PRINT: 01 June 2011 | PAGE 12 | Relief to be scaled down in 10 years

Business compensation for the carbon tax would be slashed from 35 per cent of the revenue raised in its first year to just 20 per cent after 10 years.

Business out in the cold

01 June 2011 | Laura Tingle

PRINT: 01 June 2011 | PAGE 1 | Business out in the cold

A higher carbon starting price than in the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme, much less industry aid, but more support for low income households.

Households gain in carbon plan

01 June 2011 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 01 June 2011 | PAGE 1 | Households gain in carbon plan

Low- to middle-income earners stand to benefit from two rounds of tax cuts under proposals for a carbon price by the government’s key climate-change adviser.

Garnaut report generous to households

01 June 2011 | Fleur Anderson

PRINT: 01 June 2011 | PAGE 13 | Big benefits brought home

Households should receive up to 65 per cent of carbon tax revenue as assistance, of which almost half would be spent on tax reform, the Garnaut report says.

Reaction | Mixed response to climate report

31 May 2011 | Perry Williams, Michael Hobbs And Ayesha de Kretser

Business had a mixed response to the final update to Ross Garnaut’s landmark 2008 climate change review, released on Tuesday.

Garnaut slams business self-interest

31 May 2011 | Marcus Priest

Key climate change adviser Ross Garnaut has used his final report to accuse the Business Council of Australia of putting narrow sectional self-interest above the national interest.

Garnaut calls for independent umpire

31 May 2011 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 31 May 2011 | PAGE 1 | Garnaut calls for independent umpire

The federal government could be forced by a new independent body to ratchet up national emissions targets, under a plan to be recommended by key climate-change adviser Ross ­Garnaut today.

PM’s selective hearing

20 May 2011 | John Roskam

PRINT: 20 May 2011 | PAGE 66 | PM’s selective hearing

Julia Gillard is a politician, and politicians listen to business leaders only when it suits their purposes.

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.

Emissions warning on budget figures

16 May 2011 | Michael Dwyer

PRINT: 13 May 2011 | PAGE 6 | Emissions warning on budget figures

The Gillard government may need to overhaul its budget forecasts radically in coming months to take account of the carbon tax, analysts say.

Carbon threat to power supply

16 May 2011 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 16 May 2011 | PAGE 1 | Carbon threat to power supply

The energy sector faces an unprecedented investment challenge over coming decades, with the risk of an exodus of generators due to a carbon price if the settings are not right, according to a confidential report.

Labor failed to copy Howard spin

13 May 2011 |

PRINT: 13 May 2011 | PAGE 55 | Labor failed to copy Howard spin

Laura Tingle's comment (May 12) that “the federal government has often been accused of being all spin and no substance” made me laugh.

States blamed for power price surge

11 May 2011 | Mark Ludlow

PRINT: 11 May 2011 | PAGE 1 | States blamed

Australia’s top energy regulator says the failure of the states to maintain their electricity networks has contributed to a spike in power prices.

Garnaut to unveil plan

07 May 2011 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 07 May 2011 | PAGE 5 | Garnaut to unveil plan

The federal government’s climate change adviser, Ross Garnaut, will publish a 10-year plan detailing how much money is expected to be raised by Labor’s carbon tax and how it should be spent.

Clean energy funding call

02 May 2011 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 02 May 2011 | PAGE 10 | Clean energy funding call

Investment in clean technologies should be accelerated in the early years of a carbon price by borrowing against the revenue from future years.

Power costs can be curbed

28 April 2011 |

PRINT: 27 April 2011 | PAGE 54 | Power costs can be curbed

Rises in electricity prices grate more on people’s nerves than other price increases because of the regularity of the monthly or quarterly bills.

Low initial carbon price will need to rise fast

20 April 2011 | Frank Jotzo

PRINT: 20 April 2011 | PAGE 63 | Low initial carbon price will need to rise fast

The fight over the carbon dollar is on again: export industries are claiming that a small impact on their bottom line will send them overseas, power generators are raising the menace of shutdowns, and union chiefs are threatening to withdraw support “if a single job is lost”.

‘Australia must be prepared’, Newman warns

20 April 2011 | Jane Searle

PRINT: 20 April 2011 | PAGE 50 | ‘Australia must be prepared’

Former ASX chairman Maurice Newman warns that Australia has eight years to get its house in order.

Business Council in sights as PM mounts carbon attack

20 April 2011 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 20 April 2011 | PAGE 1 | PM challenges business on carbon

Julia Gillard and senior ministers have attacked the Business Council of Australia over its criticism of the carbon tax, and told industry leaders they could have the same compensation package agreed to in 2009.

Solar ‘not to blame’ for price rises

16 April 2011 | Mark Ludlow

PRINT: 16 April 2011 | PAGE 7 | Solar ‘not to blame’ for rises

The solar panel industry says it is being blamed for skyrocketing electricity prices when network charges were mostly to blame for any increase in power bills.

Sector incentives overcooked

15 April 2011 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 15 April 2011 | PAGE 11 | Sector incentives overcooked

A cocktail of state and federal subsidies for household solar panels and a scheme introduced by the Howard government to encourage investment in renewable energy technologies has created a major obstacle to introducing a carbon price.

Accord on carbon price has a way to go

15 April 2011 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 15 April 2011 | PAGE 9 | Carbon accord has a way to go

The Greens and NSW independent Tony Windsor have warned that their support on a carbon price cannot be taken for granted after the federal government outlined key design elements of the scheme.

Your electricity bill explained

09 April 2011 | Geoff Winestock

PRINT: 09 April 2011 | PAGE 29 | Your electricity bill explained

Some say it’s the construction of a national power network that has sent power prices soaring and successful alternative strategies have been overlooked.

Lunch with Ross Garnaut

08 April 2011 | T

PRINT: 08 April 2011 | PAGE 57 | Ross Garnaut

The federal climate change adviser sees himself as an AFL centre half-forward – his role is to grab the ball and change the direction of play.

Generators doubt Garnaut claims

07 April 2011 | Angela Macdonald-Smith

Coal-fired power generators have raised wider doubts about the conclusions and proposals made about the sector by Ross Garnaut after a consultant said its work had been misused in his latest climate change review.

Gluttons at the R&D feast

06 April 2011 | Alan Mitchell

PRINT: 06 April 2011 | PAGE 54 | Gluttons at the R&D feast

Can our politicians resist the temptation to turn the coming research and development boom into a rent seekers’ Grande Bouffe?

Most voters oppose emissions tax plans

06 April 2011 | David Crowe

PRINT: 06 April 2011 | PAGE 4 | Most voters oppose emissions tax plans

A clear majority of voters object to the federal government’s carbon tax and agree it will put jobs at risk, according to a new poll.

Gillard fails to deny Rudd ETS revelation

05 April 2011 |

Prime Minister Julia Gillard has refused to reveal if she urged her predecessor Kevin Rudd to kill off his government's emissions trading scheme.

Treasury doubts taskforce findings

04 April 2011 | Treasury Marcus Priest

PRINT: 04 April 2011 | PAGE 7 | Efficiency modelling raises doubts

A national energy efficiency scheme could increase power prices and have a significant budgetary impact, according to an analysis of the proposal conducted by Treasury.

Carbon price alone can’t do the job

02 April 2011 | Brian Toohey

PRINT: 02 April 2011 | PAGE 27 | Carbon price alone can’t do the job

The case is compelling for large-scale public funding to help develop low-emissions technologies.

Clean tech needs help from the public purse

02 April 2011 | Brian Toohey

PRINT: 02 April 2011 | PAGE 27 |

Putting a high price on emissions, let alone one that is politically acceptable, may not be enough to meet abatement targets.

Carbon tax must be kept low

02 April 2011 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 01 April 2011 | PAGE 3 | Carbon tax must be kept low, says Treasury

A $30 carbon tax could cost Australian households an extra $863 a year but the Treasury has advised the Gillard Government to start with at a low price to provide a smooth the transition to an emissions trading scheme.

Ferguson critical of Garnaut's power play

01 April 2011 |

Labor's climate-change adviser has come under fire from his own side, with Energy Minister Martin Ferguson suggesting Ross Garnaut was proposing quick-fix solutions to rising electricity prices.

McKibbin turns up heat on tax

01 April 2011 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 01 April 2011 | PAGE 3 | McKibbin turns

Outgoing RBA board member Warwick McKibbin warned yesterday that the federal ­government’s proposed carbon tax would add to investment uncertainty because it would not establish a long-term price.

Carve-up discourages the good

31 March 2011 | Michael Dwyer

PRINT: 31 March 2011 | PAGE 10 | Formula

Every year the Commonwealth Grants Commission releases advice to the federal treasurer of the day on how revenue from the goods and services tax should be distributed between the states.

Cement makers quibble

31 March 2011 | Louise Dodson

PRINT: 31 March 2011 | PAGE 7 | Cement makers quibble

The cement industry is urging the government to lift compensation above the levels recommended by climate change advisor Professor Ross Garnaut and consult the sector before the system is introduced.

Power industry dismisses Garnaut claims

31 March 2011 | Mark Ludlow

PRINT: 31 March 2011 | PAGE 7 | Electricity industry dismisses Garnaut claims

Electricity network companies and industry bodies say the government’s key climate change adviser, Ross Garnaut, got it wrong when he accused transmission and distribution companies of overinvesting in infrastructure to boost profits.

Ausgrid denies needless price rises

30 March 2011 |

The power company that supplies much of Sydney denies that excessive investment in electricity networks is causing needless price increases.

Garnaut’s warning on power increases

30 March 2011 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 30 March 2011 | PAGE 7 | Garnaut’s warning on power increases

The federal government’s key climate change adviser has called for an urgent overhaul of rules governing the energy sector to help offset the cost of a carbon price.

A model for an imperfect world

30 March 2011 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 30 March 2011 | PAGE 6 | A model for an imperfect world

One of the government’s climate change advisers has warned there is no certainty there will be a global price on carbon and said Australia needs to consider a different way to compensate business.

China trials carbon trading

29 March 2011 |

Climate change adviser Ross Garnaut says China is experimenting with carbon trading in a number of large cities because it knows that's the cheapest way to reduce emissions.

Carbon tax impact limited - Garnaut

29 March 2011 |

The impact of a carbon price on electricity bills will be relatively small compared with other factors which have forced up power costs since 2006, climate change adviser Ross Garnaut says.

Power generators face new debt pressure

29 March 2011 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 29 March 2011 | PAGE 4 | Power generators face new debt pressure

The federal government’s climate change expert, Professor Ross Garnaut, is expected to recommend today that the energy sector not be compensated for any impact on their assets from a carbon tax.

W H Soul skirts ‘risky’ copper move

25 March 2011 | Michael Hobbs

PRINT: 25 March 2011 | PAGE 42 | W H Soul skirts ‘risky’ copper move

Washington H. Soul Pattinson has big plans for investments in copper exploration but is cautious until more details of the proposed carbon tax are released.

No to big tax plan but scope for cuts

25 March 2011 | Fleur Anderson

PRINT: 25 March 2011 | PAGE 15 | No to big tax plan but scope for cuts

Treasurer Wayne Swan has confirmed the federal government will not introduce the Henry tax review’s personal tax cuts and welfare reforms as part of its carbon price package.

Oakeshott backs Garnaut

25 March 2011 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 25 March 2011 | PAGE 7 | Oakeshott backs Garnaut

Key regional independent Rob Oakeshott yesterday strongly backed central elements of a plan to tackle climate change proposed by government adviser Ross Garnaut.

Treasury chief urges caution

25 March 2011 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 25 March 2011 | PAGE 6 | Treasury chief urges caution

The federal government’s key economic adviser, Treasury secretary Martin Parkinson, played down the impact of a carbon price on the cost of living yesterday.

Labor snubs Garnaut tax cuts plan

24 March 2011 | Laura Tingle

PRINT: 24 March 2011 | PAGE 1 | Labor snubs Garnaut tax cuts plan

The federal government has ruled out linking big personal tax cuts and welfare changes proposed by the Henry tax review to its plan to put a price on carbon, while warning of a tougher budget in May than forecast.

Garnaut champions carbon-tax re-investment

24 March 2011 | Jackie Range

PRINT: 24 March 2011 | PAGE 8 | Garnaut champions carbon-tax re-investment

Ross Garnaut shrugged off criticism from BlueScope Steel’s chairman surrounding carbon, and advocated as much as $3 billion a year in spending to stimulate innovation in low emissions technologies.

Garnaut wants $2.5bn for clean energy

23 March 2011 |

Australia should be spending $2.5 billion a year on new low-emissions technologies by 2017, a doubling of current expected expenditure, climate change adviser Ross Garnaut says.

Global equities flat as investors pause

23 March 2011 | Gillian Tan

Before the Bell – All you need to know about overnight trading and what’s in store for the local session ■ Dow falls 18 pts ■ SPI down 9 pts ■ Glencore nears hiring IPO banks ■ Oil tops $US105

Consultation with business on carbon tax a ‘sham’: Kraehe

22 March 2011 | Marcus Priest

The chairman of BlueScope Steel and Brambles Australia, Graham Kraehe, has attacked the government over its proposed carbon tax, labelling its consultation with business a “sham”.

Parochial bubble that trivialises crisis

22 March 2011 | Geoff Kitney

PRINT: 22 March 2011 | PAGE 8 | Parochial bubble that trivialises crisis

Life and death issues that are being debated seriously all around the world are used in Australia’s Parliament as tools for poking fun and scoring points.

ETS compo for polluters not a given

22 March 2011 | Marcus Priest

PRINT: 22 March 2011 | PAGE 7 | ETS compo

The federal government’s key climate change adviser has likened heavy polluters to tobacco and asbestos companies, warning they should not expect to receive compensation for the impact of a carbon price on their assets.

Content is the real tax issue

22 March 2011 | The Australian Financial Review

PRINT: 22 March 2011 | PAGE 54 | Content is the real tax issue

There is certainly good reason for disappointment that a government which put tax reform on its agenda after the much vaunted but long forgotten 2020 summit is now letting the timetable slide.

Business hits out on tax summit

22 March 2011 | Katie Walsh

PRINT: 22 March 2011 | PAGE 1 | Business hits out on tax summit

Carbon debate | Leading company directors and tax experts have slammed Labor’s tax summit, saying it will miss an opportunity for significant reform because it excludes the carbon price, the mining tax and the GST.

Climate’s budget black hole

21 March 2011 | Geoff Carmody

PRINT: 16 March 2011 | PAGE 55 | Climate policy reform a taxing problem

Outgoing secretary to the Treasury, Ken Henry, concluded major tax reform packages must be “purchased”. That is, they must cost the Budget if reform “losers” are to be compensated.

Wrong path on carbon tax

21 March 2011 | David Bassanese

PRINT: 21 March 2011 | PAGE 22 | Taking the wrong path on carbon tax

I am not a climate change sceptic and I earnestly believe Australia should be doing a lot more to reduce its carbon footprint. My concern is with the means, not the ends.

Budget ‘misleading’ without tax figures, says Hockey

21 March 2011 | David Crowe

PRINT: 21 March 2011 | PAGE 4 | Budget ‘misleading’ without tax figures, says Hockey

The federal Coalition is preparing the ground for the parliamentary fight over the federal budget by dismissing the document as “misleading” unless it includes details about a carbon tax and the adjusted mining tax.

Garnaut’s political pain reduction scheme

19 March 2011 | Laura Tingle

PRINT: 19 March 2011 | PAGE 33 | Professor Garnaut’s political pain reduction scheme

Ross Garnaut this week offered Labor a simple line of counter-attack to Tony Abbott’s “great big new tax” assault: “great big new tax cuts”.

Tax cuts an efficient path

19 March 2011 | Louise Dodson

PRINT: 19 March 2011 | PAGE 5 | Tax cuts an efficient path

Income tax cuts would be more efficient than other means of compensating households for rising costs of living sparked by a carbon tax, experts say.

Garnaut garners support for a price

19 March 2011 | Laura Tingle

PRINT: 19 March 2011 | PAGE 5 | Garnaut garners support for carbon price

Independent MP Tony Windsor has welcomed the Garnaut review’s proposals for a carbon price and for using revenue raised to fund broad tax reform as a “breath of fresh air”.

Tax plan to leave mid-earners worse off: Hockey

18 March 2011 |

Middle-income earners would be worse off under a plan to redirect billions of dollars raised through the federal government's carbon tax, the federal opposition says.