MP trades up to a ratepayer saviour

Courier Mail
Friday 15/5/2009 Page: 10

ROOKIE MP Greg Combet has convinced his boss to change a contentious section of the emissions trading scheme, in a move that will save ratepayers thousands of dollars. Mr Combet who is the Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Change persuaded Prime Minister Kevin Rudd to exclude emissions from old landfill from the ETS.

In an interview with The Courier-Mail, Mr Combet said he lobbied the removal of "legacy emissions" because it would have been unfair for councils and ratepayers. "The removal of legacy waste emissions from the scheme will reduce administrative costs to small local councils and landfill operators and, therefore, their customers, while retaining a strong incentive for these operators to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions," he said.

Emission liabilities for landfill facilities will now only apply to waste deposited after the scheme starts in July 2011. Mr Combet said he formed the view during a series of consultations with stakeholders, but warned the mining industry which has continued pressuring the Government for more financial compensation should not raise its hopes.

It was another win for the influential first-time parliamentarian, who yesterday was given the "great privilege" to introduce the 10 carbon pollution reduction scheme Bills in the Lower House. The Australian Local Government Association yesterday welcomed the changes for old landfill emissions and congratulated Mr Combet for listening to its concerns.

"The decision to exclude legacy waste addresses local government's concerns that the scheme would unfairly impose costs on ratepayers for actions that occurred before the CPRS began operating," it said. Australian Industry Group chief executive Heather Ridout said the shift by the Government was a "victory for common sense". "Some uncertainties remain over the measurement of emissions and estimation of the legacy emissions and Ai Group will continue to consult with members and discuss these issues with the Government," Ms Ridout said.

Mr Combet will meet the Australian Coal Association today after negotiations last week in NSW. The Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union met Mr Combet yesterday to urge him not to give windfall gains to greedy mining companies. Climate Change Minister Penny Wong referred the ETS draft laws to a committee, which was to report back by June 15.