One the differences between the Rudd government CPRS and the Abbott proposal is transparency. The Abbott proposal sets up a government clearing house so it is transparent that the taxpayer will picking up the tab for running the scheme. That hasn’t been the case with the CPRS. Until today.
The Australian Climate Change Regulation Authority group was formed inside the Department of Climate Change in June last year, and given $81.9 million this financial year.
Departmental papers said the authority must be ready to begin work ”should Parliament pass the relevant legislation later in 2009”.
The Coalition and Greens have twice blocked the bills designed to create the authority: in August and December last year.
But the organisation has continued to recruit staff and aims to employ about 200 people by June, ”to administer the operations of the proposed” authority.
So far the taxpayer has shelled out $82 million for a scheme that has been rejected twice by the Parliament and is not scheduled to begin, even if it had been approved, until July 1, 2011. I don’t know how much the Abbott clearing house would cost but I’m thinking $82 million per year for a scheme that doesn’t yet exist is a bit steep.
It’s only money.
TerjeP (say Tay-a)
6 Feb 10 at 7:32 pm
Only money? It is only debt and it is only tax and it is only money wasted that could have been used for more productive purposes
Samuel J
6 Feb 10 at 11:43 pm
no doubt the authority will continue to exist no matter what happens with the legislation.
drscroogemcduck
6 Feb 10 at 11:50 pm
Samuel – it was sarcasm.
TerjeP (say Tay-a)
7 Feb 10 at 7:18 am