The Economics and Politics of Carbon Pricing in Australia
Channel: Carbon Talks
Date: 2015-10-08

Australia has the distinction of being one of the only jurisdictions in the world to both implement and scrap a carbon tax. What's up Down Under?

The proposal to introduce an economy-wide carbon price has been a controversial issue in Australia for over 20 years. That controversy came to a head with the election of the Rudd Government in 2007 and saw the eventual introduction of a fixed price permit for the release of emissions, with the intention that it convert to an emissions trading scheme after 3 years. The 2013 election saw the Abbott Government take power--among the first legislative initiatives was the abolition of the carbon price. In this dialogue Dr. Parkinson discusses the background to events that arguably led to the loss of Office of 4 Prime Ministers and 2 Opposition Leaders. He also discusses the contribution of the economics profession to public confusion over the policy choices confronting Australia, and considers options for future reform. 

Most recently, Australia's Prime Minister Tony Abbott lost his seat as the leader of the governing party--arguably, in part due to his stance on climate change--to a more moderate Malcolm Turbull, who has replaced Abbott as the PM of Australia. Historically, Turnbull has backed more ambitious climate action, but whether or not this translates into national policy is anyone's guess.

On Oct 1, this public dialogue was held by one of Australia's preeminent voices to teach us about public policy and about the implementation of national carbon pricing. A special thank you to the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions for helping to bring Dr. Martin Parkinson to Vancouver for a series of public engagements. 

Speaker:
Dr. Martin Parkinson
Former Secretary to the Treasury and Department of Climate Change, Government of Australia

Moderated by Michael Small, Executive Director of Carbon Talks and Renewable Cities

This event was a partnership between Carbon Talks, Renewable Cities, and the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions.

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