Nelson plays down polls on emissions scheme

Nelson plays down polls on emissions scheme : thewest.com.au

A Galaxy poll last week showed that 80 per cent of Australians wanted a carbon trading scheme in place by 2010, in line with the Labor government's policy.

The coalition supports a trading scheme but says 2010 is too soon.

Dr Nelson denied he was out of step with public opinion.

“That reflects a concern in the community in Australia for us to act,” he told Fairfax Radio Network when asked about the poll.

“But I also would say to you that I think at the moment that just as many Australians are yet to fully understand what an emissions trading scheme actually is, how it operates and what it's going to do.

“I respect the view in the community that people are concerned about climate change, they want Australia to act, but I equally think it's fair to say that most Australians - in fact an equal proportion - still don't understand that it's going to mean a tax that will wash through every part of Australian life, every household, every small business.”