http://www.pmc.gov.au/climate_change/emissions/early_action/

There are two things that the discussion paper discusses. One (in my words) is how to deal with the risk that free allocation of permits to big polluters (coal fired generators and â??trade exposed energy intensive industriesâ??) will provide a perverse incentive to not decrease emissions before trading starts to take place. In the words of the discussion paper â??there is a risk that further abatement may be delayed if firms are uncertain about permit allocation rules, particularly how their own emissions may impact on future decisions as to whether, and to what extent, they are eligible to receive a free allocation of permits.â??

The discussion paper also discusses possible ways to encourage abatement prior to the scheme taking place through activities such as offsets etc.

I am not going to say anything….

However, a report from The Sunday Herald Sun in Melbourne reads differently. To quote:

“according to veteran political journalist Laurie Oakes, it’s the Liberal Party who are actually the source of the “fact sheet”.”

Whoever is the source of the “dirt”, one thing is for sure: We’re getting more attention on political dirt than policy debate. Personally, I’m sick of hearing about who visited some strippers or who visisted a gay venue.

The closer I get to trying to “mature” my political perspective, the more I understand how much attention to deal that requires against the time and space I have to develop it…..and…..just how much free space and time our so-called professional politicans and media must have to be able to “indulge” in so much “immature” dirt.

After hearing a week of the deeply divided American radio talkback while on holiday recently, I can quickly identify pertinent points that are made in the following article from The Age about The Future of The Australian Democrats

Consider this quote from The Age article:

“Fielding owes his Senate seat to chance.

To stay there, he has to do whatever it takes to get his name into the media and build up his profile.

The alternative is to do what the people who voted for him hoped he would do and spend more time scrutinising legislation before the Senate than trying to get his name in the papers.”

However, the Senator Fielding is not alone in taking this approach. Everyone it seems, except the Democrats, are following the same formula.

Right now, it would seem the only things that matter are issues that make headlines. I returned to Australia last week to find a “desperate political situation” that’s just as out of control as the one you find in the United States.

Already, The Democrats have got my Senate vote, even if just to protest against the current conduct of the other parties.

…From Justin (go the Mighty Melbourne Storm!)