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Comment (Federal Opposition Leader Brendan Nelson has dismissed suggestions that not including petrol in a trading emissions scheme, would send the wrong signal.
Economist Professor Ross Garnaut has recommended that transport fuels be included in any emissions trading scheme that the Federal Government adopts.
His draft report on climate change released yesterday raises concerns about Opposition calls for the excise petrol to be cut, saying it sends the wrong message about the need to ultimately reduce consumption.
But Dr Nelson has hit back, defending his stance, and denying he is appealing for votes at the expense of the environment.
"We've got motorists that are bleeding at $1.70 a litre for petrol," he said.
"If Mr Rudd has a plan to put a further tax on that, to increase the price of petrol, that will significantly throw many Australian motorists and families over the financial edge."
Dr Nelson says Australia must be part of a global agreemen...
