1. What is the difference between your plan and that of the Green Party?
Answer
TOP and The Greens share the same aim of a zero carbon economy by 2050, however TOP wants to get there in the most efficient way possible. We want to use a price mechanism – the Emissions Trading Scheme – to incentivise change. The price of carbon will rise to reflect the challenge we have in reducing our emissions as per the 2030 target. The revenue generated will be redirected into growing trees (particularly on erosion prone land) and improving energy efficiency in households and businesses.
By contrast the Greens are suggesting a carbon tax (with a fixed price, which will be less effective at changing behaviour) and will return all revenue in tax cuts.