The Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA said the introduction of an emissions trading scheme could potentially present the biggest challenge to business and industry over the last 50 years, as it lodged its submission with the federal government today.
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA said the introduction of an emissions trading scheme could potentially present the biggest challenge to business and industry over the last 50 years, as it lodged its submission with the federal government today.
While CCIWA said it supports the ETS, it has urged the government to implement strategies to help business with the transition to the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme.
"Although it will be large emitters participating in the scheme, consideration needs to be given to the knock on affects on small and medium enterprises," CCIWA said in a statement.
The business organization reiterated its concerns that the timeline for the scheme's introduction is too short with the government aiming to start the scheme in 2010.
"Any climate change scheme must not harm the international competitiveness of Western Australia's energy intensive trade exposed industries," CCIWA said.
"It is small, medium and large businesses that are driving growth in the WA economy by investing, generating wealth and creating jobs.
"Any scheme that undermines business confidence and competitiveness is not in the national interest."
The government's emissions trade scheme has come under fire from various business and industry groups, with oil and gas company Woodside Petroleum Ltd leading the charge.
The oil and gas company have previously said it would pass on any lift in costs to consumers and more recently said it would slash spending on its Browse Basin liquefied natural gas project.
An independent think tank last month said WA stands to lose $159 million a year should the ETS be introduced.
Below is the full announcement by CCIWA:
The introduction of an emissions trading scheme presents possibly the most significant challenge faced by Australian business and industry in the last 50 years. For that reason, it's essential that the Federal Government not rush its introduction and risk damaging the State's and the Nation's economies.
The State's peak business organisation, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia, supports the introduction of an emissions trading scheme, but believes strategies are needed to help business with the transition to an emissions reduction scheme.
Although it will be large emitters participating in the scheme, consideration needs to be given to the knock on affects on small and medium enterprises.
CCI's response to the Federal Government's proposed Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme is contained in a detailed submission lodged today.
CCI remains concerned that the proposed timeline for the introduction of the scheme is too short, and seeks careful planning to help business and industry meet their obligations.
The proposed introduction of a Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme in just over 12 months presents significant risks to business and industry.
The Federal Government has set itself a tight timeline in which to develop the new laws and supporting regulations which are due to commence in 2010. CCI believes this won't give business and industry enough time to determine if they will be affected by the scheme, and if so, what action they need to take to lower their emissions.
Any climate change scheme must not harm the international competitiveness of Western Australia's energy intensive trade exposed industries. It is small, medium and large businesses that are driving growth in the WA economy by investing, generating wealth and creating jobs.
Any scheme that undermines business confidence and competitiveness is not in the national interest.
Continued investment in and expansion of these industries is critical to Western Australia's economic growth and the Nation's prosperity.
CCI urges the Federal Government to respect the importance of Western Australian industry when determining the final design of the scheme.
CCI looks forward to continue working with the Federal Government on the development of a Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme.
