Greens Deputy Leader Christine Milne said today that a 50% reduction in emissions by 2020 is now “outdated” – meaning the current 5% target must be considered by her as woefully inadequate.

Ms Milne has also previously indicated discussions in the so-called Multi-Party Climate Change Committee only proceeded after it was decided to defer consideration of the 2020 target.

“The number that the Greens and Labor have in their sights has been assiduously avoided because it will imply impacts on the cost of living that will make the imposts from a 5% target look like a picnic,” Senator Boswell said.

“This is especially the case given what Keith Orchison wrote today, which is that a 5% target is really a near 30% target, because to get to a 5% below 2000 emissions by 2020 we have to negate the estimated 160 million tonnes of  additional emissions that would otherwise occur through to 2020.

“And it is also significant because we had an authoritative estimate today that a $20 per tonne carbon price will be a big factor in a doubling of power prices in six years.

“Ms Milne has used the Climate Commission’s report to push the Greens barrow for big and rapid cuts in emissions, which would inevitably have to be coupled with a price per tonne way higher than $20.

“The Prime Minister has reasserted her determination to proceed with her carbon tax plan, using as a backdrop a report which says her current 5% target is woefully inadequate.

“Both should be frank with the Australian people and tell us, now, what their emissions reduction target for 2020 actually is.

“Without that, any announcement on the details of their carbon tax sometime in the next few weeks will be nigh on meaningless – and deceptive.

“What the Prime Minister and the Greens are obviously trying to do is to sneak their carbon tax in at a level they think is politically achievable - and then massively increase it, but only after the next election.”

ENDS