One of the main groups representing Australia’s business community has called the Federal Government’s plan to bring forward an Emissions Trading Scheme “flawed”, “rushed” and called for the Productivity Commission to get involved.

The Business Council of Australia would like to see a smooth transition in carbon policy, which does not too heavily impact their figures.  

In a statement this week, Business Council of Australia (BCA) Chief Executive Jennifer Westacott said; “more work needs to be done to address the high cost Australia is paying now to reduce its emissions... lowering the carbon price is an urgent priority but the fact remains, as a result of government policy, businesses are still likely to be paying one of the highest carbon prices in the world for up to another year... rushing to a flawed emissions trading scheme in isolation from a proper debate about national energy policy will not be effective in Australia contributing to reducing global carbon emissions.”

The BCA believe the planned emissions trading scheme does not include the critical safeguards necessary to maintain industry competitiveness, or to ensure Australia’s action remains in line with the rest of the world. It says in the time between now and when the changes take effect on July 1, 2014 the Productivity Commission should be asked to step in and advise one the best way to lower the carbon price without impacting businesses.

“We should ask the Productivity Commission to advise on the most effective approach to achieve a competitive, low emissions economy,” Ms Westacott said, “a Productivity Commission review would enable an independent assessment of emissions reduction policies, including whether an emissions trading scheme is the best approach in the absence of progress on international negotiations to date.”