FED: Swan most appropriate minister on climate change: Rudd

AAP General News (Australia)
12-05-2007
FED: Swan most appropriate minister on climate change: Rudd

SYDNEY, Dec 5 AAP - Prime Minister Kevin Rudd says it is appropriate for the treasurer
rather than the environment minister to answer questions on climate change in parliament's
lower house.

The federal opposition has questioned Mr Rudd's confidence in Environment Minister
Peter Garrett after it was revealed Treasurer Wayne Swan will field questions on the issue
in the House of Representatives, rather than Mr Garrett.

As a senator, Climate Change and Water Minister Penny Wong is not available to answer
questions in the lower house.

Mr Rudd said today climate change was a huge economic challenge.

He said a lot of the work on an analysis of the impact of carbon targets on Australia
would be done by treasury.

"So it's entirely appropriate that the treasurer be the minister accountable in the
House of Representatives," he told Southern Cross Broadcasting.

Mr Rudd said Mr Garrett had a lot of work on his plate, particularly rolling out household
climate change mitigation measures, including solar and water efficiency programs.

"This is a massive area of responsibility where we made a whole lot of commitments
for the future," he said.

"Peter's going to have his hands full doing that together with the rest of the environment
and the arts portfolios."

Mr Rudd said Australia was capable of becoming a leader in bringing the world together
on climate change.

"We've had a bad record on climate change when it comes to the Kyoto ratification process,"

he said.

"We've now put that behind us.

"I believe we now need to do whatever we can to bridge the gap between the developed
and the developing world because right now that gap is huge."

Mr Rudd said he could not guarantee success.

India, China and developed nations including the US were fundamental to the agreement.

"It's tough, but the task we will be giving to our diplomats and our negotiators is
to make sure everything possible is done to secure an agreement," he said.

"Everyone has a stake in the future of the planet.

"If we fail in this task the people who will pay the price will be not our grandkids
but our kids."

AAP kd/was/sp

KEYWORD: CLIMATE RUDD

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