Asia-Pacific

Australian PM urged to force action on climate change

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-01-26 14:56

CANBERRA: Climate change adviser Professor Ross Garnaut said on Tuesday that Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd should call a double dissolution election to force action on climate change.

The government is expected to re-introduce its emissions trading legislation when Parliament resumes sitting next week, Australian Broadcasting Corporation Radio said.

It was blocked twice last year by the Opposition and crossbenches, meaning the government has a double dissolution trigger, but it has so far indicated that it is reluctant to use it.

Australian Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has vowed never to support the scheme and crossbench senators also refused to vote in favor.

Garnaut said it is unlikely parliament will support the legislation, so the government should consider calling a double dissolution election.

"One would have to say at the moment, there's not much prospect for this parliament, so it will take a double dissolution election," he told the radio.

"I think that there should be support for the government if it presses ahead with the double dissolution, but obviously it's got lots of calculations to make there."