Fed: no Kyoto, no contracts, inquiry told

AAP General News (Australia)
02-13-2004
Fed: no Kyoto, no contracts, inquiry told

A Senate inquiry has heard conflicting claims about the business costs of Australia's
absence from the global greenhouse emissions protocol.

Some business groups say Australia's failure to sign the Kyoto protocol is costing
Australian companies contracts overseas.

Australian Institute of Energy spokesman MARTIN THOMAS has told the inquiry he has
a number of case studies showing foreign companies being favoured for renewable energy
contracts over Australian firms.

But Australian Business Council for Sustainable Energy executive director RIC BRAZZALE
claims there's been a scare campaign about the Kyoto protocol costing jobs.

He says the scare campaign doesn't seem to have substance -- but he also says signing
the protocol is the best option for Australia.

AAP RTV dep/sb/gjf/rt

KEYWORD: KYOTO AUST (CANBERRA)

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