BusinessNZ has released a report exposing reasons for exercising caution in making assessments about the relative stringency of Australia’s carbon pricing policy versus the New Zealand ETS.

The report, prepared for BusinessNZ by Frazer Lindstrom and Castalia, examines Australia’s carbon pricing policy and what it means for NZ business.

BusinessNZ Chief Executive Phil O’Reilly says the Australian scheme announcement is welcome. However, there’s a significant amount of water to go under the bridge before any changes are made to the New Zealand scheme because of the Australian proposals.

“The report is an initial high level assessment that highlights some important issues to be considered when comparing the two schemes.

“Let’s take time before jumping to conclusions based on headline carbon prices.”