Plan to legislate a carbon price within 3 months of election

Australian Greens Leader Bob Brown and Deputy Leader Christine Milne today announced a 5 point plan for rapid government action on climate change and a legislated carbon price soon after the election.

Senator Brown said he wrote last night to PM Julia Gillard with the proposal.

"This is breakthrough politics - the Greens are opening a new door to a new Prime Minister for new action on climate change," said Senator Brown.

"It incorporates a stay on the deadlock issue of emissions targets with a go-ahead on a 'carbon price' as flagged by Prime Minister Gillard in her first press conference last Thursday."

The new Greens' plan promotes an end to polluting coal-fired power, a national energy efficiency target and an end to clearance of native forests and woodlands.

Senator Brown looks forward to talks with Prime Minister Gillard on this issue.

"With the mining boom tax under review, so should be the unmet need for a carbon price," said Senator Brown.

"We understand that the government is set to announce new solar and wind projects, but Australia's business sector needs a carbon price for forward planning and now is the time for government to send that signal.

"The public will understand that after a Gillard-won election, there will be two Senate options on climate change: a Labor- Greens compact or a Labor-Coalition compact. 

"I don't think Australians want a repeat of the latter - especially with Mr Abbott in control."