The NSW Government has defended regional water services, simultaneously revealed that 'hundreds' of Sydney-siders have accidentally drunk recycled water and rejected draft Productivity Commission recommendations on water pricing and restrictions.
Even carbon price critics have generally greeted the new package with silent or grumbling acceptance, while a $10 starting price risked causing 'complete dislocation', Greens Deputy Leader Christine Milne has told CE Daily.
Lamenting Parliament's 2009 'Maxwell Smart' moment, Prime Minister Julia Gillard has touted the new carbon package as a chance to use a new tax on pollution 'to cut an old tax on work'.
Despite over-compensating some companies, the carbon package allows Australia to meet the full range of its 2020 targets, says a Climate Institute analysis of its strengths and weaknesses.
Walker Corporation will go to the NSW Court of Criminal Appeal to challenge a $200,000 fine for illegal clearing, as it faces a separate NSW Land and Environment Court prosecution alleging the same offence.
The Government fought hard to retain and even improve industry assistance levels and 'the time for the queue at the door pleading for more has passed', Climate Change Minister Greg Combet has told CE Daily.