Australia under a carbon price plan: Q+A with Ross Garnaut. Get the facts ahead of tomorrow's introduction of a carbon price

What should the Government focus on next to reduce emissions in an economically responsible manner? The first step is to make this system work. The scheme contains a number of mechanisms for adjustment over time as international circumstances change. The first is the linking to international markets, which occurs in 2015, and which will link our carbon price to international carbon prices, with a floor for the first three years. The second is the adjustment of the targets. There are automatic mechanisms established within the policy for targets to be adjusted in line with international developments. At the centre of the mechanisms will be the advice from an independent climate change authority. Targets recommended by the authority will have to be considered by the parliament of the day. One would expect that if the authority develops standing within the polity, if it establishes a strong reputation for independence and professional strength, then its recommendations will be highly influential. See full Article.