Jet-setting taskforce to consult people running emissions trading schemes in Europe and the US: The report would not outline any particular position developed by the 12-member joint government-business taskforce; instead it would outline the issues on which it believed a position be formed. The taskforce, headed by Dr Peter Shergold, the Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, comprised of high-profile members including the head of the Treasury, Dr Ken Henry, Peter Coates, of the mining company Xstrata, the managing director of the National Australia Bank, John Stewart, and the chairman of Qantas, Margaret Jackson. Some of the taskforce would be heading overseas next week to consult people running emissions trading schemes in Europe and the US. After earlier opposing a carbon-trading scheme, the Prime Minister had warmed to the idea in recent months, saying on 5 February that "market mechanisms including carbon pricing will be integral to any long-term response to climate change”. The taskforce would report to the Prime Minister in May.
The Canberra Times, 7/2/2007, p. 6