I find it difficult to choose between the relentless idiocy Mr Flint and the occassional skerrick of common sense that he buggers up with his usual nonsense.

Actually, unusually nonsensical lines like "All we have left is mining and the talents of people in the private sector.." does make this beef farmer feel somewhat unloved.

Then again, the conservatives when in govt under their poorly negotiated US "F"Trade Agreement will keep the finest steaks from my finest steers off the USA market for the next 20 years (the best of my working life), so perhaps Mr Flint's mining & private sector comment offers as much an insight as it does a flippant observation.

That said, without wishing to agree with the Sov's self-appointed idiot prince, I do have grave suspicions about the proposed ETS and how it'll be reduced to observing a debate between 'experts' supported by various lobbying groups. In the end, I suspect it'll be farmers who'll have to carry the worst of any half-thought-out nonsense.

If I had my way, I'd put most people who don't catch their own water or grow their own food and put them on the B Ark, "Hitch Hikers Guide to the Galaxy" style, and launch you all deep into the cosmos.

Also, if I do have to listen to it all unfold, I would like to see the base of argument in support of an ETS strengthened to address what strikes me as its weakest presumption, that is, I think, that something of a "climate status quo" or "climate unchanging" is the norm. Afterwards, it might be easier to comprehend the more sophisticated modelling concerns, etc.

But hey, I'm just the bloke who plants the trees, the crops, grows your food and pays too much tax to support your lifestyles. What would I bloody know.

Simon Bedak
Wagga Wagga

Whether one agrees,or not, with all of David Flint's comments the fact remains that an ETS is unnecessary and there is absolutely no chance that China and India will participate anyway.

David Flint seems to have forgotten that the Australian Government is there to serve the PEOPLE (who vote) not a profit guarantee for business (who don’t vote I wonder why?).

Has anyone ever seen a plan forcing change that didn’t favour big business that didn't upset them?

One wonders why David didn't simply contribute to previous discussions on GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE. He offers no more than his unscientific if some what arrogantly put political opinions.
He seems to be behind the state of play as far as the evidence goes.
Pity he doesn’t watch the ABC and then check out stated facts.

I note that he believes head of OECD with his superior range of advisors isn’t “a serious commentator”.

As for “inheriting a rolled Gold economy and determined to roll it back” give us a break! Hasn’t he heard of the sub prime crisis (a crisis caused by corporate greed)?

Of all the articles I've read on this site this is the most worthless as it is simply a load of hyperbole worthy only of an Alan Jones rave to the great unwashed.

Even as a pitch for the Libs it’s so asinine (I’m sure) is an embarrassment to most of them.

At least other Liberals, even Malcolm Turnbull is more in touch with reality.

Mr Flint is seemingly out of touch and locked in some past era with Howard and their decayed perceptions.

David Flint is 100% right.No one on OLO will answer a very simple question of mine which undermines the whole basis of CO2 being responsible for AGW.In 2003 the new ice core research showed that CO2 follows the heating of the planet by some 800 yrs.Dr Christopher Scotese also found this out decades ago by studying fossils.They have found out that cause and effect happens in reverse.I have not heard one GW Cultist explain the reason for this.It makes a lie of their total hypothisis.

The AGW Cultists have but one simple policy,attack the dissenter,ignore the facts and repeat the mantra.They will not engage in any debate outside of the parameters dictated by them.It is "faite accompli",AGW is happening and you will have to take your ETS medicine even if it kills you!

Would love to hear Runners response or otherwise to Arjay

Kipp ,as you know so much and are so assured of AGW happening,do it yourself.Tell us why heating has caused the rise of CO2 ppm instead of the reverse. Your response is like 80%-90% of the pop.It is true because some authority told me so.You have not thought it out for yourself!

It is just a convienent hypothesis that fits into your socialist philosophy.Tax the life out of people who make a difference and reward the layabouts.