The committee recommends that the government reconsider its proposed approach to how Australia can best contribute to a reduction in global greenhouse gas emissions.

On 25 June 2008, the Senate established the Senate Select Committee on Fuel and Energy (the committee) to inquire into and report on the impact of higher petroleum, diesel and gas prices and several related matters.

As the terms of reference are broad, the committee has decided to report in stages. This interim report addresses the following part of the inquiry's terms of reference:
The impact of an emissions trading scheme on the fuel and energy industry, including but not limited to:
(i) prices,
(ii) employment in the fuel and energy industries, and any related
adverse impacts on regional centres reliant on these industries,
(iii) domestic energy supply, and
(iv) future investment in fuel and energy infrastructure.