In a key message, the ACA said it supported the concept of an effective emissions trading scheme for Australia, “but it must take into account the actions of other countries so Australian exports and jobs are not simply transferred offshore”

While Opposition Leader Malcolm Turnbull has said the scheme needed amendments to get Coalition approval, the Australian newspaper has reported the Rudd government is considering moves to double compensation to the coal industry to $A1.5 billion in order to protect jobs.

The newspaper also funded a poll revealing that 41% of the 1201 respondents felt the federal government should introduce the CPRS now and not wait for the Copenhagen climate conference in December.

Only 8% of respondents were firmly against the introduction of the CPRS while 45% believed Australia should only introduce the legislation after learning what other countries will commit to at the Copenhagen conference.

Some 6% were undecided on the issue, according to the poll, while the newspaper reported that 61% of respondents in a poll last year wanted Australia to act as soon as possible on the scheme.

In reference to the independent research taken to estimate the potential cost of the CPRS, the ACA has previously said the scheme’s cost to the coal mining industry would amount to some $A14.5 billion over 10 years.

The Senate vote is expected on August 13.

If the legislation is blocked one more time in the Senate within three months of the August vote, the government will be able to call a double dissolution and therefore call an early federal election.