Australians have proven over the years that we are quite inventive. We are world leaders in some technologies and often take a leadership role in political matters, particularly those in our neighbourhood. When it comes to the world climate talks in Copenhagen, we could have arrived being world leaders in taking action – instead, we are no different to most other nations, we are looking for someone else to take the lead so we can follow.

I don’t know if the Rudd Governments plans are right or wrong. What I do know is that some form of action was being planned. Going to Copenhagen and waiting to see what everyone else does as the Abbott wants, really makes us look quite weak. What is worse, every other nation is doing just that – waiting to see what everyone else does. Going in with legislation in place could have been a starting point for more action – instead – we, and our children, are left with nothing.