Opposition slams 'citizens' assembly'

The opposition says the PM's proposed citizens' assembly on climate change is a waste of time.

AAP

FEDERAL opposition environment spokesman Greg Hunt has slammed the government's proposal to establish a "citizens' assembly" on climate change as a waste of time.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard will on Friday unveil the government's climate change policy, which will include plans to involve a representative range of Australians to investigate the science of climate change and emissions trading.

"This is clearly a waste of time and the reason why it's a waste of time is either the government knows what it wants to do or it doesn't," Mr Hunt told ABC Radio on Friday.

"It's a complete failure of leadership, a complete failure of belief and a complete carbon cop out," Mr Hunt said.

The coalition has proposed a $3.2 billion "direct action" plan over four years to reduce emissions, largely through capturing carbon and storing it in soil and trees.

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