A report released last week said that carbon pricing is Australia's cheapest, most effective way to cut pollution. The report, by Australia's Productivity Commission, assessed how nine major economies were taking climate change action and was requested by Prime Minister Gillard to deflect political opposition to her plan. "The consistent finding from this study is that much lower cost abatement could be achieved through broad, explicitly carbon pricing approaches, irrespective of the policy settings in competitor economies," the report said. The commission did not recommend a starting price for a carbon tax, saying that its study found it difficult to calculate a comparable international figure. However, Independent MP Tony Windsor welcomed the report, and Treasurer Wayne Swan said it should put to rest fears that Australia would be disadvantaged by action on climate, as other nations are undertaking carbon abatement initiatives. "The report shows that Australia is in no danger of acting alone," Swan said. ''Far from it. We're in danger of falling behind." Opposition leader Tony Abbott said that imposing a carbon scheme would be an "economic self harm by Australia," as the report showed that no other nation had an economy-wide emissions trading scheme. For the full story, seehttp://www.reuters.com/article/2011/06/09/us-australia-carbon-idUSTRE7580GE20110609. For Australian politician's responses, seehttp://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/national/national/general/carbon-price-closer-on-windsors-nod/2191305.aspx?storypage=0. For an analysis on the costs of and barriers to implementing a scheme, seehttp://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/commentary/australia-at-the-high-end-when-it-comes-to-emissions-abatement-costs/story-e6frgd0x-1226073265305. For a story on a camel-culling offset program announced two weeks ago, seehttp://www.reuters.com/article/2011/06/02/us-australia-carbon-camels-idUSTRE7512FA20110602.