After a week of political turmoil, Mr Oakeshott said he would be continuing to advocate for action on climate change.

“If we work our way through the ‘gates of logic’ on this issue, I can see how and why the Liberals’ John Howard and the Nationals’ Mark Vaile first proposed an ETS, and I can now see why Labor’s Kevin Rudd continues with it,” Mr Oakeshott said.

“In my view, the majority of peer-reviewed science does indicate a human-based influence on the climate and I am happy to provide the relevant documents to anyone who still has any doubts on this.

“If we are on the same page regarding this question of human influence, then logically we are obliged to respond.

“As I see it, the three options for a response to human-induced climate change are: firstly, to do nothing; secondly, to put in place a publicly owned response such as a carbon tax (like a doubling of the GST); or thirdly, to engage the private sector through an emissions trading framework.

“In my view, a ‘do nothing’ response places too great a risk on future generations, while a carbon tax places too great a cost on the community and I therefore believe a market-based response is the most sensible way forward to deal with this human influence on the climate.

“I would ask all people to have a good think and research their views on this, and I am happy to provide any peer-reviewed science that may assist in this thinking.

“Those who are opposed to an ETS must answer the question of what response they would take, and how they justify doing nothing, or taxing the pockets out of people.”

Mr Oakeshott said the Parliament would be dealing with almost 300 amendments to the CPRS legislation yesterday, although none of them changed the fundamental concepts of what had already been presented.

“So later in the week, I will outline the final package for everyone, and will make the full package available to all,” he said.

“The politics is all pretty fluid at the moment, with leadership issues wrapped up in policy issues. It is therefore, in my view, best to wait until the middle of next week to then present the full, detailed package to the community of the Mid North Coast, including most importantly where the opportunities for the region lie ahead.”