FEDERAL climate change Minister Greg Combet told a Gippsland conference today they should not fear the proposed carbon scheme.

He referred to the Labor Government's reduction of tariffs in the 1980s as policy which brought significant change and benefited the economy. 

"We have a resilient economy and community," Mr Combet said in Morwell.

"We are intelligent people with a capacity to embrace change."

He rubbished the idea of using trade protectionist policies to assist trade exposed industries.

Instead said it was "common sense" to offer these industries assistance to transition to use less carbon.

"The Government aims to use a substantial part of the revenue (from the carbon scheme) to support these industries," he said.

He reiterated farming would be exempt from the carbon scheme but said the Carbon Farming Initiative legislation, currently waiting to be debated in the parliament, has been altered following feedback from the sector.

"The Carbon Farming Initiative allows for farmers and foresters to earn an alternative income."

Mr Combet also confirmed at the Gippsland carbon event the details of the Government's policy will be released in July.

About 35 anti-government and anti-carbon tax protestors attended the event holding placards demanding to meet with Mr Combet, but the rally started after the minister had already departed.