The chairman of coal to supermarkets conglomerate Wesfarmers (ASX: WES) has joined the BHP CEO in supporting the idea of a carbon tax but thinks Australia should wait for other countries to introduce a levy first.

Bob Every said reform to put a price on carbon in Australia was "inevitable" and expects it to happen in this term of parliament.

Debate on tackling emissions growth in Australia has focused up to now on the introduction of a cap-and-trade emissions scheme that limits the amount of carbon dioxide companies are allowed to vent.

Mr Every says a carbon tax, at an unspecified price, is preferable to an emissions trading scheme.

"I personally favour a carbon tax. Having just gone through the global financial crisis where there was too much use and misuse of derivatives, I don't see why we should produce another derivative," he said on a panel at The Australian & Deutsche Bank Business Leaders Forum in Sydney.

Mr Every said the Gillard government must be mindful of the consequences of any reform, and taking action before other countries would put "Australia beyond its station".

"I think we should take a careful and measured decision and do what's right for Australia.

"It's not like we're first - some countries are already doing it.

"I think we overstate our influence on the global environment if we think going first has an influence."