The per capita statisitic is such a furphy as the reality is Australia generates very little of the worlds total CO2, which after all is the problem,
In terms of implementing a solution, the per capita statistic is valid, because the solution needs to come from government. Therefore it must be political. There will be a short-term cost, that will ultimately be borne by citizens.
How can the world persuade China (which contributes 25% of emissions) to improve their game, when they can just point at Australia and say that we are worse than they are?