Federal Member for Lyne Rob Oakeshott has been challenged to a series of public debates on the carbon tax. Federal Member for Cowper Luke Hartsuyker has written to the Lyne MP seeking the debates because of concerns which had been raised with him by North Coast residents and businesses. “Julia Gillard told those MPs who support the carbon tax to get out there and sell the package,” Mr Hartsuyker said. “Well, as the Government’s representative in Lyne, Mr Oakeshott needs to explain why this carbon tax is good for our region,” Mr Hartsuyker said. “During a visit Port Macquarie and Wauchope last Tuesday and Wednesday, a number of people raised concerns about the carbon tax and questioned whether Mr Oakeshott was representing the best interests of his constituents. “I believe the people of Lyne and Cowper deserve to be heard and that’s why I’m proposing a series of debates across the North Coast. “The Port Panthers club has kindly agreed to host the first debate at a mutually convenient time. I propose that we select a date as soon as possible, with sufficient time allowed to promote the event. “In my view the Gillard/Greens/Independent carbon tax represents an assault on the standard of living of millions of Australians. It will drive up the cost of living for North Coast families and it will threaten many businesses. In the end it is going to cost local jobs. “I believe no effective member of parliament from a regional seat would support this tax which so discriminates against regional Australia. Mr Oakeshott has to explain why he is so intent on harming his electorate and the people who entrusted him with their vote. “North Coast communities deserve to be fully informed about this issue and a public debate would provide an appropriate forum. “These debates would also give Mr Oakeshott the opportunity to fulfil his promise to hold a forum explaining why he chose to back the Gillard Government in the first place.”
