REPEALING the carbon price is an act of policy vandalism, according to Mid North Coast climate action group Climate Change Australia (CCA).
The group says the government is being fiscally irresponsible, economically stupid and showing dreadful ignorance about what is needed for effective climate policy.
CCA president Harry Creamer says the repeal of the so-called carbon tax represents a dismal policy failure and the government should be condemned for its complete lack of wisdom and vision on this issue.
“Australia is going from leader to laggard on climate policy. We are looking at the possibility that Australia will become a rogue state, penalised for having no climate policies,” Mr Creamer said.
“The fact is the price on carbon is working to reduce emissions in the sectors covered, and comes at little cost. About $3 a week in electricity prices, $2 a week in gas prices and another $4 in everything else – less than $10 a week per family, to reduce Australia’s carbon emissions. Half of the revenue raised goes on a compensation package for families.
“Promises of savings to families and businesses will amount to little. Power companies will attempt to hold onto price gains they’ve made and other sectors will disguise any savings rather than pass them on. Power price promises will not be met nor will exaggerated claims of job creation, because the actual impact of the carbon price is so small.”
Mr Creamer says the CCA sees climate change as not just a challenge, but an opportunity.
He said the government’s childish obsession with axing the tax was not shared by a majority of Australians, according to recent polling.
