MARKUS WARNS THAT CARBON TAX WILL RESULT IN MORE PAIN
11-July-2011
Louise Markus MP, Federal Member for Macquarie has warned that a Carbon Tax will just result in more pain and higher prices for local families.
“The Carbon Tax means a $515 a year hit on the cost of living,” Mrs Markus said. “It means a 10% hike on electricity bills and a 9% hike in gas bills. That is just in the first year. The Carbon Tax also means a $4.3 billion hit on the budget’s bottom line.
“The Labor – Green Carbon Tax will drive up prices in Macquarie, threaten jobs and do nothing for the environment.
“Middle income families in our area will be worse off under Gillard’s carbon tax. For example, a local policeman and a nurse each earning $70,000 a year with one dependent child will be on average $230 a year worse off even after compensation. That’s just for starters. Should this couple do some extra shifts and each earn an extra $5,000 a year, that bill will increase to $528. These parents, trying to get ahead and provide for their families will be penalised by Julia Gillard’s carbon tax.
“Local families are already worried about cost of living increases, and are in no mood for further price rises from local businesses that are already struggling to cope. Tough trading conditions mean that small businesses are on tight margins and have little capacity to simply absorb cost increases.
“I have spoken to pensioners and self funded retirees in Macquarie and share their concerns that their children and grandchildren face a reduced standard of living thanks to this tax.
“Pensioners and self funded retirees will see the rising cost of living as not only will their electricity and gas be more expensive but so will all the products of daily life, food, water, transport and health.
“Every time a local resident turns on their TV, their heater, their air-conditioner, opens their fridge the carbon tax is going to be paid.
“Self funded retirees who do not hold a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card will not receive any of the extra government payments. That means local Australians who have saved and sacrificed to fund themselves in retirement and do not rely on the taxpayer will be dramatically worse off.
“Small Business in our area has been left to fend for itself as the Gillard Labor government ignores this segment under its carbon tax plan.
“Jobs will be threatened because the Carbon Tax will push up the price of electricity, gas transport and food. This will place extra cost burdens on already struggling businesses. It will make local products more expensive and less competitive.
“There are three certainties under this government – it always taxes, it always wastes and it always deceives.
“My commitment to our local residents is that I will do everything in my power to stop this toxic tax.
“The Coalition’s Direct Action Plan is a strong and effective policy that will reduce carbon emissions by 5% by 2020 without a new tax. The Direct Action Plan is costed, capped and fully funded from savings to the budget.
“The Coalition believes Australia has a great future. We want to rebuild hope, reward and opportunity for local residents.
“Julia Gillard has betrayed the Australian people. Six days prior to the last election, she said ‘there will be no carbon tax under the government I lead’. The day before the election she said ‘I rule out a carbon tax’. The Australian people deserve a say on the carbon tax. It should not be introduced before the next election.
“The Gillard Government is the most incompetent government in Australia’s history. Having mishandled roof batts, border protection, Building the Education Revolution and the live cattle industry, this government cannot be trusted with a $9 billion new tax.
“Suggestions that the debate on a Carbon Tax is over shows just how out of touch Labor is with the local community, How out of touch they are with the seniors, families, small business owners and the majority of residents who do not want a Carbon Tax.
“Voters have given the carbon tax the thumbs down, with 68% saying it will leave them worse off and 63% calling for Gillard to bring on an early election. Galaxy Poll - the first major survey since the release of the carbon tax package - also found 60% of voters opposed the tax, 29% in favour, 11% undecided. Only 10% of voters said they would be better off and only 28% believe Gillard has a mandate to introduce the tax without holding another election
“All residents deserve a say on the carbon tax. It should not be introduced before the next election.