Labor has learnt nothing in opposition
29th April, 2016
The Federal Member for Wide Bay and former Deputy Prime Minister, Warren Truss, says Labor’s plan to re-introduce a Carbon Tax and massively increase electricity prices shows Labor has learned nothing from their three years in opposition. “The residents of Wide Bay should fear a return of a Labor government as it will mean a return of the carbon tax “ this time without any compensation for industry, pensioners, retirees or low income earners,” Mr Truss said.
“In addition, Labor’s plan to close low cost coal-fired power stations and replace them with more wind farms is likely to increase electricity costs by more than 70 per cent. These electricity price increases will make manufacturing even less competitive in Australia costing thousands of jobs in energy intensive industries. The cost of irrigation will be prohibitive for farmers, denying them the opportunity to supply the lucrative new markets created by Australia’s free trade agreements.
“The Coalition is tackling climate change without burdening low income earners and industry with extra costs through a Direct Action Plan that delivers practical changes at the local level. Initiatives like the Emissions Reduction Fund, the Green Army and Twenty Million Trees will help the government achieve low cost emissions reduction targets.
“Through the Emissions Reduction Fund 92.8 million tonnes of emissions reductions have been contracted at less than 1% of the cost of Labor’s carbon tax. As this continues, the nation is on track to beat the 2020 target by 78 million tonnes.
“Labor is proposing to double the commitment made by the Government in Paris last year to reduce emissions. By doubling the emissions target, the cost of energy and electricity will also have to increase significantly. Industry will desert Australia and move to countries which do not artificially increase energy costs”
“Labor has also already announced its intention to declare war on farmers who need to manage vegetation on their properties, commercial fishermen, miners, truck owner operators, rental housing owners, investors and superannuants. They have learnt nothing from the disastrous Rudd/Gillard/Rudd years.”
