Carbon Tax
The Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS) better known to many people as the Carbon Pollution Rewards Scheme is deeply flawed and will not have a chance of getting through Parliament as it is opposed by those on the Right (Liberals) as well as the Left (Greens).
However, there is a chance of getting some movement on tackling climate change as an important issue in the lead-up to this year's federal election as the Government is seriously considering supporting the Greens 'Carbon Tax'. A straw poll by those that know say it will get through the Senate if the Govt. decide to run with it. This tax is proposed as an interim measure being a flat carbon tax of $23/tonne for the first year of operation and then increasing by a percentage each year thereafter. The tax could merge into a better designed CPRS scheme or a fully designed Carbon tax scheme at a later date if wanted. As such it has the beauty of flexibility, as well as kick-starting the process of Australia doing something about climate change. It is also acknowledged that for the carbon tax to be a true disincentive to polluters the price would need to be about $100-$120/tonne- however even at the low starting base of $23/tonne it would provide the Government with $10 billion dollars in revenue annually; half of which would go back to working families, poor etc. and the remainder into renewable investment or Overseas Aid etc.Importantly, there is only a small window of time in which this possibility can be realised because politically if it is not introduced before the next election the reality is it will not be introduced at all. What can we do:In order for this opportunity to be realised, it is imperative that individuals contact their MP (email, phone or better, in person) to urge them to support this bill. The very real danger is this bill will not see the light of day unless the community (read you!) demand it!! Please get active; visit your MP and take a friend along as well.