July 17, 2014
The repeal of the carbon tax will reduce cost of living pressure for families, assist small businesses and farmers and help to provide job security in Gippsland and Latrobe Valley, according to Federal MP Darren Chester.
“The Nationals, as part of a Coalition Government, led the charge to oppose the carbon tax and we have delivered on behalf of regional families and businesses,” he said.
“Treasury modelling estimates that scrapping the carbon tax will save the average household around $550 a year and all businesses will benefit from lower energy prices, particularly the dairy sector and other energy-intensive industries.
“The Government’s consumer watchdog, the ACCC, has also been given extra funding and powers to ensure that carbon tax savings are passed on to consumers.”
Mr Chester said reducing the cost burden on businesses would make Australian exports more competitive on world markets and help to provide job security in regional areas.
“I’ve listened to many residents concerned about how this unfair tax has imposed a real cost burden on households and local industries, placing them at a competitive disadvantage,” Mr Chester said.
“The carbon tax was a $9 billion a year hit on the economy which cost jobs and undermined our nation’s growth.
“Repealing the carbon tax will also provide certainty and give the business sector greater confidence to invest in regions like the Latrobe Valley which have been hit by the Labor-Greens focus on vilifying fossil fuel use.”
Mr Chester said the repeal was an important part of the government’s plan to build a stronger economy and create more jobs.
“It’s also important we fix the Budget mess left by Labor and continue to reduce red tape while building the infrastructure we need, like the Princes Highway duplication between Traralgon and Sale,” he said.
“There’s much more to do, but removing the world’s biggest carbon tax is a positive step for Gippsland and it will help to build a stronger national economy.”
