LATROBE VALLEY TO BENEFIT FROM CARBON TAX REPEAL
September 13, 2013
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester says the Latrobe Valley power generation industry, small businesses and local families will benefit from the Coalition repealing the carbon tax.
Mr Chester said the tax had created uncertainty within the community and undermined local jobs.
“The former Labor Government’s broken promise on the carbon tax led to a lack of business confidence throughout the Latrobe Valley,” Mr Chester said.
“Removing the tax will reduce the cost of living pressures and provide greater stability and certainty for the power industry and local business community in the long-term.”
Mr Chester said the Labor Party should support the removal of the tax.
“Some Labor MPs are already encouraging their colleagues to support the removal of the carbon tax,” Mr Chester said.
“Now it’s time for the rest of the Labor caucus to recognise the mandate of the new government and pass legislation that will repeal the tax once it’s introduced to Parliament.”
Incoming Minister for Environment Greg Hunt said the Coalition was committed to supporting the Latrobe Valley power industry along with investing in renewable energy research and adaptation.
“Along with axing structural adjustment programs, the Rudd Labor Government cut funding for the Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility,” Mr Hunt said.
“We will invest $9 million in the facility and believe it will provide significant support for communities looking to develop new energy technologies such as the Latrobe Valley.
“The Coalition also supports the Renewable Energy Target and Australian Renewable Energy Agency.
“We believe that they are the most appropriate mechanisms for supporting investment in renewable energy rather than the original Clean Energy Employment Hubs which was part of the Coalition’s policy at the previous election.”