ID :
212397
Wed, 10/12/2011 - 12:48
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/212397
The shortlink copeid
Oppn to repeal tax as first priority: Hunt
SYDNEY (AAP) - Oct 12 - One of the federal coalition's first moves in government will be to repeal the carbon tax, opposition climate changes spokesman Greg Hunt maintains.
The pledge comes as the lower house on Wednesday passed the government's 18 carbon tax bills - a crucial step in becoming a reality given the Senate's approval is all but assured.
Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has promised to get rid of the tax if the coalition wins government, with Mr Hunt adding it would be a top priority.
"We will move as the first order of business of the new government to put in place legislation to repeal the carbon tax and put in action our direct action plan," he told Sky News.
Treasurer Wayne Swan has said Labor will back the carbon tax even in opposition but Mr Hunt was equally committed to its demise.
"(The government) won't stand in the way of a repeal (but) if they do, we will go to a double dissolution."
Meanwhile, Climate Change Minister Greg Combet said having the bills pass the lower house was significant.
"This is a big one, but we are only part way through it of course," he said.
"But it's not until it's gone through parliament that I can refocus on implementation."
Mr Combet dismissed criticism that the $23 price per tonne has been set too high, arguing fixing the price for three years provide stability for businesses.
The pledge comes as the lower house on Wednesday passed the government's 18 carbon tax bills - a crucial step in becoming a reality given the Senate's approval is all but assured.
Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has promised to get rid of the tax if the coalition wins government, with Mr Hunt adding it would be a top priority.
"We will move as the first order of business of the new government to put in place legislation to repeal the carbon tax and put in action our direct action plan," he told Sky News.
Treasurer Wayne Swan has said Labor will back the carbon tax even in opposition but Mr Hunt was equally committed to its demise.
"(The government) won't stand in the way of a repeal (but) if they do, we will go to a double dissolution."
Meanwhile, Climate Change Minister Greg Combet said having the bills pass the lower house was significant.
"This is a big one, but we are only part way through it of course," he said.
"But it's not until it's gone through parliament that I can refocus on implementation."
Mr Combet dismissed criticism that the $23 price per tonne has been set too high, arguing fixing the price for three years provide stability for businesses.
