Julia Gillard's unnecessary and costly $9 billion tax will hit families in Bradfield

“The Labor/Greens carbon tax will drive up prices, threaten jobs and do nothing for the environment,” Paul Fletcher, Federal Member for Bradfield said today.

“The reality is that in the absence of action by the major emitting nations, for Australia to act unilaterally will not deliver any environment benefit,” Mr Fletcher said.

“But it is clear this tax will do economic harm. Australia’s forgotten families are already struggling and the carbon tax will make a bad situation worse with a $515 a year hit on their cost of living.” 

The carbon tax means:

·         a $9 billion a year new tax.

·         a 10% hike in electricity bills in the first year alone.

·         a 9% percent hike in gas bills in the first year alone.

·         higher marginal tax rates for low and middle income earners.

·         a $4.3 billion hit on the budget bottom line.

 “While Labor claims that the increased cost of living will be offset by tax cuts, the average taxpayer in Bradfield can expect zero benefit from the tax cuts based on the most recent Tax Office statistics,” Mr Fletcher said.

 “This go-it-alone carbon tax will also impose a heavy cost on Australian industries that their overseas competitors will not face. Australian jobs will be sent offshore for no environmental gain. It will push up the price of electricity, gas, transport and food. Small businesses in Bradfield will face increased costs, with no direct support.”

Media Contact – Georgia-Kate Schubert 02 9465 3950 or 0414 210216