THE HON GREG COMBET AM MP
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency
Minister for Industry and Innovation
THE HON MARK DREYFUS QC MP
Cabinet Secretary
Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency
Parliamentary Secretary for Industry and Innovation
JOINT MEDIA STATEMENT
ELECTION DATE SOUNDS DEATH KNELL FOR DIRECT ACTION
The Prime Minister's announcement today will put renewed focus on the Coalition's lack of credibility when it comes to climate change.
Australians now have a choice between the Gillard Government's Clean Energy Future plan, which is already cutting carbon pollution and cleaning up Australia's economy, and Tony Abbott's discredited Direct Action scheme.
Direct Action has been described accurately by Malcolm Turnbull as a "con" and a "figleaf to cover a determination to do nothing." Independent costings of Direct Action or similar schemes have put the cost to taxpayers at between $48 billion and $100 billion.
Carbon pricing is a manageable economic and environmental reform which is stimulating investment in renewable energy and cutting Australia's greenhouse gas emissions.
Carbon price revenue is funding increases in pensions, increases in Family Tax Benefits and tax cuts for millions of Australian families. It has meant nearly one million Australians no longer have to file an income tax return.
It is also supporting Australian jobs and Australian industry to invest in clean energy.
This is a progressive Labor reform, in line with advice from reputable economists and scientists.
Against this, the Coalition has maintained its absurd Direct Action policy, which struggles to maintain support even among Mr Abbott's own frontbench.
With nearly eight months until Election Day, Tony Abbott must answer a series of questions:
- How can he meet Australia's minimum five per cent emissions reduction target?
- How much will Direct Action really cost taxpayers to subsidise polluters?
- Will he cut the age pension?
- Will he hike taxes and cut benefits for 9 out of 10 Australian families?
- Will he claw back billions of dollars of investment in Australian industry?
We will continue to hold Tony Abbott and the Coalition to account until Election Day.
WEDNESDAY, 30 JANUARY 2013
