North Coast families to be hit hard by Rudd Government carbon tax on goods and services

July 16 2008

North Coast families will be hit hard by rises in the cost of living as a result of the Rudd Government’s Emission Trading Scheme, The Nationals’ Federal Member for Cowper, Luke Hartsuyker, said today

Mr Hartsuyker said pensioners, retirees and low income families would be worst affected by increases in the cost of utilities and groceries.

 

“Last year Kevin Rudd told the Australian people that he would put downward pressure on fuel prices and downward pressure of on the cost of living.

 

“Today, he has released details of scheme which will have severe impacts on the most vulnerable in our community.

 

“There are already projections that the price of electricity will rise by around 16 per cent, but Mr Rudd has not told the Australian people how much compensation they will receive from the Government.

 

“Many North Coast families are already struggling with rises in the cost of living and Mr Rudd is going to put these people under further pressure.

 

“The Prime Minister has been very cunning in the way he has introduced these measures. For example he has delayed increases in the tax on petrol until after the next election.

 

“And trucks will also be eligible for the offset but this will be reviewed after just one year.

 

“The Coalition has a clear policy on this. That is - any increase the cost of fuel as a result of an ETS will be offset by a decrease in the fuel excise.

 

“Mr Rudd needs to spell out to all Australians what his long term policy of fuel will be.  He must come clean on the detail so that Australians know what they are going to be expected to pay.”

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