November 9, 2011
Labor and the Greens are yet to come up with a plan for Latrobe Valley workers and their families despite conspiring to pass the ‘carbon tax’ legislation through the Senate yesterday.
The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said the passing of the legislation completes the Gillard Government’s betrayal of regional communities.
Mr Chester said the Prime Minister made a fundamental breach of trust when she declared ‘there will be no carbon tax under a government I lead’ before the last election and had ignored the full impacts of the legislation on the Latrobe Valley community.
He said Latrobe Valley families and small businesses will be hit hard when the carbon tax commences on July 1, 2012.
“The Gillard Government, the Greens and Independent MPs have ignored the full impacts the carbon tax will have on regional communities like the Latrobe Valley,” Mr Chester said.
“It will cascade through the Latrobe Valley economy like a toxic waterfall, costing jobs in the power generation sector with flow-on impacts to hurt supporting industries and small business.
“Families will also bear the brunt of price increases to household essentials such as electricity and groceries.”
Mr Chester said the Gillard Government had already begun closure talks with Latrobe Valley power generators without releasing a plan to support local jobs.
“The owners of Yallourn, Hazelwood and Energy Brix have all expressed interest under the ‘Contract for Closure’ scheme but there is no support plan in place to protect or replace local jobs if these power stations do close down,” Mr Chester said.
“People in the Latrobe Valley don’t want a household assistance package. They want the decency of a job and security for their family.”
Mr Chester said the Prime Minister should call an election to let the Australian people have their say on the carbon tax.
“An overwhelming majority of Latrobe Valley residents who responded to my community survey were opposed to this tax,” Mr Chester said.
“If this government had an ounce of decency it would give voters a chance to express their view at the ballot box before July 1 next year.”