By ALENA HIGGINS
FORMER Maranoa Greens candidate Grant Newson has launched a scathing attack on the “fossil fools” who helped axe the Carbon Tax.
Mr Newson said Australia had effectively become the first country to abolish a functioning carbon pricing system which was actually reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
“History will judge (Prime Minister) Tony Abbott harshly for his denial of global warming and his undermining of Australia’s effort to address it,” he said.
“They’ve ignored the advice of the world’s leading climate scientists and economists who agree that the most efficient and effective way to reduce carbon pollution is to put a price on emissions.
“It’s clear Abbott and (Clive) Palmer will not listen to evidence or reason.”
The Carbon Tax was repealed in the Senate on 17 July following protracted negotiations with the Palmer United Party.
Mr Newson said Mr Abbott and Mr Palmer had once again sided with the “big end of town” by agreeing to tear down the tax.
“Some fossil fools see this as a win for their political careers and their corporate financiers,” Mr Newson said.
“Palmer’s Queensland nickel company carbon pollution price bill was over $8 million last year. Now the mining billionaire won’t pay a cent.”
He said it was highly unlikely anyone would see the sorts of reductions in electricity fees promised by the Federal Government as “the miniscule percentage rise” caused by the Carbon Tax on an average bill was overshadowed by the “continual cash grab” by electricity providers.
“Tony Abbott and his fossil fuel vested interests have shown they will do anything to cling to their outdated dig it up and burn it mentality,” he said.
“They’ll ignore all of the evidence, they’ll tell any lie, and they’ll jeopardise our long-term future for short-term profits.”
