Advanced Search

Share Coverage



Category: Business, Economics and Finance / Electricity Energy and Utilities / Industry / States and Territories

SA Liberals dismiss 'ridiculous' state-based carbon tax proposal

Friday, 9 Dec 2016 12:21:24

Business SA calls for governments to consider the chief scientist's report about emissions. (ABC News: Nicole Price)

South Australia's Opposition Leader has ruled out ever supporting an emissions intensity scheme despite Australia's chief scientist and other group's saying it was a good option.

The declaration came as Business SA offered a veiled criticism of the Federal Government's decision to reject the scheme before Alan Finkel delivered a report on the electricity sector to the Prime Minister and state premiers at a COAG meeting today.

The business lobby today released data showing the state's blackout in September cost businesses $367 million and said there were fears of more blackouts this summer.

A leaked copy of Dr Finkel's report referred to an EIS as being good option to reduce emissions and to keep electricity prices low.

Business SA's Anthony Penney called for governments to consider expert opinion's like Dr Finkle's on the issue.

"We are encouraged by and looking forward to Dr Alan Finkel's findings," Mr Penney said.

"We are though again, concerned that the results are going to be highly politicised and that the end result being a complete lack of action.

"We're not wanting a blame fest, we're wanting a road map and consideration, with bipartisan support, state and federal governments, on how to move forward transitioning the electricity market to a low-carbon future."

South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill has called for the Federal Government to take the lead on the issue but revealed he would advocate for the state's to go it alone and create a state-based emissions trading scheme.

SA Liberal leader Steven Marshall ruled out ever supporting an emissions intensity scheme and said it was not the way to drive down electricity prices.

"It's completely implausible to talk about a new tax which Jay Weatherill now says if he doesn't get agreement around the COAG table, he wants to pursue it as a state-based carbon tax," Mr Marshall said.

"Well that is just ridiculous."

AustraliaPlus


 

Copyright © 1999- Shanghai Daily. All rights reserved.Preferably viewed with Internet Explorer 8 or newer browsers.

沪公网安备 31010602000204号

Email this to your friend