FED:Economic turmoil won't stop carbon tax

AAP General News (Australia)
08-17-2011
FED:Economic turmoil won't stop carbon tax

The federal government has ruled out delaying the carbon tax to give Australian business
some breathing room as the global economy falters.

Climate Change Minister GREG COMBET'S comment came as the coalition continued its call
for the tax to be scrapped, and business groups suggested the government hold off on the
policy until economic conditions improve.

Mr COMBET says an emissions trading scheme was delayed for years, and now is the time
to act, telling Sky News it will drive investment in new technologies, innovation, and
improve productivity over time.

Mr COMBET confirmed the ETS laws will be brought to parliament in September and the
government wants them to pass both houses by year's end, to allow a fixed 23 dollar a
tonne price to start on July 1, next year.

AAP RTV pjo/bwl/psm/

KEYWORD: CLIMATE (CANBERRA)

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