CARBON TAX A RISK FOR TOURISM OPERATORS IN TASMANIA

LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION

THE HON. TONY ABBOTT MHR

FEDERAL MEMBER FOR WARRINGAH

CARBON TAX A RISK FOR TOURISM OPERATORS IN TASMANIA

The decision by Qantas and Jetstar to increase air fares from 1 July is further evidence that the carbon tax will harm regional economies.

Tourism operators in Tasmania are already feeling the impact of the high Australian dollar and the carbon tax will be another blow to local tourism operators and job seekers.

Under Labor’s carbon tax, the tyranny of distance will be made worse as airlines seek to recoup the increased costs of the carbon tax.

Qantas and Jetstar estimate the impact of the carbon tax on their operations will be in the order of $110 – $115 million in the coming financial year.

When Julia Gillard broke her word on the carbon tax, she made it even harder for Tasmania to attract tourists.

The cost of every tourism operator will rise under the carbon tax.

The tourism sector in Tasmania will be hit by the double whammy of the carbon tax – it will increase the cost of living on all Australian households and it will make visiting Australia more expensive.

It isn’t just the cost of airfares that will increase. The cost of food will rise, the cost of electricity will rise and the cost of holidays will rise. Not only will airfares rise, but restaurant prices will rise, hotel prices will rise and every cost associated with enjoying an Australian holiday will rise.

The Coalition has opposed the carbon tax in opposition and we will rescind the carbon tax in government.
Tony Abbott, Leader of the Opposition