Rudd follows Abbott in a race to blow holes in Tasmanian budget and renewables investment

Australian Greens Senator Peter Whish-Wilson said Prime Minister Rudd’s back-flip on the carbon pricing mechanism will not only mean the big polluters pay less but will stifle investment in renewables while blowing a hole in the Tasmanian budget.

“Business and investment decisions were made in response to the carbon price and in step with the necessary transition to renewable energy sources,” said Senator Peter Whish-Wilson.

“Now there is only uncertainty – for our emissions reduction effort, for renewable industries, and for Tasmania’s capacity to generate wealth from its renewable resources.

Advice from Treasury shows Labor’s back-flip will impact on the Hydro and cost Tasmania around $60 million – a loss that will be felt through 2016.

“Rudd is back-pedalling on climate action and is following Abbott in a populist race towards head-in-the-sand thinking.

“The policies of both the old parties will result in a hole in the Tasmanian budget where a bonus for our unique energy strengths should be.

“Australians want strong action on climate change and instead Rudd is rewarding the big polluters while denying Tasmania the benefit of our clean power generation,” Senator Whish-Wilson concluded.
Australian Greens Senator Peter Whish-Wilson