Senate highlights Tassie climate hit

The Senate has today supported a Greens motion highlighting the financial impact on Tasmania of the Abbott Government’s attempts to repeal the price on pollution.

“Hydro Tasmania has benefited by up to $70 million from the carbon price, and has been able to pay 81 cents in every dollar in dividends back to the Tasmanian budget,” Greens Leader Christine Milne said.

“The Abbott Government wants to rip this money out of our state, which will cost jobs for teachers, nurses and police.

“Tasmanian businesses and organisations have also benefitted by close to $30 million from the biodiversity and clean technology programs.

“The Senate also supported Climate Minister Cassy O’Connor’s climate goals which would see us achieve 100% renewable energy production by 2020 and cut our emissions by 35%.

“Tasmania is taking the lead on climate action that will result in more jobs in renewable energy production and opportunities for jobs in energy efficiency and installation services,” Senator Milne said.

The Senate motion reads:

I move that on the next day of sitting, the Senate:

a) Supports the Tasmanian Government’s Climate Smart strategy which aims to achieve 100 per cent renewable energy production and a 35 per cent cut in emissions on 1990 levels by 2020.

b) Condemns the Abbott Government’s attempts to repeal the carbon price, which will remove up to $70 million per year from Hydro Tasmania and dividend payments to the Tasmanian budget.
Australian Greens Leader Christine Milne