19 April, 2011 | Media Release
A price on pollution is the most effective way of tackling climate change, but there must be adequate compensation for households, job security and drivers for investment in clean energy.
Releasing the union movement’s guiding principles for the implementation of a price on pollution, ACTU President Ged Kearney said the benchmark test would be support for jobs, households and communities.
Ms Kearney said there was unanimous view across the union movement that delaying action on climate change would only prove more costly in years to come, and that scaremongering by the Coalition and from self-interested polluters was a risk to Australia’s environmental and economic future.
“It is time the debate about a price on pollution shifted from the distracting and self-interested scare campaign being run by big business,” Ms Kearney said.
“While they are sitting around the table with their hands out for taxpayers’ money, their industries are sending Australia’s carbon emissions up and up.
“New figures from the Climate Change Department show Australia’s emissions jumped 0.5 per cent last year - and that rise will continue if we do nothing.
“The result will be a loss of jobs in sectors such as agriculture and tourism. But if the Government acts and puts a price on pollution, we can make a difference.
“And if it’s done properly it will not only support existing jobs across all industries, but it will create new jobs now and for our children into the future.
“Unions believe the design of a price on pollution must include support for emission-intensive trade-exposed industries, measures to protect existing jobs, programs to attract investment in clean energy and production, and assistance to low income households.
“The task of shifting to a lower pollution future is urgent and if Australia doesn’t act now then we will miss out on the jobs and investment opportunities of the future.”
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