Aussies get tough on polluters

Monday, 25 July 2011

Australia has announced a controversial plan in a bid to cut carbon emissions and help fight global warming.

The government recently revealed details of its new pollution tax, with Treasurer Wayne Swan also promising help for households struggling to afford higher energy bills.

The country is one of the worst global culprits when it comes to carbon emission, mostly due to its reliance on coal-fired power and resources, and the new tax will apply to the country’s top 1 000 polluters from the middle of 2011.

Big businesses will be charged a fixed price per ton of carbon dioxide emitted, reports news24 (www.news24.com).

The country’s worst polluters will have to pay 23 Australian dollars for every metric ton of carbon dioxide they emit, while some of the funds generated by the tax will be directed towards struggling households.

Within five years, the country is aiming to be implementing an emissions trading scheme.

The environmental tax plan comes after months of negotiations and has been criticised by many. It has been opposed by the Minerals Council of Australia and the Australian Coal Association, who have fought hard – but unsuccessfully – for it to be axed.

Swan has said that nine out of 10 households will benefit from tax cuts or pension boosts to help fight costs associated with the carbon levy and also promised support for industry.

Embattled Prime Minister Julia Gillard has said the tax plan is crucial and necessary to help the country cut down on massive carbon dioxide emissions.