Nationals Senator Ron Boswell [pictured] writes.
Queenslanders can expect even more draconian electricity price increases under the Federal Government’s proposed Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS).
Queenslanders have had three increases in the maximum charge price for electricity since the industry was deregulated, but these increases, large as they are, will be insignificant compared to the electricity cost increases expected under the Rudd Government’s proposed ETS.
Treasury modelling predicts that, under a CPRS -5 scenario, the average wholesale electricity price will increase by 66% in Queensland between the years 2010 and 2015*.
This increase in the wholesale costs will translate to an average household electricity price increase of 21% in 2010 under the lowest target ETS (CPRS -5) and a 44% price increase in 2013 under the Garnaut -25 scenario**.
The modelling shows that the Rudd Government’s Emissions Trading Scheme will be a huge cost burden on Queensland Families.
Everybody knows that Australia only produces around 1.5 percent of world emissions and any reduction we make will not make a skerrick of difference to the world’s emissions.
The predicted hike in electricity prices resulting from the ETS will not only be bad for families, but for industry as well.
By bringing in the ETS and driving up energy costs before large emitting countries such as China, India and the United States do, we risk losing our high emitting industries off-shore to countries that have low environmental standards.
This latest increase in electricity costs may be the result of the Queensland State Government’s mismanagement of the industry and finances, but if you thought electricity prices were bad now just wait until the ETS.
END
Have Your say!
Even IF the voting public recognise what the cost of ETS will be, it probably will be too late.
With Rudd/Wong/Garnaut’s feet on the accelerator pedal to get this tax (ETS)into law, they appear to be unhindered in this pursuit.
Going on PM Gordon Brown’s record in the UK, were they can see the cards on the table since losses of government seats in recent by-elections, they are still pushing ahead to enshrine their ETS into law.
New Zealand may be able to modify their ETS, which was rushed into law by the Clark government, pre-election, but it will be interesting to see if they can water it down or repeal it completely.
Once this tax is made into law, it becomes difficult to repeal it.
Labor may lose the next election, but they would leave a very expensive legacy behind in a tax on just about everything, masquerading as a Carbon Reduction Scheme.
Thank Heavens for Ron Boswell! I note that Kyoto Kraziness has already cost New Zealand - the cleanest and greenest country in the world - an estimated nine billion dollars:
http://www.kfoa.co.nz/chequebounce.htm
The mind boggles as to what Penny Wrong’s plans will cost Australia. One glimmer of hope- carbon tax arrogance was a big factor in Helen Clark’s loss in last month’s NZ elections. So bring it on, Penny. Hopefully, it’ll mean Labor’s swan song.