Dubbo No Carbon Tax Rally strongly represented
29-June-2011
It was standing room only at the Dubbo RSL theatrette last night for the No Carbon Tax Rally that was hosted by the Dubbo Ratepayers and Residents Association.
Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton was among the line up of politicians who addressed the crowd of more than 300. Mr Coulton’s federal colleagues Shadow Minister for Seniors the Hon Bronwyn Bishop MP and Shadow Minister for Ageing and Mental Health Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells travelled to Dubbo to take part in the Rally.
Mr Coulton said the strong turnout was evidence that people are concerned with the carbon tax and the impact on the cost of living.
“The carbon tax will be detrimental to regional and rural communities right across the Parkes Electorate. Julia Gillard’s Climate Adviser Professor Ross Garnaut pointed out in his initial report that a price on carbon would lead to a 20% economic downturn in regional areas of Australia.”
“As I represent a regional electorate; the biggest in New South Wales, Professor Garnaut’s findings were fundamental in my decision to oppose the carbon tax.”
“Some figures to ponder - the proposed carbon tax will raise more money in the first three months than the European ETS raised in five and a half years. This money will come from the consumers - come from everyday, hard-working people. Also consider that Europe represents 14% of global emissions and Australia emits just 1.4%.”
Earlier on Tuesday Mrs Bishop joined Mr Coulton at the Rod Pilon Transport Depot to tour the facility and to highlight how the carbon tax will directly impact on all elements of our lives.
“Every item that comes via truck or train will be hit by the compounding carbon tax. This is something that will ultimately disadvantage regional and rural areas, as everything we buy comes on a truck,” Mr Coulton said.
“A carbon tax will not benefit the environment in any way. There are alternatives to a carbon tax that will achieve the same reduction in emissions and this is important to highlight. The carbon tax is not the be all and end all in reducing our carbon footprint.”
“It will be a battle to beat this carbon tax, however, we defeated Kevin Rudd’s Emissions Trading Scheme and we can also stop this carbon tax.”
“I would urge everyone to write or email to the members of the Labor party and the Independents to voice their opposition to this tax. Ultimately this tax will fail if the Independents decide to stand up for the welfare of their constituents and vote this tax down.”
The contact details of all Members of Parliament are available at Mark Coulton’s offices in Dubbo 02 6882 0999 and Moree 02 6751 1251 or email mark.coulton.mp@aph.gov.au