Greens MLC forecasts massive job losses in western NSW
21-July-2011
The Greens MLC Jeremy Buckingham has highlighted the true impacts that the carbon tax will have on mining jobs while he was travelling around the Parkes Electorate this week.
Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton has been told by constituents that during Mr Buckingham’s tour around western NSW, he was more than forthcoming about the effect the carbon tax will have on mining and mining jobs.
“The NSW Greens member has been travelling around telling my constituents that the carbon tax’s aim is to shut down local coal mines,” Mr Coulton said. “He is reaffirming everything the Coalition has been saying and highlighting that Julia Gillard’s carbon tax selling tour is based on lies.”
“The Greens are the only ones telling the truth about the impact the carbon tax will have on regional and rural areas. I think I could safely assume Mr Buckingham would agree with his federal colleague Senator Hanson-Young in saying all small towns reliant on mining will shut down as well.”
Mr Coulton said Mr Buckingham’s comments show that the carbon tax will create job uncertainty for many residents in the Parkes Electorate.
“The carbon tax is a dangerous policy. We have already seen the announcement of the closure of the cement plant in Kandos because the carbon tax will put further financial pressure on the plant. Ninety-eight workers lost their jobs as a result and while Mr Buckingham’s comments are alarming, they are a reality.”
“However, Mr Buckingham and the Greens do not have the courage to face the workers at local coal mines and tell them the carbon tax will mean the end of their jobs,” Mr Coulton said.
Mr Coulton also criticised Mr Buckingham’s actions in telling farmers in his electorate that the Greens will shut down coal mines, labelling them simplistic and irresponsible.
“The conflict between agriculture and mining is very real,” Mr Coulton said. “In the past we have seen what the green policy of Bob Carr did to the communities of the Pilliga when he closed down the timber industry.
“While the Greens state they are opposed to mining, people must remember their extreme policies would severely affect farming also.”