Finding a price in the smoke stack

As celebrities, economists and environmental activists show support for a carbon tax through TV appearances, full-page newspaper ads and a thousands-strong rally in Sydney, details of how the tax will work are still unknown.

The federal opposition says the tax will unacceptably raise the cost of living for many Australians and instead propose government direct investment towards emissions reduction initiatives.

Controversially, Wentworth MP Malcolm Turnbull disagreed with his party’s emission reduction policy, calling it a “recipe for fiscal recklessness on a grand scale”, a statement consistent with his crossing the floor last year to support an emissions trading scheme.

Liberal Waverley mayor Sally Betts declined to comment on federal politics, instead highlighting local council action.

“Waverley does believe in climate change,” she said. “We have a target of 30 per cent reduction of greenhouse gases by 2020.”

She highlighted the focus on the non-residential sector.  “The big thrust will be in Bondi Junction because that is where most of our emissions are generated.”

Bondi resident William (surnames withheld), a 46-year-old mechanical and environmental engineer, was strongly in support of a tax.

“There is climate change definitely going on. We are all aware of that,” he said. “I do support a carbon tax but it has to be configured in such a way that it targets the main polluters, not small business.

“I fully agree with Malcolm’s point of view on emissions trading schemes and carbon tax. A lot of government leaders and parties are paid off by big business to shut their mouths, basically. That’s politics.”

He said he would be willing to see his cost of living increase, provided he has proof of change in carbon emissions, not everyone may be able to afford it.

“I’m certainly happy to pay $10 a week, $500 a year, to see some proof of what is actually happening in the environment.”

Vehemently opposed to a tax was Berrick, a 48-year-old Bronte worker in the transport industry.

“The carbon tax is a poor excuse to incorporate another tax,” he said.

“I don’t think we should have a carbon tax at all, given our position in the world. China and India are pumping out millions times more and we shouldn’t be worried about it. Until they cut their carbon emissions, why should we worry about it?”

Others didn’t have a strong stance on any particular policy but generally supported the need to be green and said they would be willing to pay for it.

What do you think of the carbon tax? How much per week in extra expenses would you be willing to pay to reduce carbon emissions to the government’s proposed target of 25 per cent below 2000 levels by 2020?

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