Launch: Tony Abbott meets supporters in Geelong as Sarah Henderson follows.
Editorial
FEDERAL opposition leader Tony Abbott has visited Geelong to launch the Liberals’ campaign to win back Australia’s most marginal seat.
Mr Abbott toured fertilizer manufacturer Incitec Pivot before opening “Liberal House” in Belmont’s High St on Monday, the day after the start of the Gillard Government’s carbon tax.
Mr Abbot used the opening to launch Liberal candidate Sarah Henderson’s campaign for Corangamite.
Ms Henderson said Liberal House would be a base for campaigning against a Labor-Greens government that had let down the region “so badly”.
“We believe that the people of Corangamite need an election as soon as possible to repeal Labor’s toxic carbon tax,” she said.
“I am acutely aware of the task ahead to win back the seat of Corangamite.”
Ms Henderson lost the 2010 election to Labor incumbent Darren Cheeseman but reduced his margin to .4 per cent. She won Liberal preselection last month to recontest the seat at the next election.
Ms Henderson used Mr Abbott’s visit to focus attention on the carbon tax, which she said would cost Incitec Pivot $1.5 million extra a year in electricity costs.
Households would also suffer, she said.
“The cost of living pressures imposed by the carbon tax will impact right across our region.”
Labor Member for Corio Richard Marles attacked Mr Abbott for bringing his campaign against the carbon tax to Geelong.
“It is an absolute disgrace that Mr Abbott should come to Geelong and scare the community with exaggerated and dishonest claims about the impact of the carbon price,” Mr Marles said.
“The Gillard Government is providing support for families, support for industry to transition to a cleaner economy.
“As we have all seen today, the sky has not fallen in. Everyday prices are the same as they were yesterday.”
