Our jobs ‘safe with CO2 tax’

ERIN PEARSON
GEELONG will gain jobs rather than lose them under the Gillard Government’s carbon tax to be unveiled this weekend, according to the region’s federal Labor MPs.
But a Liberal opponent said Richard Marles and Darren Cheeseman must be the “only two people” blind to the fact Geelong would lose jobs under the tax.
The Gillard Government plans to unveil full details of the carbon dioxide package worked out with the Greens on Sunday before implementing the tax on July 1, 2012.
Mr Marles and Mr Cheeseman warned Geelong would become “uncompetitive” unless it embraced the tax.
Mr Marles, Member for Corio, said major Geelong employers such as Ford, Alcoa, Shell and Blue Circle would “fall behind” international markets and cut jobs without the tax.
“What we have at the moment is a very carbon-dependent economy, particularly in Geelong, and if we are to have a viable industry here then Geelong must reduce its dependency on carbon.”
Mr Marles urged Australia to “grab the bull by the horns” for a green future.
“The rest of the world is moving and we’ll become uncompetitive if we don’t change now.
“The Government’s industry assistance package will provide the support needed to change and secure jobs. The carbon tax will create jobs for the future.”
Liberal Senator Michael Ronaldson warned the tax would destroy industry in Geelong.
“If this is the best excuse for a carbon tax that these two local MPs can come up with then they’re undeserving of their position as elected members,” Mr Ronaldson said.
“This tax will destroy industry in Geelong and with it jobs and the future of many local families.
“The only two people who can’t see this are the very two who have the ability to stop it.”
Geelong Mayor John Mitchell was concerned about job losses.
He has been in America in the past week for activities including a meeting with Alcoa executives who expressed concern about the tax.
“We wouldn’t like to see job losses because of the carbon tax. Alcoa, for instance, operates in a world market with 800 direct jobs and up to 2500 indirect jobs,” he said
“Industry and its workers need to be looked after. A carbon tax needs to be introduced sensitively enough so carbon intensive cities have a chance to continue to operate normally.”