A Nielsen poll published today has found 77 per cent of Australians are in favour of the federal government’s emissions trading scheme. But the Shadow Treasurer, Malcolm Turnbull, warns that it could have dire impacts on industry in the Hunter.
The scheme, which is due to start in 2010, will charge polluters a fee for the amount of carbon they emit.
“The economy of the Hunter is very largely built on coal, coal to power electricity generators and coal for export, so it’s very important that the emissions trading scheme is designed with great care,” said Mr Turnbull.
During his address to the Newcastle Business Club, Mr Turnbull said if the government puts too high a price on carbon, Hunter businesses could become uncompetitive in export markets.
