Australian
22 June 2011, Page: 6
QUEENSLAND is attempting to quarantine its boom coal seam gas industry from the Gillard government's carbon tax after successfully gaining an exemption from the mineral resources rent tax. The Bligh government is arguing for further protection for the $30 billion industry in a submission on the proposed carbon price to Climate Change Minister Greg Combet.
Queensland also wants an assistance package for coal fired electricity generators and compensation for households under the proposed carbon tax, which economist Ross Garnaut suggested should be priced at $26 a tonne of CO₂emissions. Its submission on the tax was prepared by Queensland Office of Climate Change assistant director general Greg Withers, husband of Premier Anna Bligh and a close friend of Mr Com bet.
Queensland Finance Minister Rachel Nolan said gas fired power was the most cost effective method of lowering greenhouse gas emissions, while the industry could bring up to $65bn in investment to the state. "We've sent a message to Canberra loud and clear that,., we'll be looking for compensation for Queensland households and compensation for Queensland industries, including our electricity generators and our LNG industry", she said.
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