Carbon tax during economic slowdown

Julia Gillard was not a fan of the carbon tax but was forced by paying tribute to the Greens that hold the swing in parliament to move forward with a bold front.

Open debate with everyone with an opinion chipping in their two cents worth has however caused more confusion than generate wisdom. Random posters who spew profanities are uncalled for and do little to benefit Australian public policy or its people.

Environmental issue is a serious one that deserves attention and concern of all responsible citizens of the world. Australia has to play its part to fulfil its global obligations even though others are at different stages, some more advanced or slower than others in certain clean energy and carbon pricing policies. There is no clear cut winner but for doing nothing, the biggest losers are all earthlings. We love ideals but do not wish to pay the price.

Politicking has hindered any meaningful progress.

The NSW government has cherry-picked all the scariest possible numbers in a way that is totally misleading and absolutely dishonest," Professor Quiggin said.

The modelling by Frontier Economics found there would be 6400 more jobs in Sydney in 2020 compared with the "business as usual" scenario without a carbon tax. By 2030 there would be 17,600 more. The modelling showed the city's economic output would be 0.3 per cent higher in 2020 with the tax, compared with business as usual, and 0.8 per cent higher in 2030.

Modelling experts have told the Herald the findings of both big job losses and strong regional output growth seem implausible. Large investments to expand the NSW coal sector recently, including in the Hunter, also seem at odds with predictions of a marked drop in employment in the industry.

http://m.smh.com.au/nsw/carbon-tax-job-outlook-upbeat-20110819-1j2f9.html

Bad news about the languishing steel industy shedding 1,000 jobs could not have come at a worse time.

http://www.smh.com.au/national/industry-poised-for-huge-job-cuts-20110821-1j4sr.html

This is inspite of the fact that the steel industry is poised to receive a large $300 million from government subsidy.

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/opinion/steel-industry-is-the-biggest-winner-in-carbon-tax-plan/story-e6frg9io-1226091915717