The Gillard Government has revealed its roadmap to price carbon as thousands protested outside Parliament House against plans for a carbon tax.
Treasurer Wayne Swan and Climate Change Minister Greg Combet intend to introduce legislation during the Spring sittings of Parliament.
Beforehand, the Government will unveil the precise carbon price, assistance package to help Australians meet the rising cost of living and level of support to help industries move to a “clean energy economy”.
It will also provide details on the treatment of the electricity generation sector, opportunities to reduce carbon pollution in the land sector and programs to tackle climate change.
The Government intends to impose a carbon tax from mid-2012 if it can pass legislation through the parliament.
The fixed price will apply for three to five years, then the Government will look to move to an emissions trading scheme.
Protestors have converged on Parliament House for the “no carbon tax rally” addressed by Federal Opposition Leader Tony Abbott.
“If the argument is as strong as [Prime Minister Julia Gillard] says, trust the people to know the truth – go back and have a vote and we will accept the outcome,” he told the crowd.
“I do not see scientific heretics, I do not see environmental vandals, I see people who want honest government.”
