According to a new poll released today by the environmental lobby group WWF the majority of Australians would prefer to keep the existing carbon price rather than introduce a deficit tax.
WWF Australia used the ReachTEL poll to survey 3241 residents across Australia on the night of May 8 and the result conclusively supported the current carbon price legislation over the conservative Liberal-National government’s proposed deficit tax.
When asked ‘Which of the following revenue raising policies do you support most, The proposed deficit levy on high income earners or a price on carbon for companies with high emissions?’, 52.5 per cent said the price on carbon, 34 per cent said the deficit levy, and 13.5 per cent were undecided.
“The carbon price has long-term benefits for our nation and Australians can see that,” said WWF-Australia Climate Change National Manager Kellie Caught.
“Not only does the carbon price raise revenue for the budget, it tackles climate change by making polluters pay, drives investment in renewable energy, and helps save the Great Barrier Reef.”
“Both measures raise revenue but a deficit levy causes pain without the environmental gain.
“Given the choice Australians would rather the government raises funds in a way that delivers multiple benefits.”
“Damaging climate change is not going away, it must be dealt with now, and having a carbon price is key,” said Ms Caught.
Ms Caught also said $13 billion will be given away over the next four years through the Fuel Tax Credits program, accelerated depreciation and deductions for exploration and prospecting.
She said while the government was seeking to spend $2.55 billion over four years to pay companies to cut carbon pollution via the Emissions Reduction Fund, it would spend $13 billion over the same period on activities that increase carbon pollution.
Ms Caught said: “WWF calls on the government to cut fossil fuel subsidies.
“Ditching these perverse subsidies would help the planet and the budget bottom line,” she added.
