This week, the Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen announced in Gladstone that 215 of Australia’s largest polluters would be required to cut emissions by about 5 per cent each year through to 2030 to help reach its climate targets.
Federal Member for Flynn, Colin Boyce has slammed the announcement and said it is a direct attack on regional Queensland and jobs.
“Of the 215 largest industrial facilities, 18 are operating in Flynn and 28 in Capricornia,” Mr Boyce said.
“Labor’s Safeguard Mechanism targets facilities that emit more than 100,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide a year. If facilities go over this amount, the business will need to buy carbon credits. As these credits cost money, this is just a new tax on job creating industries.
“Ultimately, Labor’s Safeguard Mechanism is a carbon tax on regional Australia that will force job losses.
“It is a disgrace that Minister Bowen and his Labor colleagues flew into Gladstone to make this job crippling announcement and then jumped onto a plane back to a major city. Why didn’t he speak directly to the workers set to be impacted?
“You can’t trust Labor with your job.”
Facilities to be taxed in the Flynn electorate include APLNG Facility, Batchfire Resources, Blackwater Mine, Boyne Smelter, Curragh Mine, Curtis Island GLNG Plant, Dawson Mine, Ensham Resources Minesite, Fisherman’s Landing (Cement Australia), Jellinbah Mine, Kestrel Mine, Oaky Creek Coal Complex, Queensland Alumina Limited Refinery, Queensland Curtis LNG Plant, Rio Tinto Yarwun, Rolleston Coal Mine, Yarrabee Coal Mine (Open Cut) and Yarwun Nitrates.
