Northern Territory Shadow Minister for Environment Peter Chandler

INPEX AND THE CARBON TAX

Victor P Taffa

A $40 a tonne carbon tax will have significant implications for the Territory’s economic development and will affect on major projects such as Inpex.

Shadow Environment Minister, Peter Chandler, said the release of the Government’s response to Inpex’ supplementary EIS has been overshadowed by speculation Labor will introduce a $40 a tonne carbon tax.

“Inpex expects its carbon emissions will be around 5 Million tonnes a year, meaning the company’s total annual carbon tax bill could be around $200 Million, or even more if the Greens have their way.” Mr. Chandler said.

“This will be totally unacceptable and is another reason why the Government should immediately scrap plans for a carbon tax.”

“Under this scenario I could fully understand heavy industry staying well clear of Australia and companies like Inpex looking elsewhere for gas.” Mr. Chandler said.

“The Greens are leading the Federal Labor Party by the nose and Prime Minister Julia Gillard lacks the courage to stand-up to Bob Brown and scrap plans for this business destroying tax.”

“The Chief Minister can’t say he supports projects like Inpex on the one hand, but backs a carbon tax on the other.” Mr. Chandler said.

“If he won’t listen to the Opposition, he should listen to representatives from leading Territory business associations who today closed ranks to oppose the carbon tax.”

“The carbon tax is a tax on household and a tax on jobs and should be scrapped.” Mr. Chandler said.