TONY Abbott’s great big election promise to dump what he called the great big carbon tax was delivered last week and Bombala Shire Council’s Mayor Bob Stewart believes the change will boost business in the local region.
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“On a personal level I actually think it will help the community,” Cr Stewart said.
“Electricity prices and the cost of living have an impact on small communities like Bombala the most and hopefully taking the carbon tax away will be the boost that small businesses need to keep going,” he said.
Cr Stewart also believes that all levels of government need to embrace renewable energies in the future.
“I am all for renewable energies as part of our future,” he said.
“I think as long as those renewable energy resources are well managed and we invest wisely in them, they will assist the community as well.”
Meanwhile, the Federal Member for Eden-Monaro, Peter Hendy, described last week’s Senate vote to repeal the carbon tax as “great news for local families and small businesses.”
“Scrapping the carbon tax will save the average household around $550 a year, including around $200 on the average household electricity bill and around $70 on the average gas bill,” Dr Hendy said.
“This will reduce cost of living pressures for all Australians,” he said.
“The government’s consumer watchdog, the ACCC, has been given extra funding and powers to ensure that savings are passed on to consumers.”
“Scrapping the carbon tax will also take a cost burden off local businesses.
“This will make it easier for them to compete and employ more people.
“I’ve listened to many local residents concerned about how this unfair tax has imposed a real burden on their small businesses and their family.”
“The carbon tax is a $9 billion a year hit on the economy.
“It hurts small businesses and costs jobs.
“Scrapping this tax has been a grassroots effort – led by the prime minister, but helped by the voices of everyday Australians.
“It may have taken time and there were obstacles along the way, but we’ve done this together.
“Scrapping the carbon tax is just one part of our plan to build a stronger economy and create more jobs.
“It is also important we get the budget under control, continue to reduce paperwork and build the infrastructure we need,” he said.