Energy Matters Forums

[Gordon-Loomberah]

I agree Zelda, a Carbon tax as proposed by the Greens to get things rolling is the best solution. These other schemes from the 2 large political parties seem to be mostly for the benefit of big business, ways for them to make bigger profits... at taxpayer expense.

[Willandra]

I agree Zelda, a Carbon tax as proposed by the Greens to get things rolling is the best solution. These other schemes from the 2 large political parties seem to be mostly for the benefit of big business, ways for them to make bigger profits... at taxpayer expense.

But surely Gordon, this is the BIG difference between the two schemes? Rudd's scheme is to be administered by big business - aka market forces - while the Abbot scheme is to be run by the government.

Zelda, returning 50% of the new tax to households doesn't take away the tax - it only halves it. And even then you need to believe that it will really happen. You can't always rely on a politicians promise.

[Gordon-Loomberah]

But surely Gordon, this is the BIG difference between the two schemes? Rudd's scheme is to be administered by big business - aka market forces - while the Abbot scheme is to be run by the government.

Sounds unlikely, I know- Labour giving big business opportunies for bigger profits and govt control for the Libs. Either way- govt colecting money to give as subsidies to big polluting industries, or big business having an opportunity to make more money from consumers, and basically a business as usual approach, I dont like it!

[pamwe]

Tony has the right idea lets have a million photovoltaic installations on people's houses, how many new power stations will then not have to be built!!

Lets build Fast Breeder reactors, not in everybody's back yard but at the sites of existing coal fired stations where all the infrastructure is available.

And the Government should offer a dollar incentive for every full electric vehicle bought as they do in the USA where a $7000 rebate is offered on each GM Volt bought.

[EnergyMatters]

Tony's plan = simple lies about complex problems, pollies do it all the time. Don't buy it.

It's got business council approval because tax payers will be forking out 'reward' money to polluters to encourage them to reduce emissions mmm, no stick - just a nice juicy carrot. Would we have a law abiding society if we all got $5 from the cops for not jay walking and nothing for running across the road? Polluters need more motivation. What happens if the world (I mean everyone) decides that 15 or 25% is the right number, should we just keep rewarding polluters until we meet the new target. If I was polluting I might also be be worth their while to drag their feet?

Tree planting is nice, I'm all for it, but bush fires happy more frequently in a heating climate. When they burn, incredible amounts of Co2 are released. It's window dressing on climate policy, not the main event.

As for climate change - I prefer to get my advice from experts - climatologists. I also prefer to get my medical advice from doctors, because they're experts too. Don't expect to understand every detail unless you are prepared to do the hard yards studying the science.

[mica16]

Would you trust a bloke that wears BUDGIE SMUGGLERS!!!! Libs didnt even have a policy up until a couple of weeks ago. The guys an idiot
I think both of the policies are flawed in one way or another. They do not do enough. Many people dont even undersand how they work. I feel that as a community we are probably doing more than what they will do anyway.
New housing developments should be working out a deal with companies to provide renewable energy on every new house being built in that area. Forums such as this motivate people to change habits too. When prices rise more, people will be flocking to alternative energy to save a buck or 2 if possible.

[PeterReefman]

Hey Mica16 I wear budgie smugglers when I'm doing open water races too! Don't bundle us Pier2Pub'ers in with Tony!!

What I wouldn't trust is anyone who says "Climate change is Crap!"...

By the way it's interesting you mention developers helping the their clients to provide their own renewable energy. There's some pretty exciting projects on the boards in NSW and Vic that are planning this, which will hopefully become catalysts for others to follow.