Let’s talk about tax, baby

Yep, you guessed it, today I want to talk about the carbon tax.  Well, no, that’s not strictly true.  Today I want to talk about the divide between those who think the carbon tax is as good as a relaxing scratch of the balls and those who think it is the worst thing since Kit Kats changed their wrapping.

I’ll start by admitting that I find the denial of climate change or the view that the bottom line figure is the most important indicator of a well-functioning society to be beyond stupid (woops, I give a lot away by using the word ‘society’, rather than ‘economy’ to describe the country in which we live).  Nevertheless, I’m not convinced the carbon tax is the best way of bringing about the change in societal behaviours that I consider necessary to reduce emissions.  In my view, and I admit I am no economist, you need a stick to force people to change, but a carrot to reward them once they do.  With the carbon tax, the perception is that the average little guy gets bashed with the stick again and again and again.  I don’t think this is necessarily an accurate way of thinking, but that seems to be the prevailing societal view.

I can’t help but to place the blame on the News Ltd papers for this.  Just today, an article begins with the following:

“BIG banks, accountants and lawyers are among the big winners to cash in on the carbon plan, as companies wrestle with reporting requirements arising from the tax."

As we can see, those pesky lawyers, accountants and big banks get all the damned money… Typical.   And this one:

"PRIME Minister Julia Gillard's carbon pricing sales pitch has been dealt a fresh blow after one of the country's top retailers declared the policy was partly to blame for a dramatic collapse in consumer confidence."

It wouldn't be at all related to scandals surrounding one of the country's top retailers would it, or the fact that they're so expensive that people have had enough and are buying similar products online?  No.  Definitely not.

Have you also noticed how people have begun using the slogans that Tony Abbott comes out with?  For example that Julia Gillard does not have a mandate to introduce a carbon tax.  Huh?  Since when!  She won the election.  Ok, she only formed government with the help of the greens and the independents, but that’s normal!  For goodness sake, the Liberal and National parties have had a similar arrangement for ages (yes, I realise that this is more formalised, but the end result is the same). 

Lastly, it has been settled law for decades that promises made on the campaign trial are not binding in contract.  So, even though Julia Gillard may have promised not to introduce a carbon tax, she is not bound to that promise.  Additionally, she made it clear that she thought action on climate change was important. 

I know I have rambled, but the point I am trying to make is that the divide is a false one, perpetrated by those with a specific agenda.  It is ok to be against the carbon tax, but don’t spout this rubbish about not having a mandate, or that the Prime Minister cannot be trusted or that it is the little guy that takes it in the neck.  That makes the issue about personality and fear, rather than about policy, which is unhelpful and irritating to those of us who want a science-based discussion on climactic change.