Surveys reveal nation divided on carbon price plan

The national debate on establishing a carbon tax in Australia continues to divide voters, with a survey from the Greens finding support for the Government’s push should it come with adequate compensation, and a survey by a lobby group finding a majority oppose the idea.

A Galaxy poll of 1,036 participants, commissioned by the Greens and conducted a fortnight ago, found 66% were in favour, versus 23% opposed and 10% giving no opinion.

The survey asked for approval of a price on carbon that taxes the biggest polluting industries, with money then distributed among households and business, as well as to fund investment in global warming schemes.

The idea was more popular among women, with 70% in favour, while 62% of men approved. Those on higher incomes were more in favour, with 70% of people earning more than $70,000 in favour, versus 60% on lower incomes.

By contrast, a survey conducted by the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry found 27% of respondents supported the idea, versus 59% opposed.

The survey of 550 people, conducted between March 25-27, found 70% would put jobs at risk, with 65% saying it was unacceptable to do so.

ACCI chief executive Peter Anderson warns the public faces higher costs and less economic security, should the carbon tax go ahead.

He drew attention to “strong public support for industry competitiveness and a concern about jobs, not just their ‘hip pocket’.”

The survey revealed concerns about Australia’s manufacturing sector, which has struggled with the soaring local currency, comparatively high labour costs and tariff reductions.

“Nearly three-quarters of respondents agreed that a carbon tax would make Australian manufacturing less competitive against overseas competitors, and the majority believe that the proposed tax will not make a difference to the global environment.”

In late February, Labor and the Greens unveiled plans to introduce a carbon tax in July 2012, which would evolve into an emissions trading scheme over three to five years.

It has not yet been revealed what level the carbon price will be set at.

Key independent MP Tony Windsor this week said his support for the plan is not guaranteed, saying he shares the displeasure from some quarters about how the policy was presented to the public.