Electricity prices reveal Coalition backbench split
The prospect of 18 per cent increases to electricity prices in NSW and South Australia has caused a split in the Coalition backbench over climate change policy on the eve of the introduction of the carbon tax, according to a report by The Australian.
Coalition leader Tony Abbott faced a challenge from his backbenchers over the party's backing of the 20 per cent Renewable Energy Target (RET), as numerous backbenchers said it was contributing to the steep rise in electricity prices.
Queensland senator Ron Boswell said the RET would be more significant to the aluminium industry than the carbon tax and that the party had to acknowledge higher electricity prices associated with the RET posed a problem for manufacturing, the report said.
However, Mr Abbott reportedly told a meeting of the Coalition joint partyroom that the Coalition had to back the RET because renewable energy had popular support amongst voters.
Other MPs voiced their displeasure with the Coalition stance on carbon policies, including West Australian MP Dennis Jensen, according to The Australian.
Mr Abbott recommitted to scrapping the carbon tax if elected to office, but said the Coalition remains committed to the RET, the report added.
http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Electricity-prices-reveal-Coa...