Coalition ‘happy’ to meet Clive Palmer’s condition for carbon tax repeal

Updated by co-mod, see end

H/T to Marc Facer for this from Australia:

The Federal Government says it “is happy” to lock in a legal requirement that power companies pass on savings arising from the abolition of the carbon tax.
The move, which would satisfy the only condition laid down by the Palmer United Party for its crucial support to the repeal bill, follows talks between PUP leader Clive Palmer and Prime Minister Tony Abbott this morning.

Environment Minister Greg Hunt has told Parliament it will add to the Government’s efforts to monitor power pricing through the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

“The ACCC will be on the job but we are happy to take the considerations of members of this House and to go even further and to enshrine in legislation guarantees over and above what we already have, so prices will be lower than they would otherwise have been,” he said.

Late yesterday Mr Palmer revealed his party’s position that it would vote with the Coalition in the Senate to repeal the carbon pricing scheme, but only if lower power prices were locked in.

“I think we can work a solution out on carbon tax, we can ensure that electricity prices will come down for Australians. I think that’s a positive thing,” Mr Palmer said shortly after this morning’s meeting with Mr Abbott.

“I think that’s an important aspect of it. What’s the point of reducing it if we don’t get the benefit for Australians?”

Mr Abbott told Parliament in Question Time that he is “delighted” that PUP senators will vote to abolish the carbon tax and is receptive to Mr Palmer’s suggestions.

“I look forward to working with him to ensure all the savings from the abolition of the carbon tax are passed on,” he said.

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Liberals celebrate as carbon tax repeal passes lower house

Just before the House adjourned on Thursday, there were jubilant scenes on the floor of the House of Representatives as the Coalition passed the carbon tax repeal bills for the second time.

The final vote went through on the voices after which Environment Minister Greg Hunt was embraced and high-fived by colleagues.

He had earlier successfully moved an amendment to split the Clean Energy Finance Corporation abolition – which will not pass the Senate – from the package of bills.

Labor unsuccessfully moved an amendment to repeal the carbon tax and move straight to an emissions trading scheme.

Sydney Morning Herald 26th June 2014
http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/liberals-celebrate-as-carbon-tax-repeal-passes-lower-house-20140626-3awd4.html

 

A Guide To Al Gore And Clive Palmer’s Cosmic Connection

“This must be Thursday,” said Arthur to himself, sinking low over his beer. “I never could get the hang of Thursdays.” ― Douglas Adams, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy

If someone – anyone – knows where the key to the door to reality might be hiding around Parliament House, they’re not telling.

As Clive Palmer, a man who plans to dig enough coal to blot out the Chinese sky, stood next to Al Gore in the Great Hall on Wednesday evening, declaring he wanted to save the world, a sort of awful knowledge crept over the assembly.

The Age
http://www.theage.com.au/federal-politics/political-opinion/a-guide-to-al-gore-and-clive-palmers-cosmic-connection-20140626-3auzd.html