Attorney-General and Minister for Justice The Honourable Jarrod Bleijie
Queensland Government will not challenge carbon tax
The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Jarrod Bleijie has confirmed the Newman Government will not be mounting a High Court challenge to Labor’s carbon tax.
“The LNP is opposed to the introduction of the Gillard Government’s carbon tax because of the negative effect it will have on industry development, jobs and the cost of living for families as companies pass on the cost of the tax,” Mr Bleijie said.
“The Federal Government was deaf to these concerns, so we sought legal advice on the viability of a constitutional challenge.
“Unfortunately, we’ve been advised that a challenge is unlikely to be successful, so we won’t waste taxpayers’ money fighting a losing battle.
“It’s a disappointing outcome because this tax will hurt Queensland and Queensland families.
“It will also hurt business and the potential for new mining, refining and smelting operations in Queensland, which are energy intense.
“The result will be that value-adding businesses will move to overseas locations where they won’t be subject to any carbon tax penalty.”
Mr Bleijie said the LNP government remained resolutely opposed to the federal government’s carbon tax.
He said Cabinet had resolved to show the cost of the carbon tax separately on all residential electricity bills from 1 July.
