FED:Families should get compo: carbon poll

AAP General News (Australia)
04-19-2011
FED:Families should get compo: carbon poll

CANBERRA, April 19 AAP - A majority of Australians believe revenue raised from the
federal government's proposed carbon tax should go towards households, a survey shows.

The poll, conducted last week, shows 68 per cent want low and middle income earners
to be the focus of compensation to cover expected increases in electricity prices.

Just three per cent said big polluters should get compensation for a loss of profits.

ACTU president Ged Kearney said the poll confirmed what the unions already know - that
poorer Australians must be given a helping hand.

"While big polluters may be seeking hand-outs from government, working Australians
are interested in ensuring it is low and middle income earners who are looked after,"

she said.

Ms Kearney would like to see the revenue also spent on protecting jobs in industries
at risk and programs to boost clean energy technologies.

According to a separate question in the poll, 63 per cent of Australians believe money
should be invested in the renewables sector, while 53 per cent want communities and industries
to be assisted.

The poll results come as the government holds its monthly meeting on Tuesday with the
Australian Greens and the independents over the design of the carbon price.

Climate Change Minister Greg Combet is also expected to sit down with representatives
from trade-exposed industries, including coal and natural gas.

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