Now that the much-debated carbon tax has passed the House of Representatives, members and supporters of the Australian Greens are looking forward to its historic vote in the Senate next month. The left-wingers are crossing their fingers the bill will be ratified into law. If ratified, the carbon tax will be the trademark victory for the Greens.
Greens Senator Bob Brown and Prime Minister Julia Gillard speak in Parliament
This early, the party is also hoping to join in the Durban Conference to be held in South Africa from November 28 to December 9, 2011. The Greens will hold their heads up high as they represent Australia’s success in getting a vote for the carbon levy.
”Once the bills pass the Senate next month, the next step is the global climate meeting in Durban…where Australia’s decision to put a price on pollution and invest in renewable energy will make a big impact,” a statement from the Greens website reads.
There could not be prouder than Greens Leader Senator Bob Brown who is giving his Deputy Leader Christine Milne a pat on the back for the job well done. Milne spearheaded the carbon tax negotiation through a Multi-party Climate Change Committee in support to the Julia Gillard Government.
Milne exudes with optimism. She is quoted in the party’s website as saying, “Global climate negotiations need a shot of optimism, and what we have achieved here in Australia can deliver that and help build momentum towards an ambitious, science-based climate treaty in the years ahead.”
Senator Milne, however, is cautious and aware there are tough jobs ahead. The negotiations will continue in Australia and globally. The bills are the package that has been “designed specifically so it can be strengthened over time, with annual opportunities to lift our ambition, increase our targets and invest more in clean, renewable energy than in dirty old energy.”
Senator Bob Brown admits the vote in the lower house represents a historic day the Greens has been looking forward to. “The greening of Australia is well under way,” he said in their website.
Meanwhile, the carbon tax vote intensifies the political drama even more and it is getting more vicious. The passage of the carbon tax represents a landmark win for the left wing coalition—Labor and Greens. The Prime Minister and her predecessor Kevin Rudd who was eased out of prime ministership in June 2010 kissed and hugged after the vote.
PM Gillard hugs former PM Kevin Rudd as carbon tax wins
At the other camp, the Opposition mounted a lethal attack. Liberal Party Leader Tony Abbott pledged a “bloody” vow to get back at the coalition— more specifically at Labor and do all he can to repeal the law if voted.
Australian mass media said environmental issues are fatal in Australia’s political history. News Limited noted Abbott has already used the carbon tax to bring Gillard’s leadership and the government’s to the brink of collapse and he will continue to do so.
The Australian quoted Abbott as saying, “We will repeal this tax, we will dismantle the bureaucracy associated with it.”
“I am giving you the most definite commitment any politician can give that this tax will go. This is a pledge in blood – this tax will go.”
Source: http://asiancorrespondent.com/author/rowenadelarosayoon/
