Wilson Tuckey (O'Connor, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

The bill before the chair makes provision for a one per cent increase in the pension in 2011 as a result of the CPRS, and it makes another provision for 1.8 per cent as of 2012. I am saying that that identifies the fact that the government admits that there is going to be no reduction in pollution at coal fired power generators because they are going to pay for certificates, some of which Treasury says they can buy from China. They are going to pay for them and pass the costs on to veterans. The veterans are going to get some compensation but over in the supermarket the cost arising from the ETS is going to be seven per cent, not one per cent. That is the point that arises in this particular situation, and I can assure you that it is to be found in the legislation. I have made that point. To prevent a member from addressing actual issues in this place would be a great pity.

The reality is that this is a very important aspect of the bill of which veterans should be aware. There are veterans in various income groups and some of them will say, ‘I am prepared to pay a price to reduce pollution,’ when in fact they will be paying a price to maintain pollution. That is why I constantly argue for renewables—and they are available in your state, Mr Deputy Speaker Adams—that would reduce emissions and reduce the price of electricity if they were properly applied. There is the difference. This is an admission contained in this legislation.

Now let me talk about other things. I have touched on the pension bonus, and I think that is a pity. The reality is that these are belated measures. Some are positive for veterans and some are not. I am happy that I have had the opportunity to address both sides of that. You will note that I gave credit where credit is due and criticism where I believe the veterans community is not being properly assisted through this legislation.

See this speech in context