Anne Ruston (SA, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for International Development and the Pacific) Share this | Hansard source

In the wake of the global financial crisis, lower economic activity had an impact on emissions—not a carbon tax, which shifted emissions and jobs overseas. The repeal by this government of the carbon tax resulted in residential electricity bills dropping by up to 10 per cent and cost-of-living savings to households of $550. The government does not support a carbon tax or a carbon price. A carbon price would drive up electricity prices, lead to job losses and impact on our economy.

The government are working hard to bring down electricity prices and are reducing emissions in line with our commitments under the Paris agreement. The government has the right mix of policies to address climate change and keep our economy strong. Both emissions per capita and the emissions intensity of the economy were at their lowest levels in 28 years in the year to March 2018.