Liberals visit Empire Bay

Minister for Climate Action Mr Greg Hunt and NSW Senator Mr Arthur Sinodinos visited Empire Bay on Tuesday, July 3, to listen to concerns by local businesses regarding the carbon tax.

"Every Central Coast business and household will be paying the Carbon Tax through higher electricity and gas prices," said Liberal Candidate for Robertson Ms Lucy Wicks.

"Power price rises in NSW have increased by 18 per cent, with half of that rise being directly attributable to the carbon tax.

"For small businesses here on the Central Coast, that puts further pressure on their bottom line, as they receive no compensation," Ms Wicks said.

With Liberal Candidate for Dobell Ms Karen McNamara, the politicians met with the owner of the Liberty Petrol and Food outlet Mr Craig Glasby at Empire Bay.

"Mr Glasby has calculated that the cost of running his Peninsula business will rise by approximately $13, 000," Ms Wicks said.

"From our meetings today we have seen the cost the carbon tax is having on Central Coast businesses," Mr Hunt said.

"It is having a significant financial impact on local businesses and they are feeling the pinch," Mr Hunt added.

Media release, 3 Jul 2012

Aaron Henry, Liberal Party of Australia