Chamber concerns on carbon tax

The Peninsula Chamber of Commerce has taken its concerns over the carbon tax to the highest levels at a recent meeting with the deputy Prime Minister and Federal Treasurer Mr Wayne Swan.

"At a recent luncheon organised by the Federal Member for Robertson Ms Deborah O'Neill, the Peninsula Chamber had an opportunity to convey the concerns of the local business community over the carbon tax directly to the deputy Prime Minister Mr Wayne Swan", said Chamber president Mr Matthew Wales.

"When business conditions are so tough, the last thing any of us need is an additional tax and I conveyed this to the Federal treasurer and Member for Robertson Ms Deborah O'Neill.

"The business community needs to understand the justification for the tax and how small business is going to be compensated when we know full well that the big polluters will simply pass the cost of the carbon tax onto the consumer.

"The business community have been critical of the proposal due to the lack of detail and assurances that they wouldn't be disadvantaged.

"With electricity prices set to rise further over the next 12 months, small business needs to have confidence that any carbon tax will not mean increased costs when it is already difficult to make ends meet in difficult market conditions," he said.

"While Mr Swan put a compelling case forward for the carbon tax, we were disappointed that the detail was still some time away and this only serves to fuel uncertainty," said Mr Wales.

The Chamber has backed recent moves by the NSW Business Chamber - Central Coast to formulate a coordinated response to the carbon tax issue.

"At a local level, the Peninsula Chamber will be formulating its own position on the carbon tax but will be working closely with NSW Business is ensuring that small business gets the best possible deal in the event that the tax is imposed," said Mr Wales.

Media Release, 27 May 2011 Matthew Wales, Peninsula Chamber of Commerce