It is estimated by the productivity commission that a price of $40/t is required to trigger a change in the electricity generation, that the price is likely to fall to $13/t if an ETS is in place in 2015, and the $10bn fund for the Greens' technology program is unlikely to generate more than a few % of Australia's needs. In fact even Labors' best projections are that under the carbon tax emissions will still increase by 7% by 2020.

Given the above, without a cheap safe base load supply, such as Nuclear energy, the only result of the carbon tax will be higher costs.

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/carbon-plan/nuclear-power-the-only-viable-option-against-rising-energy-costs-says-think-tank/story-fn99tjf2-1226191528867

Nuclear power could be a referendum, but then you have to get over where to put them. Alt energy is supplying 100% of my power. There is no reason why households or small business have to bye dirty power, leave that for big business to fight over. Maintenance costs on power plants is enormous, and with added carbon costs, you will see something give in alt energy, which is mostly free running. It is about time to give over on the scare tactics, the scene is set.

I have always strongly supported Nuclear power in this country.
It is not true, in my opinion, in fact far from true, that it is the only option to reduce Carbon.
Japan wakened me to a truth.
It proved we just can not trust humans.
Poorly built, and told so, in dangerous areas and told so, they had to fall .
Still faced with awful untrusted management from the first minutes of the tsunami to this very hour, We may wait a long time to get it.
I however think the thread will be of interest, and that in office,remember Abbott too wants to cut emissions.
He will stay on the tax then price and both party's haveing the same policy's we may return to this subject in two years just to amuse our selves.

579, can you give some indication of how many jobs are supported with you choice of power source?

Now I am assuming next to zero, if so, what do you suggest we do about all the out of work power workers as they would also have no ongoing work if we all follow your lead.

Rechtub/Shadow Minister, this complex and two part issue needs thought.
An open mind is a requirement before considering such.
The Japan disaster questions even my entrenched support for Nuclear power.
I just do not know if we can trust the humans involved it its use.
And Carbon pricing.
Well throwing hands full of feathers at the subject, usually into a strong wind and in the wrong direction is unproductive.
Above all the intention is, to cut our emissions, not the worlds.
But yes to get involved in doing that too.
Our first step, not a big one or harsh one, is a start.
A reason for those not yet started to do so.
And, importantly, as we all know, we can not forever use fuels that will run out, or that pollute.
So of most importance, in taxing both we get in early, force change, make research worth while and reward those putting new clean energy forward while imposing costs on those unwilling to change.
579, stay the course, you understand as I do, new jobs, some not even invented yet, will replace old ones as it always has been.
And a look back to this time, in ten years, will provide great humor and fun.
An author could do worse than start putting posts away for a future humorous series of books.
The fallacy's of fear,,,Australian politics and policy's as she ain't!

I have been watching a bit of question time recently and of cause the carbon tax often comes up.

I noted in her response, sen Wong accused the libs of backflipping on thier support for for a price on carbon, saying, that Howard went to th polls in 07 with a price on carbon, also saying that they have now withdrawn their support.

Of cause sen wong knows full well that the rest of the world changed it's mind after the GFC?

Typical misleading politics from this out of control government.

And belly, given you are pro tax, you obviously believe that for very job lost with this tax, one will emerge.

Would you kindly explain as to where these new jobs will come from?

Or, are you just assuming they will magically appear.

A huge risk if you ask me.