David, research and development is something that attests healthy tax incentives, in the orderof 125% right off. Much better to use generated incomes to research than taxes collected in my view, as taxes don't generate anything. In fact, they have the opp effect as they curb cash flows. Besides, don't you think research dollars would be better spent finding a way to deal with carbon, because reducing it will cost jobs.

Now for all those hel bent on renewables, not one of you can answer one very simple, hugely important, question. Where will the replacement jobs come from if and when you shut down the coal business?

It's no good just heading down a path that will knowingly distroy jobs, without having a contingency plan to find replacement jobs for those lost. Otherwise, we all loose.

I'll believe that we will benefit is ANY way when I see the government doing something serious about the absolutely ludicrous levels of executive remuneration and bonuses, and the ridiculous levels of commercial welfare, we're paying billions to industries that are making huge profits, while at the same time they are off-shoring our jobs and the government is punishing the unemployed for losing said jobs!

Rehctub
Quote
“Now for all those hel bent on renewables, not one of you can answer one very simple, hugely important, question. Where will the replacement jobs come from if and when you shut down the coal business?”

http://www.google.com.au/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&rlz=1C1AVNC_enAU562AU562&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=do+renewables+create+more+jobs+than+coal&spell=1

The facts are renwables generate 3 times as many jobs as coal fired power plants. It is also true that coal based generators are continually reducing their work force by the use of more automated equipment.

The other issue you are mistaken about is whether taxes create jobs the answer is yes particularly when it comes to infrastructure. For example the snowy mountains hydro scheme created a great many new jobs

Sorry the link above does not work either copy the link and insert an s after http or simply google "do renewables create more jobs than coal"

Butcher, you miss the point.

Coal will be around for a long time yet.

Coal is getting millions in subsidies every year.

Sooner or later we will have to reduce our dependence of fossil fuels (whether you believe in AGW or not).

Good leadership plans for the future (not just the next election cycle).

It would be prudent to invest in renewable technologies - it makes economic sense and not only benefits jobs, but the environment.

David, I don't have a problem with investing in research, it's the tax I have a problem with, because if we ignite business, then the taxes will flow, so too will jobs.