WITH MEAT ALREADY EXPENSIVE, IT’S ABOUT TO GET A LOT MORE COSTLY UNDER LABOR’S CLIMATE POLICY
Federal Member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie has warned of the devastating impact Labor’s plans to impose penalties on producers whose livestock release methane when they “fart” and “burp”.
I understand from media reports an announcement to commit to the global methane pledge is imminent, ahead of next month’s UN COP27 climate change conference when representatives of the Albanese Government will attend.
“I’m appealing to my friends and colleagues across the aisle in the Labor Party not to proceed with this nonsensical pursuit of more taxes in the name of climate action,” Dr Gillespie said.
“Local farmers, butchers, hospitality venues and many other industries in our region will be severely impacted by Labor’s plans to reduce methane emissions by 30 per cent over the decade. It will cost our region many jobs if they are allowed to impose taxes and penalties on our farmers.
Dr Gillespie said the move was not necessary for Australia to achieve net zero carbon emissions.
“Our nation has significantly reduced carbon emissions and we already had a plan in place to achieve net zero without the need to pursue this measure which will destroy regional jobs, regional communities and impact millions of Australian’s household budgets,” Dr Gillespie said.
“The stable diet at dinner of a piece of meat and four vegetables which has always been relatively healthy and affordable, is something just about all Australians would like to see continue.”
Dr Gillespie said if Labor were serious about achieving a realistic path to net-zero carbon by 2050, they would include new nuclear technology in Australia’s future energy mix.
“I was recently in Canada meeting with their authorities who have put all the regulatory framework and systems in place to build their first small modular reactor which will become operational by 2028.
“Small modular nuclear technology is here. It’s economical, it provides affordable baseload power 24/7, it’s compatible with the electricity grid and can be plugged into the locations where existing coal-fired power plants are being retired. Importantly, there is next to no emissions.”
“While I support having solar and wind as part of our energy mix, Labor’s plans for renewable energy will see tens of billions of dollars needed to create a new grid which will be an extra cost to all households. It’s also above and beyond the cost of installing solar, wind and batteries.
Dr Gillespie said that even the union movement had expressed concern about a number of Labor’s climate policies.
“I have spoken to several union leaders who are very concerned about the impact some of Labor’s loose policy decisions will have on Australian workers, particularly in manufacturing and our primary industries,” Dr Gillespie said.
“Labor should dump its plans to support US President Joe Biden’s methane pledge; start supporting Australian jobs and industries; and embrace new nuclear technology as a viable pathway to achieving net zero,” he added.