IF you don’t make a noise, nothing is likely to change.
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That’s why Albury trucking operator Doug McMillan is appealing to Border residents to form a group to protest against the carbon tax.
While the federal government has given the trucking industry a two-year exemption from the tax — until July 1, 2014 — Mr McMillan yesterday said when it was imposed on the industry, it would hit families hard.
“Our fuel will rise 6.2 cents a litre,” he said.
“We use two litres a kilometre, so it’s a huge cost.
“A trip from here to Melbourne, we are now paid probably $700. But under the carbon tax, it’s going to be a $1500 trip, at least, and someone’s got to pay for that.
“That sort of increase will just increase the cost of everything you buy.
“Like or hate trucks, there’s no other way to shift things.”
Mr McMillan hoped the saving grace would be provided by the leader of the Opposition, Tony Abbott and his promise to repeal the tax if he became prime minister.
“The Coalition has made a strong commitment it will repeal it and we want to hold it to that commitment,” he said.
La Trobe lecturer in politics and international relations, Ben Habib, said despite Mr Abbott’s promise, it was “highly unlikely he could repeal the tax legislation”.
“It’s already been legislated, businesses will have to adjust, and I think, because of the composition of the Senate, the Coalition’s not going to be able to change the balance of power in the Senate until the election after next,” he said.
“Even if the Coalition wins the next election handsomely, it’s still not going to have a majority in the Senate.
“But I never discourage anyone from getting involved in the political process.
“Not enough people do get involved, so good on him for doing that.
“The system is not in his favour in this instance.”
Those interested in joining the “Border says NO to Carbon Tax” group are invited to attend a 7pm meeting on Wednesday at D & P Haulage at 458 Panmure Street, South Albury.
Trucking identity and retired bureaucrat Robert Gunning will be speak at the meeting.
For more information, call Doug McMillan on 0407 835 115.
