The Federal Government is planning to push its proposed carbon tax through parliament and senate before the end of the year after it announced that a draft plan of the legislation is due for release within weeks.

 

Although both Federal Houses only have five weeks remaining of sitting time this year, the government is aiming to push the tax into legislation as soon as possible.

 

Work on drafting the legislation is already well underway, with the previous Rudd Government’s cancelled carbon pollution reduction scheme being a major influence in policy making. The draft may be ready as early as August, which will allow  time to be considered at senate hearings and estimates.

 

The tax, which has drawn heavy criticism from industry as well as state governments and the Federal Opposition, will price carbon at $23 per tonne of carbon and is expected to generate upwards of $11 billion in its first year of operation, according to leading climate change advisor Professor Ross Garnaut.

 

Further divisions between the NSW State and Federal Governments emerged when NSW Treasurer Mike Baird’s request for a meeting on the tax with the Federal Government was refused.

 

The NSW State Government, who’s state possesses 135 of the country’s gassiest mines, has urged caution in implementing the tax, with concerns that its $400 billion economy could be hampered by the Federal Government’s plans.