The Federal Government have announced they will introduce a price on pollution in 2012 – in effect a price on carbon. This will be the first step in moving towards an emissions trading scheme.

Who will pay? About 1000 of Australia’s heaviest polluting companies will be charged for each tonne of carbon pollution they produce. This is being done to get polluting companies and industries to reduce pollution and importantly to invest in low polluting technology.

What about Household Costs? A price on pollution is not a direct tax on households or individuals. There will be a trickle-down effect to households as companies adjust, however more than 50% of revenue raised from the scheme will be used to compensate low and middle income households for any cost passed on to them by big business.

Despite lots of rhetoric and misinformation, energy price rises in the last three years are actually due to companies failing to re-invest in major technology until they have certainty about a carbon price. Prices have risen instead to pay for upgrading old infrastructure.

Why are Unions and the AEU campaigning? We have an important and legitimate role in this debate as workers will need support as major changes to the economy occur through action on carbon pollution.

In tackling climate change some jobs will change and with the right investment new jobs will be created. Unions are arguing for the development of skills and training programs for workers, investment in new, cleaner industries and assistance to households and affected communities.

Union Climate Connectors is joining forces with Australia's largest and most influential environmental NGOs and civil society groups to make sure 2011 is the year Australia puts a price on pollution.

Members who are interested in environmental issues can go to the website and find out why union educators are joining Climate Connectors

Click here for Union Climate Connetors website

Union Climate Connectors is joining forces with Australia's largest and most influential environmental NGOs and civil society groups to make sure 2011 is the year Australia puts a price on pollution.

Members who are interested in environmental issues can go to the website and find out why union educators are joining Climate Connectors