Dear Sir,

The announcement by the Labor-Greens alliance that they will push for the introduction of a carbon tax from the 1^st of July, 2012, is an indication of the power the Greens now wield in Canberra. For Greens deputy leader Christine Milne to claim they are now in a power sharing arrangement with the Labor Government should be of concern to all Australians. They are obviously holding a gun at the head of Prime Minister Julia Gillard as she does an about-turn on her pledge not to introduce a carbon tax. I know this is of great concern to people in New England, especially when electricity bills and the price of fuel continues to rise. You can guarantee they will continue to rise if a carbon tax is introduced. The Member for New England Tony Windsor has admitted he asked both major party leaders to revisit the carbon policy issue.and he will play a key role in deciding whether the legislation gets through the House of Representatives. Mr. Windsor’s recent survey he sent throughout the electorate did not ask for your thoughts on a carbon tax, so I urge you to contact his office and let him know your views. The future of many Australian industries and the cost of living hinges on this legislation that Mr. Windsor can help defeat.

Senator John Williams

The Nationals Duty Senator for New England.