Abattoirs are counting the cost of the Labor-Greens-Independents carbon tax and there has to be valid concerns for their future viability according to the Nationals Senator for New South Wales John Williams.

He said Teys Brothers which operates six processing plants is the first to state the carbon tax will cost it about $2 million a year just in permits, not taking into account increased electricity charges.

Senator Williams said other processors such as the Inverell-based Bindaree Beef are still trying to determine what additional costs they will face.

"Meatworks have one thing in common – they are big employers. In fact, in most centres they operate they are the biggest single employer and a driver of the local economy.

To put an impost like a carbon tax on them is outrageous. Even if their emissions are under the 25,000 tonnes level, they will pay significantly more for electricity and other inputs.

From 2014 the next big slug will be almost 7 cents a litre for diesel on trucks delivering livestock to the abattoirs and taking the product out.

Yet their overseas competitors are not saddled with the same tax and get a market advantage.

In the end the meatworks will either have to take the financial hit, or pass it back to the producer who is already struggling under government charges.

I again implore regional Independents Tony Windsor and Rob Oakeshott to have a rethink on their support of this tax. Regional Australia will suffer the most if the carbon tax becomes law", Senator Williams said.