To much rejoicing from Green groups and feigned delight by Labor senators, the carbon tax legislation driven by the Member for New England Tony Windsor has just become a burden on every Australian.

With the passing of the legislation in the Senate, many Australian industries and workers face an uncertain future according to The Nationals Duty Senator for New England John Williams.

He said councils are now wondering how they are going to maintain services and seal roads, meat processors are considering how they can survive under a mountain of costs, and farmers are reviewing their operations to see where they can reduce costs while maintaining production.

Senator Williams said the most disappointing aspect is Mr. Windsor’s arrogant approach to the carbon tax debate.

“For months he hid behind the excuse ‘there is no carbon tax” as a reason for not conducting a survey or engaging in a debate. Yet all the time the climate change committee of which he was a member was preparing to announce just that – a carbon tax.

Mr. Windsor should not take his constituents for fools, although on this issue he has shown a blatant disregard for their views as expressed in my survey and a national newspaper poll.

He now has his wish, supported by his Independent colleague Rob Oakeshott, the Greens and Labor, for a tax that will inflict pain on the electorate and do absolutely nothing for the environment”, Senator Williams said.