Like what you've read?

On Line Opinion is the only Australian site where you get all sides of the story. We don't
charge, but we need your support. Here�s how you can help.

  • Advertise

    We have a monthly audience of 70,000 and advertising packages from $200 a month.

  • Volunteer

    We always need commissioning editors and sub-editors.

  • Contribute

    Got something to say? Submit an essay.


 The National Forum   Donate   Your Account   On Line Opinion   Forum   Blogs   Polling   About   
On Line Opinion logo ON LINE OPINION - Australia's e-journal of social and political debate

Subscribe!
Subscribe





On Line Opinion is a not-for-profit publication and relies on the generosity of its sponsors, editors and contributors. If you would like to help, contact us.
___________

Syndicate
RSS/XML


RSS 2.0

Abbott draws his 'Battlelines'

By Chris Lewis - posted Wednesday, 2 December 2009


It is not implausible to suggest that public support for the ETS could be obliterated. One has only to see the polls which illustrate how much lower public support for environmental solutions is when higher user-pay costs are indicated to the survey respondent. And there is the possibility of public anger influencing policy, as was the case when the Howard government was forced to back down and end the indexing of petrol excise in line with inflation.

The other option for Abbott’s leadership will be to promote alternative policies which can address rising greenhouse gas emissions. This may include a more straightforward carbon tax, as suggested by Abbott in October when he cited such a view being promoted by leading economists Kenneth Rogoff and Joseph Stiglitz. It may also include better land management practices to retain more carbon, economically beneficial carbon sequestration schemes, and changes to building design (Tony Abbott, “Carbon vanity will be Rudd’s downfall”, The Australian, October 19, 2009).

To conclude, it is likely that the Coalition under Abbott’s leadership will use every idea it can to win over voters. There is simply too little time for the Coalition to build a revolutionary, well-thought out alternative to the ETS. After all, the ETS has dominated debate for several years and the anti-ETS movement may have too much to overcome, including the statements and positions of leading Coalition members such as Malcolm Turnbull, Joe Hockey and Ian Macfarlane. Should John Howard reaffirm his support for an ETS soon or during 2010, then Abbott’s leadership would indeed come under immense pressure.

Advertisement

It certainly does not look great for Abbott. A December 1, 2009 ninemsn poll shows Abbott well behind Malcolm Turnbull as the preferred Coalition leader, hardly the most desirable start for an aspiring prime minister.

Abbott is an intelligent, passionate, determined (and even progressive) politician. But if he can stop the ETS from being implemented or even reverse its acceptance should the legislation be passed through support from rebel Liberal MPs, it will indeed be one of the most famous and unlikely events of Australian political history based on recent debate over the previous two years, no matter what one thinks about the ETS.

  1. Pages:
  2. 1
  3. Page 2
  4. All


Discuss in our Forums

See what other readers are saying about this article!

Click here to read & post comments.

27 posts so far.

Share this:
reddit this reddit thisbookmark with del.icio.us Del.icio.usdigg thisseed newsvineSeed NewsvineStumbleUpon StumbleUponsubmit to propellerkwoff it

About the Author

Chris Lewis, who completed a First Class Honours degree and PhD (Commonwealth scholarship) at Monash University, has an interest in all economic, social and environmental issues, but believes that the struggle for the ‘right’ policy mix remains an elusive goal in such a complex and competitive world.

Other articles by this Author

All articles by Chris Lewis

Creative Commons LicenseThis work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

Article Tools
Comment 27 comments
Print Printable version
Subscribe Subscribe
Email Email a friend
Advertisement

About Us Search Discuss Feedback Legals Privacy