Australian Treasurer Quashes "Alarmist Claims" About Coal Industry Job Losses

Strategic Insights -

Australian Treasurer Wayne Swan has dismissed fears about job losses in the coal industry ahead of the government's carbon price package release, citing strong investment and job creation in the sector. Treasury modelling predicts coal exports and production to double over the next 40 years, despite the introduction of a carbon tax. The coal industry has flagged participating in an anti-carbon tax advertising campaign, but Swan is confident that facts will "win through" and the industry's future is strong. Meanwhile, opposition MPs are criticizing the government's handling of the carbon tax and suggesting that Labor MPs may be seeking asylum in Malaysia rather than face their constituents.

Key Takeaways:

  • Treasury modelling predicts coal exports and production to double over the next 40 years, despite the introduction of a carbon tax.
  • Under an indicative A$20 (US$21.31) carbon price, coal exports and production would still be stronger than without a tax.
  • The coal industry has flagged participating in an anti-carbon tax advertising campaign.
  • Australian Treasurer Wayne Swan dismisses fears about job losses in the coal industry, citing strong investment and job creation.
  • Opposition MPs criticize the government's handling of the carbon tax, suggesting that Labor MPs may seek asylum in Malaysia rather than face their constituents.
  • Nationals MP Darren Chester expressed sympathy for Labor MPs facing the challenge of selling the carbon tax to their local electorates.
  • Liberal MP Josh Frydenberg predicted that Prime Minister Julia Gillard's days are numbered, citing the growing discontent within the Labor caucus.

Statistics:

  • A$20 (US$21.31) is the indicative carbon price mentioned in the article.
  • 40 years is the time period mentioned in the article for coal exports and production to double.
  • 6 July 2012 is the date mentioned in the article when the Treasury modelling will be made public.
  • Eastern Australia's coal production peaked in 2011/12, producing at an average rate of 526 million tonnes per year, according to the source.

Sources:

  • Asia Pulse, "Swan targets coal industry alarmists", 6 July 2012
  • AAP, "Treasurer Swan dismisses coal industry job loss fears", 4 July 2012
  • Fairfax, "Treasurer Swan dismisses coal industry job loss fears", 4 July 2012