As stated by ACT Greens Deputy Leader, Jo Clay:
"We are in a climate emergency and instead of leadership from the ACT Labor Government, they have united with the Liberals to vote down a tax on big polluters to pay their fair share and fund the things Canberrans actually want and need.
"The Government says that a commodities tax will cover this. If Labor was genuinely a progressive party, they would make sure this is a separate tax.
"Fossil fuels are one of the most destructive industries, have a massive impact on our physical and mental health and the industry currently pays little to no tax.
"If Labor are already negotiating a commodities tax - why can't they advocate for a fossil fuel tax alongside this work? It is already happening, but Labor is stopping short on driving real climate action.
"We cannot let big polluters getting off easy or taxed at the same level to other industries that use natural resources that help the country transition to renewable energy. We must tax more harmful industries at higher rates.
"Already we miss out on billions every year because the old parties are too chummy with big polluters. All while the Federal Labor Government continues to approve fossil fuel projects - from Woodside to the Glencore coal mine expansion approved today.
"We were warned two days ago by ACT Government that warmer months bring an increased risk of severe and damaging weather events. We don't have time to waste to mitigate the impacts of our changing climate, and the big polluters should pay for it.
"The ACT Greens will not stop pushing for a fossil fuel tax. We will continue to back the community's calls to get big polluters to pay their fair share to fund the transition to renewable energy and deliver essential services for people and planet."
