A new survey of over 1,000 people found that 45 per cent of respondents want to see the Federal Government’s carbon price given a go, while those wanting to see it dropped has fallen from 42 per cent to 35 per cent, while those unsure about it has remained at 19 per cent.

The basic information given to respondents was that the carbon price would eventually make renewable energy cheaper than traditional coal, and that over the next 5 years, $5 billion dollars raised from the carbon price would be invested in large scale renewable energy development.

The survey also found that ditching the carbon price would not be a vote winning move.

Among the one in five respondents undecided about which party they would vote for only 19% wanted the carbon price repealed.
WWF-Australia’s Climate Change National Manager Kellie Caught said, “Once Australians understand the benefits of the carbon price they are willing to give it a fair go.”

“Sadly many people are being influenced by politics and not what’s in the best interests of Australia and the future of their kids and grandkids.”
When asked why the carbon price should stay, 74% of people state it is a real incentive for big polluters to change and 62% thought Australia should be going forward and not backwards on climate change.

“Australians want action on climate change and they want to see Australia moving forward not backwards.

“Our leaders should be now be committing to stronger pollution cuts and building a competitive clean economy.

“The carbon price is our best chance of achieving this.

“The public should now look beyond the politics and consider what’s in the best interest of the health of Australia’s people, economy, and environment. We can’t afford to go backwards on this issue,” Ms Caught said.