Federal Government proposes a price on carbon.

[Interceptor]

The anti-carbon tax rally in Melbourne yesterday drew 400 people.

The pro-carbon tax rally drew 8,000.

The people's revolt isn't off to a great start.

The pen is mightier than the sword.

[fish]

The anti-carbon tax rally in Melbourne yesterday drew 400 people.

The pro-carbon tax rally drew 8,000.

The people's revolt isn't off to a great start.

Interesting that around 95% of attendees went to the "take action on climate change" rally and 5% of attendees went to the "don't take action on climate change" rally.

These figures line up pretty well with the figures I've seen quoted for scientific opinion on human-induced climate change - about 97-98% of scientists concur that humans are forcing climate change and the rest don't.

[Q.]

Carbon price: Garnaut backs Labor’s scheme

Garnaut goes to some lengths to emphasise that, contrary to the claims made by opponents of carbon pricing, the economic impact of a carbon price scheme in Australia is likely to be small and well below that of naturally-occurring factors such as interest rate changes, currency fluctuations, oil price rises and droughts. He also suggests a carbon tax is likely to be significantly more efficient than many other taxes and warrants consideration as part of a tax reform program, quite apart from its benefits in addressing climate change.

[redandblack]

I also note that the 2GB shock-jocks, having said the 'people's revolt' will draw 50,000 to the Canberra rally, have now downgraded their estimate, to:






2,000.

Lowering expectations

I suppose if they get 5,000, they'll claim it as a win

[mick]

I think most people will do their "revolting" at the ballot box, I've never been to a demonstration or rally in my life and I'm not about to start. I just vote However, the green rent a crowd mob used to get sizeable numbers at demonstrations at Roxby/Pine Gap every year until they were faced with a fait accompli. As I said before I'm ambivalent on Carbon tax, but I wouldn't read too much into these apparent shows of support or otherwise.

[redandblack]

The point I was making was the change in the shock jocks boasting about numbers.

[dedja]

I also note that the 2GB shock-jocks, having said the 'people's revolt' will draw 50,000 to the Canberra rally, have now downgraded their estimate, to:






2,000.

Lowering expectations

I suppose if they get 5,000, they'll claim it as a win

There was a huge marquee with fancy tables and chairs setup in front of the Sydney Opera House the other day and I said to the missus as we were walking past... Alan Jones must be coming down for dinner tonight.

[fish]

Garnaut backs $20-$30 carbon price

Federal Government climate change adviser Ross Garnaut says the carbon tax should be set at between $20 and $30 a tonne when it is introduced next year.

In his latest climate change review, Professor Garnaut says the price should then rise at 4 per cent per annum before being replaced by a floating price in an emissions trading scheme in 2015.

And, in an apparent reference to senior Liberal Senator Nick Minchin, who said last week he believes the earth is cooling, Professor Garnaut said such comments are ignorant.

"Statistical evidence of a warming trend is clear," he said.

"But the Australian airwaves still resounded late last week with talk of the earth cooling. There is no point covering up the truth. We are living through an awful contest between knowledge and ignorance."

[dedja]

I think the coalition was happy with their rent-a-crowd effort ...

Anyhow, I'm working from home today and have caught a bit of the House of Reps today on Fox.

Both Gillard and Abbott have gone hammer and tongs at each other getting very personal, and both getting very frazzled.

I'm now listening to a speech in the House from Bill Shorten ... cool, calm and collected, deflecting abuse with humour and not missing a beat with his message.

Surely a very strong candidate for the next leader of the Labor Party.

The leadership of both major parties at the moment is an embarrassment and a disgrace.

[Ronnie]

The conceit, and the nonsense in all of this, is staggering. Australians, and especially Australians acting on their own, are not going to make a scrap of difference to any temperature movement or climate change outcome.

Let's look after the environment for sure, but making every light switch a tax collection point for the sake of some incredibly vague and impossible outcome is not on.

[redandblack]

Except that Australiansd are not acting on their own.

Countries all arounsd the world are acting on this, including 232 European countries.

You just won't read that in most media, it doesn't suit the agenda.

[Dirko]

including 232 European countries.

Wow ! No wonder they need the carbon tax, they've added over 100 countries too the continent !!

[redandblack]

Yes, I also added 200 countries to the 32 who are doing something

[OnSong]

Yes, I also added 200 countries to the 32 who are doing something

Shock jock!

[Dirko]

Yes, I also added 200 countries to the 32 who are doing something

Shock jock!

Beautifully played.

[redandblack]

Does that mean I get my own chef to make my lunch, like Alan Jones

[Bully]

i think julia needs to sort out rudd before anything is put to bed. IMO i think that rudd will challenge julia for the leadership before the next election. if julia doesnt put this to bed with rudd she will find herself out on her arse.

[southee]

i think julia needs to sort out rudd before anything is put to bed. IMO i think that rudd will challenge julia for the leadership before the next election. if julia doesnt put this to bed with rudd she will find herself out on her arse.

Agreed, only a matter of time and Dudd will be back.

Bizarrre!!!

[redandblack]

southee, IMO there is no chance at all that Rudd will replace Julia Gillard.

The media are in a frenzy about the possibility, but the media, as usual, have no idea.

[mick]

Rudd has no chance as he has no factional support, the ALP needed a JWH clone to win the 2007 election that's why he became leader with the blessing of the factions. The carbon tax will claim Gillard's head either through an election or a leadership coup.