The Carbon Tax: Your Costs, Duties, and Privileges

There's just too many misconceptions about the carbon tax. Your consumption will be restricted by the tax, but you'll have to know the facts to determine the extent of the impact. While it's true that the tax will affect all sectors and industries in the country, it's the larger companies who'll bear the brunt of the impact. The carbon levy's main purpose is to restrict and eventually do away with non-sustainable sources of energy, especially those which release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Industries should depend on cleaner energies in the following decades; in the meantime, everyone should share the responsibility and ensure this goal pushes through. An enforced legislation guarantees industries commit to reduced consumption or opt for cleaner alternatives. A campaign can only stir up so much interest in a cause. The government is set to enforce levies on carbon emissions. Polluters will be fined A$23 for every ton of carbon they release into the atmosphere. The fine seems trivial at the outset, but it'll rack up against the costs of the larger industries' consumption. Until a trading scheme (for setting carbon pricing standards) is established, the levy will gradually increase over the following years.

The carbon taxes will hit larger industries the hardest, but you'll have to prepare for the trickle effects. Households and small businesses now have the option to switch to renewable energy alternatives. Your utilities provider can offer a variety of sustainable options you can use as supplement to your subscription. Wind, solar, geothermal, and biogas energies can be tapped and used on households to wean these off carbon-based resources. You'll still be affected by the tax's trickle costs, though. Industries will try to compensate for the added costs of the levies by passing these on to the end consumers. The costs of the tax will be diluted and distributed down the supply chain, resulting in higher-priced commodities and services. The government estimates the average households expenses will increase by A$9.90 (per week) while the tax is being implemented. The weekly government stipends of A$10.10 should offset the expense, though. You won't feel the pressure as the industries adjust to the carbon policy.

Tax cuts and exemption should also help households adjust to the changes. Extensions to the tax-free threshold will be implemented over the following years. The A$20,000 benchmark should clear a lot of households from their annual income tax returns. The carbon tax Australia guarantees industries (and households) contribute to the global efforts to eliminate carbon emissions. Do your part and opt for efficient consumption and alternative energy resources.