The Coalition has been forced to clarify its position on providing compensation to companies hardest hit by carbon pricing.
The clarification followed claims by Shadow Treasurer Joe Hockey that compensation would be made available to companies forced to undertake costly refits to reduce their energy use and carbon footprint as a result of the carbon tax.
Media reported Hockey stating that compensation funds would be made available under the Opposition's Direct Action policy which was launched in 2009.
Repeating the Coalition's commitment to abolish carbon pricing, Hockey said compensation would be considered on a case by case basis.
However within hours of making the compensation claim Hockey issued a statement which said: "The Coalition will not be paying compensation for repeal of the carbon tax.”
Climate Change Minister Greg Combet said the clarification was proof the Opposition “can't and won't" repeal carbon pricing. The RAC sector agree it will be a huge task.
While most of the HVAC&R sector is opposed to carbon pricing which has contributed to an increase in the cost of refrigerants, some pundits wonder how the Opposition will be able to dismantle the tax and all of the associated renewable energy programs introduced by the federal government.
Some segments of industry are concerned about how the Opposition can completely dismantle the tax and if it can be done successfully.
A number of industry groups have told CCN that carbon pricing may need to be removed gradually over an extended period of time but the Coalition is determined to completely abolish the tax as soon as it wins office.
Removing the tax is a key plank of the Coalition's election platform. The final outcome will be decided at the forthcoming federal election which will be held on September 14, 2013.
Liberal opposition to the government's Renewable Energy Target (RET) was reiterated yesterday by the Coalition's candidate for Hume (NSW), Angus Taylor, who is a Rhodes Scholar.
Taylor said the scheme, which has led to a surge in wind energy development, is an inefficient way to reduce greenhouse gases.
He wants to convince the Coalition to reduce its support for green power projects especially wind farms which are unpopular with farmers.
Later this week the Coalition is putting a bill before the Senate seeking a national study into the health effects of wind farms.