Australian PM Julia Gillard presents carbon tax bill

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Source: BBC

The legislation would force about 500 of the biggest polluters to pay for each tonne of carbon dioxide they emit. The tax is central to the government's strategy to combat climate change, but the opposition say it will cause job losses and raise the cost of living.

Addressing the House of Representatives, Ms Gillard said her task and that of parliament was to lead the country through a world undergoing change. "Today we move from words to deeds. This parliament is going to get this done," she said, to cheers and howls in parliament.

Australia's 500 heaviest polluters will pay A$23 (£15; $24) for each tonne of carbon emissions, and households will be compensated through tax cuts or welfare increases for any increased costs. It will be introduced on 1 July next year, and will then evolve into an emissions trading scheme three years later.

The conservative opposition leader has promised to ditch the tax if he wins office.

Read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-14894063