24th Feb 2011, 3:00 PM – Representatives Motions - Prime Minister - Suspension of Standing and Sessional Orders

The majority voted against a motion introduced by Liberal MP Tony Abbott. This means that it was rejected. The motion was:

That so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent the Member for Warringah moving immediately-That this House censures the Prime Minister for her announcement today that confirms that she will introduce a carbon tax(By "carbon tax", Mr Abbott is referring to the carbon pricing mechanism, which will begin on 1 July 2012. ) this year breaking her solemn promise to the Australian people that “there will be no carbon tax under the Government I lead”(Read more about this promise, made by Prime Minister Julia Gillard, on ABC's The Drum. ) and in particular:

(1) that the Prime Minister stand condemned for:

(a) inflicting another new Labor tax on families already battling to make ends meet because of the rising cost of living;

(b) hitting pensioners and carers with another new Labor tax at a time when they are already struggling with soaring power bills and increased grocery prices;

(c) burdening small business with another new Labor tax at a time when many of them are barely surviving;

(d) adding an extra $300 to the average household power bill with her new carbon tax; and

(e) adding an extra 6.5 cents per litre to the cost of petrol with her new carbon tax; and

(2) at a time when there is no global agreement on reducing emissions and, under this new Labor tax, Australia will bear an unacceptable economic cost that won't be shared by our international competitors.

One member, Nationals MP Tony Crook, rebelled against his party and crossed the floor to vote 'no' with the Government.(Read more about what it means to cross the floor in our FAQ Section.)

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