August 1, 2008
Australia's seafood sector fears carbon trading impact
The Queensland Seafood Industry Association (QSIA) is worried about the impact the carbon emissions trading scheme would have on the industry.
The Federal Coalition has approved in principle a policy to support an emissions trading scheme that may start by 2012. The Commonwealth has released a green paper on a trading scheme that includes provisions for primary industries to get a cent-for-cent increase in the diesel rebate.
While Robin Hansen from the QSIA welcomes the concession, he is worried about the cost burden on seafood exporters.
Hansen said there is a cost that they have to pay upfront when they purchase fuel and it is a cash flow issue even though there is an ability to recompense that loss.
In view of that, Hansen added that there are some concerns on where it may lead in the future.
