Media Contact - Judith Crosbie, Director of Communications, 0432 552 895; Philippa Hatton, Communications Officer, 0418 982 257
Bus drivers in Queensland's southeast are speeding and working 60-hour weeks to deal with tight timetables and low pay, their union says.
The heavy transport industry has been given a two-year grace before it has to pay the $23 per tonne carbon tax - but from 2014 families will come face to face with the true reality of how the industry affects their lives and cost of living.
The Gillard government is trying to quell internal dissent over the impact of the carbon price on the heavy transport industry, hinting there may be exemptions for some truckies and urging outspoken MPs and union officials to reserve judgment until Sunday’s policy announcement.
Qantas faces fresh disruption after the union representing baggage handlers and ground and catering staff warned strike action was likely within weeks unless the airline agreed to its job security demands.
A Party revolt is brewing on carbon tax at this weekend’s ALP conference, with warnings it will cost lives on the road and leave truck drivers $5000 a year out of pocket.
Julia Gillard will promise that seven out of 10 families will face no added financial burden from the carbon tax as she prepares to embark on a campaign selling her climate change laws next week.