FED:Abbott says no pairs for carbon tax debate

AAP General News (Australia)
08-23-2011
FED:Abbott says no pairs for carbon tax debate

CANBERRA, Aug 23 AAP - Federal Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has warned the government
the coalition will not allow MPs to be paired when Labor's carbon tax legislation is debated
in parliament.

"There will be no pairs under any circumstances," he told the coalition joint parties
meeting in Canberra on Tuesday.

The decision could hamper the travel plans of government MPs outside of Canberra or
overseas when the debate begins.

Mr Abbott said it was up to the government to decide when the bill is introduced, and
that he expected every coalition MP to be present.

Under a long-standing parliamentary convention, the major parties "pair" MPs if a member
is unable to vote due to illness or other circumstances.

In brief reference to continuing allegations that federal Labor MP Craig Thomson misused
his union credit card, Mr Abbott cautioned MPs not to be diverted from the carbon tax
issue, which is unpopular with some Australians and industries.

The government plans to introduce a $23 per tonne price on carbon to be paid by big
polluters from July 1, 2012.

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