Prime Minister Julia Gillard today claimed the climate change debate was being hijacked by US-style, hard Right politics, accusing Tony Abbott of mounting a hysterical fear campaign.
In a strongly worded address, Ms Gillard told Victorian ALP conference delegates that she would not surrender her push for a carbon tax, which she said would be bedded down in time for the next federal election.
The Prime Minister drew parallels between the Opposition leader and high profile conservative political and business figures in the United States.
“Tony Abbott has said of himself that he is John Howard and Bronwyn Bishop’s political love child,” she said.
“Heaven knows that’s bad enough but the truth is he is acting more like the love child of Sarah Palin and Donald Trump.”
As expected, Ms Gillard used the speech to defy her critics and push ahead with the controversial tax.
But the Opposition has used her carbon tax strategy to fight an effective campaign, warning the threatened tax will exacerbate cost-of-living issues.
Ms Gillard took a swipe at media opposing the carbon tax and pointed to evidence cited by NASA and the CSIRO.
“We don’t have time for the politicians and shock jocks who deny the scientific conclusions of NASA and the CSIRO,” she said.
“We don’t have time for made-up figures and shameless fear-mongering.
“We don’t have time to waste on a debate that lacks facts and reason.”
Ms Gillard’s comments came after Mr. Abbott this week continued his national campaign highlighting what he says will be the significant cost of the Gillard government’s carbon tax.
Ms Gillard said the planet was warming dangerously and the tax’s effects would not be as severe as being portrayed by the opposition.
She told delegates that she would not be buckling under the political pressure.
“Our national ethos is to have a go,” she said.
“And together we will tackle climate change, price carbon, provide assistance to families and protect jobs.”
The ALP conference ended in high farce this afternoon when too few members returned to the conference floor after lunch.
It meant organizers were forced to close proceedings before debate on substantial policies, including gay marriage and asylum seekers.
They were poised to be the most contentious debates of the day.
