CARBON TAX

In reply to Ms CHAPMAN (Bragg—Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (27 June 2013).

The Hon. C.C. FOX (Bright—Minister for Transport Services, Minister Assisting the Minister for the Arts): I have been advised of the following:

The impact of the carbon tax will affect the cost of public transport directly through;

the reduction to diesel fuel tax credits applicable for diesel fuel use in trains (and buses from 2014); and

increased electricity costs incurred from operating trams and the new electric trains.

When the carbon tax was first announced, the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure sought to make provisions for the financial impact through the Mid-Year Budget Review process. These estimates include the full impact of transitioning to an electrified network. However, the complete rail network is now not being electrified, with the electrification of some lines being deferred.

The amount of carbon tax that the Department of Treasury and Finance has funded in each year of the forward estimates is as follows:

(1) The carbon charge for diesel fuel was reduced to zero from 2015-16 to reflecting the transition to an electrified network. A budget adjustment will be submitted as part of the Mid-Year Budget Review process.