Jump to full article: Sydney Morning Herald (au), 2010-01-29
Author: PHILLIP COOREY CHIEF POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT
Intro: AN INCREASE in tobacco taxes is one option being canvassed within the Coalition to fund its greenhouse gas abatement policy to be unveiled next week.
It is understood the revenue source will be discussed at today's meeting of the shadow cabinet which will have its first look at the policy the Opposition climate change spokesman, Greg Hunt, developed over the summer.
Under the leadership of Tony Abbott, the Coalition abandoned support for a market-based mechanism such as a carbon tax or an emissions trading scheme to reduce emissions.
These schemes are self-funding, using the revenue made by taxing polluters, whereas the ''direct action'' measures the Coalition will unveil - including tree planting and soil management - will require extraneous funds.
The tobacco tax increase will be put on the table today as one way of raising the money needed without damaging the budget bottom line or imposing an unpopular tax.
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