Hollywood star Blanchett unaffected by Opposition's criticisms
Appearing in “We Say Yes” campaign commercials as a carbon tax ambassador, Cate Blanchett seemed unaffected by expected criticisms from those who do not support putting a price on carbon.
"I'm not really surprised by the reactions from people on the other side of the debate. People are entitled to their opinion," Blanchett was quoted as saying by AFP.
Nine MSN reports Opposition Leader Tony Abbott said yesterday that Blanchett’s voice “should not be heard ahead of the voice of the ordinary working people.” He reiterated that the Australian Family Association actress never have a first-hand experience of the awful effect of an increased price of living from the tax. The federal opposition said the climate change campaign showed the government was out of touch with ordinary Australians on a carbon price.
Meanwhile, leading economists will take some action this week. Professor Ross Garnaut will start touring the country after the publication of his final report on global warming update today.
The Sydney Morning Herald reports the Productivity Commission will issue a report on the ''effective'' carbon price in countries that do not have a tax but do impose costs on their economy and businesses. The Treasury will also publish a demonstration on what a carbon price will really cost households.
A recent survey showed 48 percent of the voters are in opposition of the carbon tax while 38 percent are in favor. Abott challenged Prime Minister Julia Gillard to try out her policy through a freash election.
"This is a prime minister who's happy to listen to actors, but she won't listen to voters. She might say `yes' to celebrities, but she won't say `yes' to the people of Australia to have an election on this topic,” Abbott said.
Gillard dismissed the call, and accepted Dr. Hewson's description of Mr Abbott as a "master of the negative".
Gillard said her administration listens to the community. "Now Cate Blanchett has had her voice heard on climate change, that's appropriate, just as it's appropriate for one million women to have their voices heard through the One Million Women campaign," she told reporters.
Gillard launched a campaign in Sydney on Monday to involve one million women to reduce their carbon footprint by one tonne each.