The Rudd Government’s Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) will offer little help for industries in Bundaberg, like Bundaberg Rum, Sugar Millers, Saw-millers, Fish Processors or manufacturers, compared to their European counterparts, according to The Nationals Senator Ron Boswell. Speaking in Bundaberg today, Senator Boswell said that “the European Commission’s recently stated position on carbon leakage will cause serious damage to Australian jobs and industry, especially in Bundaberg”. “While Kevin Rudd and Penny Wong play their political games, Europe is quietly stabbing us in the back with their sham ETS, effectively handing out up to 100% free permits across 164 industrial sectors and sub-sectors.” “Some of the sectors and sub-sectors which pursuant to Article 10a (13) of Directive 2003/87EC, are deemed to be exposed to a significant risk of carbon leakage include – • Manufacture of sugar • Production of ethyl alcohol from fermented materials • Processing of fish and fish products • Manufacture of distilled potable alcoholic beverages • Sawmilling and planing of wood; impregnation of wood • Manufacture of steel tubes • Fibre board and other panels and board.” This is just a sample of the industries which are being protected in the European ETS while their costs go up under the Australian ETS.  It is easy to see who the losers will be.” Senator Boswell said that there was an urgent need to focus on trade exposed enterprises at the smaller end of town. “An Access Economics research paper, commissioned by Premier Anna Bligh as Chair of the Council of Australian Federation, shows that Wide Bay/ Burnett region is forecast to lose 592 jobs and $126m in output by 2020 under an ETS.” Senator Boswell also said that Bligh’s report found that by 2025 wages would fall by 5.15%. “So not only will jobs be lost but wages will fall. This is bad news for Wide Bay-Burnett working families already feeling the pinch due to the global financial crisis. That is a significant hit to local business and working families.” “The latest Newspoll shows that the Coalition’s two Party preferred vote outside capital cities has jumped to 51% which is higher than that vote at the last election.” “Coalition Senators and Members in regional areas have been explaining how the ETS will hurt the regions and the message is getting through.” “The ETS is finished in the bush and any politician who supports it risks losing their seat at the next Federal election,” Senator Boswell said. “The ETS represents damage to jobs and businesses particularly in regional areas and are rightly fearful of what it will mean to their jobs, families and communities.” ENDS CAF Access Economics Report - (CPRS) - http://www.caf.gov.au/policyinnovation.aspx