Greeny News

lower house approves bill to reduce emissions and the Senate almost certainly - but the opposition to repeal elected

The Australian government has cleared the main obstacle to achieving one of the largest systems in the world carbon emissions trading, after deputies approved two bills that should be voted into law by the Senate next month.

The carbon tax is to reduce emissions in Australia by 5% from 2000 levels by 2020 and reduce emissions to 80% by the year 2050. The Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, welcomed the approval of the accounts by the lower house of parliament as a historic reform.

"This is an important day for the Australian nation, not just for today but for generations to come," he said.

The bill approved by the carbon tax from 74 to 72 votes and is now moving on to the Senate, where the Labour government numbers supported by the Green Party.

"History will record that a clean energy future has begun with today's vote," said Gillard a parliamentary session, heated during which it was interrupted four times by disruptive in the public gallery shouted: "No mandate."

conservative opposition leader, Tony Abbott, a climate change skeptic, has promised "blood" to repeal the tax if elected. "I give you rock-solid commitment to any politician can give this tax will go," he said.

"It's a black day for Australian democracy. This carbon tax is a sign of good will of the Prime Minister of betraying the people with power," he said in reference to Gillard promise not to introduce a carbon tax in the days before the election last year.

was one of the political divisions in recent years, claiming the scalp of a prime minister and opposition leader. Industry groups and companies in the hall, condemned the tax, saying that the work will cost.

main jobs to vote at least 30%, which would mean a drop in the polls the next election in 2013. It is largely due to backflip Gillard to introduce a carbon tax. Last year, hung parliament meant that I had to make a tax agreement on independent and a Green MP to hold the position, despite his earlier promise not to.