Palmer has made his intentions to take action against the federal government’s carbon tax known since last year. After receiving legal advice, he has now labelled the tax as ‘unconstitutional’ and believes he has strong grounds on which to challenge it in the courts.
“Our advice is that the carbon tax in its current form is unconstitutional,” he says “I think the constitution of Australia is much more important than having a number of lawyers or parliament trying to slip around it.”
Treasurer Wayne Swan has hit back in response to Palmer’s decision to take legal action, defending the carbon tax and labelling this latest opposition as the greed of wealthy mining magnates who are attempting to use money to tackle a public issue.
Palmer has defended himself by offering up his charitable past track record as proof of character while further calling the tax destructive to the future of Australians.
”I’ve given away each year more than a hundred times the Treasurer’s salary to Australians who are needy,” he says. “I wonder how much of his salary has he given away to Australians who need that wealth?”
”In the spirit of love and reconciliation we can forgive the Treasurer, but the Australian people will never forgive the Labor Party for destroying the opportunities of our children, our future generations,” he adds.
Palmer’s looming legal action is likely only the latest piece of controversy surrounding the carbon tax, an issue that has caused a stir in both government and industry sectors.
