Prime Minister Julia Gillard had promised not to push for a carbon tax during elections last year, but has since said it is the best option for Australia´s future. Members of the public applauded Tuesday when the bills were passed with support from her Labor Party minority government and the minor Greens party.[break]
Critics including the center-right Liberal Party say the tax will drive up the cost of producing energy and make everything else more expensive.
Beginning July 1, Australia´s largest polluters will pay 23 Australian dollars ($24) for every metric ton of carbon gases they produce.
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