THE carbon tax has been dumped on the scrap heap by the federal government, but what, if any effects, will it have for Leeton shire residents?
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The controversial tax was repealed in the Senate last week 39 votes to 32, with Australia becoming the first country to abolish a price on carbon.
Prime Minister Tony Abbott promised to remove the tax during last year's federal election campaign.
Leeton Shire Council corporate services director Duncan McWhirter was hopeful it would mean some sort of savings for the town.
"Hopefully it will help out in terms of energy bills," Mr McWhirter said.
"It's quite expensive to run streetlights, as well as powering the water sewerage plant.
"We're hoping there will be a flow-on effect in those areas.
"However, whatever savings are made will help to absorb the freeze of the financial assistance grant ... it's highly unlikely it will mean a reduction in rates.
"Whatever savings we can make are much appreciated.
"I would say it could also be a good thing for bigger businesses in terms of saving money as well."
One of those businesses to benefit will be JBS Riverina, according to company director John Berry.
"The carbon tax was a major cost on our grain-fed beef export business, which impeded our competitiveness to operate terms against our major competitor - the United States - who didn't have to pay this tax," he said.
"This was an unfair tax on our business and we welcome its repeal."
According to survey of the Riverina electorate, 80 per cent of participants stated they didn't want a carbon tax.
Member for Riverina Michael McCormack said the tax had been having a "detrimental impact on businesses and industries" in the region.
"It was harming confidence and jeopardising jobs in the economy, particularly the Riverina," he said.
THE NSW government has welcomed the repeal of the carbon tax, which it said will complement initiatives introduced to lower energy costs for households and businesses across the state.
Resources and Energy Minister Anthony Roberts said the abolishment will mean millions of energy customers in NSW would be better off.
"The repeal means energy retailers can now remove the carbon component from their customers' bills," Mr Roberts said.
"It is estimated the average electricity customer could see between a 6 to 8t per cent reduction on their bill.
"Gas customers will also benefit from the recent proposal from gas network operator Jemena to decrease NSW network prices by up to 20 per cent over five years.
"Residential customers will benefit from the reduction in the distribution component of their retail gas bill, which makes up around half of the bill for an average residential gas customer."
Mr Roberts said increasing energy productivity in NSW would help families and businesses save on their bills, help to create jobs, reduce waste and improve our energy and resource security.
"I am determined to put downward pressure on the cost of power for households, businesses and industry and the repeal of the carbon tax, together with initiatives from the NSW government, will help to achieve this," Mr Roberts said.
THE National Farmers' Federation (NFF) has applauded the federal government for delivering on its election promise to repeal the carbon tax.
NFF president Brent Finlay said the organisation had not supported the carbon tax due to the unnecessary cost impost on Australian farm businesses, agricultural input suppliers and food processors.
"Australian agriculture is breathing a sigh of relief now the tax has finally been abolished," Mr Finlay said.
"The sector itself was excluded from directly paying the tax.
"However, costs imposed on other businesses were passed on to agriculture and the bottom line of farm businesses.
"Carbon tax flow-on costs hit Australian farmers every time they paid for essential electricity, fertiliser, chemical and fuel supplies.
"Rather than promoting Australian farm competitiveness, the tax dampened the sector's efforts to grow and increase productivity.
"Australian agriculture already plays a crucial role in reducing emissions.
"To enable our sector to continue to play this role-and remain viable at the same time-the right policy settings must be in place.:
The NFF has called on the government to institute effective pathways for agriculture to participate in the Emissions Reduction Fund.
We urge the new Senate to prioritise business certainty when deliberating on key legislative initiatives, including those that deliver on the government's election commitments," Mr Finlay said.