Corangamite Liberal candidate Stephanie Asher changes mind on carbon tax policy

Corangamite Liberal candidate Stephanie Asher has previously advocated for a carbon tax. Now she says “technology not taxes” is the way to go.

Corangamite Liberal candidate Stephanie Asher advocated for a carbon tax during her last run for parliament but now says “technology not taxes” is the best way to tackle climate change.

During her campaign as an independent in Corio at the 2013 federal election, Ms Asher said it was “critical” a price remained on carbon “to raise awareness of pollution, identify high-cost processes and curb greenhouse emissions”.

In a now-deleted blog post explaining her policy positions prior to the 2013 poll, Ms Asher supported a floating carbon price and an appropriate trading scheme that was “business-friendly, predictable and clear”.

Liberal candidate for the seat of Corangamite Stephanie Asher’s policy position on tackling climate change has shifted. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Ian Currie

Ms Asher also supported “incentives and subsidies” for businesses and electricity generators to reduce greenhouse gas emissions with reinvestment preferably “into renewable energy alternatives and long-term planning”.

Asked this week to explain if her position had changed, Ms Asher espoused the Liberal Party line.

“The climate change debate has come a long way in the past 10 years and in my view the government’s current approaches of technology not taxes is the best way to meet our target of net zero by 2050,” Ms Asher said.

“It is well known that I have long been a strong advocate for climate change action and that as (Geelong) mayor I delivered a target of net zero by 2035 for Greater Geelong.

“If elected, I will continue to be a strong advocate to fight climate change in the federal Liberal Party room and parliament.”

Ms Asher’s Labor opponent, Corangamite MP Libby Coker, said the Liberal government was responsible for resigning Australia to being the “only country in the world” to introduce a price on carbon then repeal it.

“Labor’s plan is clear. It will reduce Australia’s emissions by 43 per cent (from 2005 levels) by 2030 – which will become Australia’s target under the Paris Agreement, keeping us on track for net zero by 2050,” Ms Coker said.

“Boosting renewable energy is at the heart of Labor’s plan, which will create 604,000 jobs, cut power bills and reduce emissions – and it’s been subjected to the most extensive independent modelling ever done for an opposition.”

Originally published as Corangamite Liberal candidate Stephanie Asher changes mind on carbon tax policy