Q. And what impact do you expect the carbon tax to have on each of the following?
|
Increase a lot |
Increase a little |
Stay much the same |
Decrease a little |
Decrease a lot |
Don’t know |
|
| Energy prices |
67% |
26% |
4% |
* |
– |
3% |
| Fuel prices |
53% |
31% |
11% |
1% |
* |
4% |
| Grocery prices |
41% |
41% |
14% |
1% |
– |
4% |
| Fresh fruit and vegetable prices |
39% |
39% |
18% |
* |
* |
4% |
| Unemployment |
31% |
27% |
32% |
2% |
1% |
8% |
| Interest rates |
22% |
18% |
38% |
8% |
1% |
13% |
A majority expect that energy prices (67%) and fuel prices (53%) will increase a lot due to the carbon tax. 41% expect grocery prices to increase a lot and 39% expect fresh fruit and vegetable prices to increase a lot.
A majority of all demographic groups expect energy prices to increase a lot – even 48% of Labor voters agree.
Those most likely to think fuel prices will increase a lot were women (57%), aged 45-54 (60%) and Liberal/National voters (68%).
Those most likely to think grocery prices will increase a lot were aged 45+ (50%), Liberal/National voters (55%) and those on incomes under $600pw (47%). Opinions about fresh fruit and vegetable prices were similar.
58% also think that unemployment will increase and 40% think interest rates will increase because of the carbon tax.