NSW Local Government Minister Don Page has hit back at false claims that he misrepresented facts about the impact the Federal Government’s carbon tax will have on NSW councils and communities.

Mr Page today reiterated the fact that yesterday’s decision by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) to allow NSW councils to increase their rates by 3.6% next year was influenced in part by the predicted effects of the carbon tax on councils.

“It is a fact that 11 per cent of the increase allowed by IPART yesterday is to cover costs associated with the carbon tax – the published breakdown of IPART’s determination, which was released yesterday, clearly states that,’ Mr Page said.

“It is a fact that IPART believes that part of the increase will be necessary to help councils deliver their daily services when the carbon tax is implemented.

“It is a fact that the effects of the Federal Government carbon tax have worked their way down to our suburbs, to our neighbourhoods, and to our councils.

“It is false to suggest I misrepresented the facts, or misled the public. I have heard claims from the Acting Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency today that I misled by attributing IPART’s decision to allow councils to increase their rates by 3.6% `almost entirely on the carbon tax’ – I never once claimed that.

“That is the definition of misleading – that is the definition of misrepresenting facts.

“As I stated clearly yesterday, the decision by IPART to allow an increase in council rates has been made with consideration to a predicted rise in the costs associated with delivery of services to ratepayers, and IPART acknowledges that the carbon tax is part of that.

“The fact is that the carbon tax will impact on family budgets – and that now includes the cost of council rates for essential daily services in our communities.”