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Julia Gillard - Source: Sunday -
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It was Tuesday, November 8 and I, along with like the rest of the world's press waited patiently in an air conditioned tent to hear what Tiger Woods had to say about 'that comment' by his former caddie Steve Williams that caused a global firestorm.
Meanwhile in Canberra, a handful of journalists were also waiting in great anticipation for an historic moment, confirmation of the nation's first carbon tax.
The much touted and ridiculed tax is now a reality with Labor and the Greens combining to pass the tax in the Senate. Five hundred of the country's biggest polluters will be taxed to achieve a 5% reduction in emissions by 2020.
Just as Tiger Woods' indiscretions triggered the unravelling of his relationship with Steve Williams, the carbon price has been at the heart of four years of political turmoil here.
It was the catalyst for bringing about the downfall of Kevin Rudd and former Opposition leader Malcolm Turnbull. Turnbull's successor, Tony Abbot has made a 'blood pledge' to repeal the laws after the next election
So, what does a price on carbon mean?
It all starts in July next year with big polluters being slugged $23AUD a tonne. After three years, it'll convert to a price set by an emissions trading market.
And, how does it affect those living in Australia?
Well, the average household bills will rise by $515AUD a year. Electricity by $171, gas will go up $78 and food estimated to cost an extra $52 per year.
Sounds nasty? Well, here's the Gillard carrot. Some 6 million households will receive assistance of $525 a year. That means families are $10AUD better off, according to the Government anyway.
So as Julia Gillard fielded questions on how she felt about her political win, Tiger Woods was taking questions about whether he can win another major golf championship?
There was more interest inside the Woods tent, but as victories go, this was Julia Gillard's US Open moment.
Read more Steve Marshall opinion
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