Imagine this scenario. After losing the 2007 election in large part because of the WorkChoices policy, the Liberal party manages to block the removal of this unpopular policy. How would the Liberals fare at subsequent elections?
Now fast forward after the next election. If Labor suffers a resounding defeat as it looks like they will, and this is in large part because of the carbon tax, will Labor really block its removal? Will they leave it there as a constant reminder that they can’t be trusted to keep promises?
I suspect people will quickly forget the % increase in their entitlements because of the compensation. But they’ll notice the itemised carbon tax amount every time they get an energy bill. And Labor MPs will happily leave it there? Their fridge magnets may as well say “think of me every time you pay a power bill.” It won’t happen.