Joyce to cross floor over biodiesel. 22/06/2006. ABC News Online


The federal Coalition is expected to face more division today, with Nationals Senator Barnaby Joyce announcing he will vote against the Government to force changes to a fuel tax bill.
Senator Joyce says he will cross the floor and support a Democrats amendment to provide greater tax rebates for farmers who purchase biodiesel.
"I think you should be willing to cross the floor on anything that is appropriate," he said.
"Everything upsets people but this is the robust nature of politics.
"You must try and do what's right."
His Nationals colleague, Senator Fiona Nash, disagrees with his claim that small biodiesel producers will suffer if the fuel tax Bill is not amended.
"I think that's probably a long bow," she said.
"There are better ways of addressing the concerns of the biodiesel industry."
However, Democrats Leader Senator Lyn Allison says her amendment is vital.
"There are nothing but benefits for biodiesel," she said.
Senator Allison also wants greater rebates for the biodiesel industry.
"Biodiesel production involves jobs, involves investment in rural areas," she said.
Senator Joyce's protest may come to nothing as Labor opposes the Bill.