WAYNE SWAN REFUSES TO RULE OUT PETROL TAX IN PROPOSED CARBON TAX

Swan won't give away fuel tax position

Treasurer Wayne Swan has refused to rule a petrol tax in or out of the government's proposed carbon tax.

Mr Swan said it is inappropriate for people to suggest anything is included or excluded from the tax, given that it is still being formulated.

He said Prime Minister Julia Gillard had announced the ``broad architecture'' of a scheme to reduce carbon pollution and to deal with climate change.

"What she said was we will go through detailed discussions about the detailed design, and that's what we're going to do, so it's inappropriate for anybody to be making calculations about a particular item being in when those discussions haven't even been had yet,'' Mr Swan said.

He said details would firm up after months of discussions with the broader community, business, environmental groups and the minor parties.

Mr Swan said "every single dollar'' raised under the tax would be returned to assist individuals, households and business who will be impacted.

He rejected claims by Greens Senator Christine Milne that fuel will be taxed under the scheme.

He said Opposition Leader Tony Abbott was running a scare campaign over the issue.

"He's all opposition and no leadership,'' Mr Swan said.

"There is no cost-free way of dealing with climate change and reducing carbon pollution.

"There's a responsibility on anyone who aspires to lead our country to face up to that, because our future prosperity, jobs in our community, depends upon governments dealing with the long-term challenges.''