Actress Cate Blanchett has called for better "leadership" of environmental issues in her native Australia, after she was condemned for signing up to promote a controversial new tax scheme Down Under.
The Elizabeth star appears in an advertising campaign urging voters to back the government's planned carbon tax, which would be levied on companies which contribute to pollution.
Many fear the tax will be passed along to families already struggling in the tough economic climate through a series of price rises, and National Party Senate Leader Barnaby Joyce, who opposes the tax, has criticised Blanchett for failing to understand the impact it will have on hard-up Australians.
But Blanchett has hit back, and called for officials to take more responsibility as the country strives for a greener environment.
She tells Sky News, "My personal support of a price on carbon to make the polluters, not the punters, pay is very much based on a comprehensive package of support for lower income earners to make the transition to a low carbon economy possible and not hurt them in their hip pocket.
"I think when you put your name to anything when you stand up for something that is of national importance as the price on pollution is, then you have to expect people on the other side of the debate to say negative things and they're absolutely entitled to their opinion.
"The issue needs leadership and I think the breakdown of these talks at a high level makes us as Australian citizens feel despondent."
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