With Wellington’s ageing population on the increase the effects on pensioners and those who are on social welfare is a concern according to many experts.

“National Seniors is concerned that a single self-funded retiree on an income of $50,000 or a couple on $80,000 a year will not receive cost-of-living assistance,” National Seniors chief executive Michael O’Neill said, while supporting some of the elements of the tax.

Julia Gillard under pressure to deliver earlier told the nation: “We need to seize a clean-energy future, the avalanche of science and climate change is in,’’ she said.

Mr O’Neill told the Times the smaller-print detail of the scheme is needed.

“We have to look more at the finer detail of the scheme. There is some recognition of upfront payments for pensioners so we are happy ... with that,’’ he said.

“Once we have looked through the full detail we can then give it a full tick of approval.’’

Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton watched the carbon tax announcement on TV.

“I personally believe that the carbon tax, which will turn into an ETS in 2015, is dangerous and ill-conceived,’’ he said.

“I shudder to think of how this will effect my electorate’s future. You only have to see the closing down of the Kandos cement plant as the first big problem,’’ he said.

‘’The farming sector has not been recognised. The assistance doesn’t stack up. Our farmers’ remarkable efficiency hasn’t been recognised. Our farming land will be eaten up by those wanting to trade in carbon trading and more forests will be driven on them,’’ he said.

NSW Farmers’ President Charles Armstrong says the Prime Minister’s assurances that Australian families won’t be worse off doesn’t seem to apply to families in the bush.

“Under a carbon price of $23 per tonne, the average grain grower can expect to lose $3000 each year within the first five years,” he said.