THEORETICALLY the average household should profit from the carbon price announced by Prime Minister Julia Gillard.

Although announced yesterday, the price set at $23 per tonne and rising by 2.5% per year will not apply until July 1, 2012, and while costs for average households are expected to rise by $9.90 a week, assistance under the “clean energy supplement” will be $10.10 per week.

Which apparently means each year until it is replaced by an emissions trading scheme from July 1, 2015, the carbon “tax” will line residents' pockets with an extra $10.40 – assuming compensation rises at the same rate as the tax.

Richmond MP Justine Elliot said because some big polluters may pass on costs to householders,

Labor had announced the assistance package aimed at those who needed it most.

“This assistance will mean both pensioners and self-funded retirees will get up to $338 extra per year if single, and up to $510 per year for couples, combined,” Ms Elliot said.

“On top of this, all older people with an annual taxable income of under $80,000 will get a tax cut, with most receiving $300 a year.

“I am proud of our record in supporting older people as they retire or while they are still working.”

Currumbin MP Jann Stuckey said she had not seen the announcement but “as a party we oppose it”.

“It beggars belief when you consider Julia Gillard's election promise not to bring in a carbon tax, that she's now announcing it,” Ms Stuckey said.

“Just look at the pink batts, the school halls – we certainly wouldn't be doing what Labor is right now, and breaking an election promise is just the start.

“I think Queenslanders, particularly, are going to be hurt. We're being punished for our wealth deriving from the mining boom, but it's appalling for me, as shadow minister for tourism, to realise any tax is going to cause further harm to an already fragile industry.”

The price will affect about 500 of the biggest polluters, while $9.2 billion industry assistance will be allocated over the first three years.

Many exposed industries, such as steel, aluminium, zinc, pulp and paper makers, will receive free permits representing 94.5% of industry average carbon costs.