Thousands of angry protesters have gathered in the Australian capital, Canberra, to demonstrate against government proposals for a carbon tax to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The tax is the centrepiece of Prime Minister Julia Gillard's environmental strategy but opponents say it will drive up household bills and cost jobs.
Ms Gillard ruled the tax out during 2010's election campaign and the protesters say the are marking the anniversary of that pledge.
The BBC reports that no issue is generating more passion in Australia now than climate change, with more protests planned.
Next week, convoys of trucks are expected to converge on Canberra from all over the country in an attempt to close down roads around parliament in opposition to the controversial tax.
The conservative opposition has promised to ditch the tax, arguing it will have only a small impact on overall global emissions.
