Public services hit with massive carbon tax in scheme's first year VICTORIAN public services have been hit by $35 million in carbon tax costs during the scheme's first year. Analysis by the Department of Premier and Cabinet showed there was a $13.4 million slug on public hospitals, and a $4.7 million bill for schools. Public transport costs rose by $14 million, and emergency services bills went up by $2.4 million, although this was partially offset by Federal Government compensation. The department's analysis shows the impact of the carbon tax since it was introduced on July 1 last year. The figures were close to the $13.6 million the Victorian Government expected hospitals would face. Today, the fixed price for each tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions from big polluters will rise from $23 to $24.15. Prime Minister Kevin Rudd is considering how to move from a fixed price to an emissions trading scheme, which would lower the price considerably. Opposition environment spokesman Greg Hunt said the carbon tax meant "extra costs for ... hospitals, schools, emergency services and public transport." "Kevin Rudd may try to change the name but the fact remains this is still a carbon tax and Victorians are already paying the price due to Labor's broken promise," he said. Mr Hunt said if Treasury figures were correct, by 2019 permits would cost $38 a tonne, costing Victorian services $57 million. Climate Change Minister Greg Combet, speaking on Meet the Press yesterday, said moving early to an emissions trading scheme would be difficult. "Setting up an emissions trading scheme is quite a complex thing and that is one of the reasons why we put in place a fixed price period for three years," he said.