Julia Gillard says she can win carbon debate | News.com.au

Ms Gillard said in Washington today (Australian time) that she always knew spruiking the initiative was going to be hard but she would win the debate in the end.

"It's one that I am determined to win," she said.

"Every day that Mr Abbott is out there stoking fear, we'll meet it with reason, with facts.

"I know that the Australian people will ultimately be confident enough to take this step of pricing carbon."

Climate Change Minister Greg Combet said Labor's dive in the polls showed Mr Abbott was good at fear mongering.

He rejected Mr Abbott's claims that a carbon tax would transform the nation's way of life and make it harder for Australians to drive or turn on an air conditioner.

"That is garbage, honestly," Mr Combet told ABC Radio.

"This guy really is nothing but a mobile scare campaign."