Consumer climate tax woes fresh blow to Gillard | WORLD News

Prime Minister Julia Gillard's carbon pricing sales pitch has been dealt a fresh blow after one of the country's top retailers declared the policy was partly to blame for a dramatic collapse in consumer confidence.

David Jones says carbon tax fears among well-heeled shoppers have contributed to a record fall in sales which has forced it to slash its second half profit guidance.

As Gillard delivered a passionate speech defending her controversial policy, David Jones boss Paul Zahra declared he had "no doubt" the carbon tax debate was a factor in slowing sales.