Green mum Sally Davis gets in on the carbon act

Gemma Jones The Daily Telegraph September 23, 2011 12:00AM

Carbon tax actress is former soap star Mum, Sally Davis Says Yes to a Carbon Price, but she didn't mention she is also an actress having played roles in Neighbours and Blue Heele...

Change ... Sally Davis in the pro-carbon tax TV advertisement. Source: The Daily Telegraph

SHE says she is an ordinary mum who wants to do her part to stop climate change. Sally Davis, the star of the latest "Say Yes to the carbon tax" television advertisement, is also a former actress who previously starred in Neighbours and was a guest actress on the popular police drama Blue Heelers. Ms Davis, with her 2½-year-old son, tells viewers of the advertisement, which is aimed at families: "I don't like politicians and shock jocks telling us lies about this price to scare us.

"Australia is such a lucky country and I'm glad we're finally getting on with tackling climate change."

When she was asked yesterday if she had been an actress in Neighbours and other popular series, Ms Davis at first responded: "No, I don't think so."

However, she called back later to confirm that she previously worked as an actress but said that she appeared in the advertisements as a mother and was not paid. Ms Davis did receive $200 for the use of her home for a day of filming. In the background of the advertisement there is a wood-burning stove.

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Ms Davis said that at home she composts with her son and shops for organic produce and "ethical meat" when she can afford it. "I didn't want to say I was on these shows - I haven't acted for years," she said after calling back.

"I didn't want you to angle it. That's not the reason.

"I'm a mum now and I haven't acted for a long time," she said.

Ms Davis, who lives in Tasmania, blamed her original response on being inexperienced at dealing with media questions.

She said that she is on a low income and was initially worried by opponents of the carbon tax warning that families would be worse off.

Her family will get some compensation for the tax.

"Being a mum I am quite concerned about the state of affairs of the environment," she said yesterday.

"I do support the carbon tax because I feel like it is a good incentive.

"At first I was really worried. We're on a really low income. Long-term it is potentially giving them (her two children) cleaner air and a better future."

The "Say Yes" coalition of groups has previously aired a carbon tax advertisement featuring Hollywood star Cate Blanchett and actor Michael Caton.

"Say yes" spokeswoman Kelly Caught said Ms Davis was selected by a Tasmanian producer who knew her and knew of her support for the carbon tax.

"Sally's involvement in this is as a concerned mum - not as an actress," Ms Caught said yesterday.