The federal government needs to consult more with the states before introducing a carbon tax, Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu says.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard has been accused of breaking a key election promise after repeatedly vowing during last year's campaign there would be no carbon tax under her government.
Mr Baillieu said there needed to be a national approach consistent with that of Australia's trading partners.
"Obviously the prime minister has had a change of heart in this regard," he told reporters at Melbourne Airport on Friday.
"There is still a lot to be uncovered about this.
"What is of concern to us is what the impact on Victorians will be, what the impact on the economy will be and to date there has been very little consultation with the states and we will be seeking consultation."
The federal government's multi-party climate change committee is yet to nominate a carbon price, but economists have modelled a $26 per tonne figure based on the Rudd government's aborted emissions trading scheme.
Under the tax to operate from July 1, 2012, industry would pay a fixed price to emit greenhouse gas emissions.
A market-based emissions trading scheme, with a floating carbon price, would start after an interim three to five years.
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