Lower house backs carbon price

The federal government's bid to introduce a carbon tax has been boosted with the lower house of parliament backing the idea of a carbon price.

Independents Andrew Wilkie, Rob Oakeshott and Tony Windsor, and Australian Greens MP Adam Brandt, backed the motion that passed the lower house last night.

The coalition and independent Bob Katter voted against the motion that passed 74 votes to 72.

West Australian independent Tony Crook was absent from the vote but has previously indicated he is open to supporting the carbon tax.