News
Fuel tax credit scheme to stay
Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton is pleased that after a few days of speculation, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed the Federal Government would not axe the fuel tax credit scheme. “This is a win for common sense and relief for all Australian farmers, miners, truckies, fishers and foresters,” Mr Coulton said. Mr Coulton spoke about the issue in Parliament last week, following a report released by the Grattan Institute, recommending this scheme be scrapped. “The diesel road tax is intended for heavy road vehicles such as large trucks,” Mr Coulton explained to parliament. “These vehicles cause wear and tear on our roads so it’s fair they should pay for road repairs. “The credit scheme provides a rebate to those businesses that use fuel for off-road vehicles as part of their operations, such as for a tractor on farm or a piece of mining equipment. “These vehicles don’t use public roads and therefore shouldn’t have to pay the tax. “It would have been a folly for the Govern- CSA’s new cohort of apprentices: Blake Andrews (Fitter/Machinist), Braiden Jones ment to even consider scrapping this scheme - (Electrical), Tadhg McMullen (Auto Electrical), Nathan Bartlett (Boilermaker), Ashley our agricultural and mining businesses should Davies (Heavy Diesel Mechanic), William Cross (Auto Electrical) and Reynold Mugugia not have to pay a tax for something they don’t (Auto Electrical). Absent from the photo was Isabella Morton (Heavy Diesel Mechanic). use. “And if off-road vehicles and machinery ▪ Photo contributed were made to pay a road tax, the cost of the food, energy and services they provide would increase and that increase would have to be CSA Mine last week welcomed its new source team made presentations providing inpassed on to consumers,” he said. The NSW Farmers association echoed Mr cohort of apprentices with a barbecue and sight into what it takes to be a successful tradesperson. Coulton’s call with James Jackson saying the site induction training. The new intake includes five new 1st year A special presentation was given by Brandt Prime Minister “must completely rule out any change to farm fuel taxes or risk major protest apprentices and three school-based apprentices Pattison, CSA Business Improvement Manager, (SBATs) that have joined the ranks as perma- who recounted how he started out on the tools action”. “Fuel is one of the most expensive input nent, full time employees after having complet- as an apprentice and has now developed his costs in producing food, and making it more ed some of their first year units while still at- career and skills to be an integral part of the mine’s leadership team. expensive for farmers means families will pay tending Cobar High School. General Manager Peter Christen welcomed Representatives from Apprenticeship Support more at the checkout,” Mr Jackson warned. the group and spoke about the opportunities Australia were also on hand last week to ensure being an apprentice can bring and what can be it was a smooth sign up process and were able achieved with dedication and hard work. to answer any questions from the apprentices All deadlines—2pm Mondays The department supervisors and Human Re- and the CSA team.
New cohort of apprentices start at CSA
Wednesday February 15, 2023 The Cobar Weekly Page 3
