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 Government to even consider scrapping this schemeour agricultural and mining businesses should not have to pay a tax for something they don’t use.

“And if off-road vehicles and machinery 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 passed on to consumers,” he said.

The NSW Farmers association echoed Mr Coulton’s call with James Jackson saying the Prime Minister “must completely rule out any change to farm fuel taxes or risk major protest action”.

“Fuel is one of the most expensive input costs in producing food, and making it more expensive for farmers means families will pay more at the checkout,” Mr Jackson warned.

All deadlines—2pm Mondays

CSA’s new cohort of apprentices: Blake Andrews (Fitter/Machinist), Braiden Jones (Electrical), Tadhg McMullen (Auto Electrical), Nathan Bartlett (Boilermaker), Ashley Davies (Heavy Diesel Mechanic), William Cross (Auto Electrical) and Reynold Mugugia (Auto Electrical). Absent from the photo was Isabella Morton (Heavy Diesel Mechanic).

▪ Photo contributed