Nationals Senator, Fiona Nash, today warned the Gillard Labor government it will face the wrath of regional Australia if it touches the diesel fuel rebate.
The ABC’s 730 program last night revealed that they understood the government is planning to cut the fuel tax rebate for industry by six cents a litre, raising an extra $4 billion in revenue.
“If this government has the diesel fuel rebate in its sights, then I warn the Prime Minister she will cop it from regional Australia,” Senator Nash.
“This is about farmers and businesses who use off road vehicles in regional Australia, which obviously has no impact on our roads. There is no justification whatsoever for the Prime Minister to change the current arrangements that apply to the diesel fuel rebate.
“Fuel is a major input cost and the prices are going up and up.
“Fuel, especially diesel, and lubricants account for about nine per cent of total farm costs. The fuel price also determines other input costs like fertiliser and freight, driving total costs of up to 25 per cent. Add to that recovery costs from drought and floods.
“On no account should the Prime Minister mess with the diesel fuel rebate. Regional Australians have had a gutful of this Prime Minister and her out of touch, city-centric government.”
There are currently no comments, be the first to post one.