Families, farmers and small businesses across the Darling Downs are being hit hard by a deepening national fuel crisis, with Federal Member for Groom Garth Hamilton calling on the Albanese Government to immediately halve the fuel tax for three months to deliver urgent relief.
This is a practical step the Government can take today to ease pressure on households and small businesses already stretched by rising costs and now facing surging fuel prices.
Halving the fuel tax would cut prices by around 26 cents per litre for three months.
A corresponding reduction in the Heavy Vehicle Road User Charge should also be provided to ease pressure on freight and keep costs down across the economy.
Mr Hamilton said people across the region are already feeling the strain.
“Across our region, people are being hit from every direction – at the supermarket, on their power bills, and now at the bowser,” Mr Hamilton said.
“I’ve spoken to a farmer who had to stop mid-harvest because the price of fuel meant continuing would have wiped out his profit.”
“I’ve spoken to a family in Toowoomba who can’t afford the drive to Millmerran to see their grandparents because fuel has become too expensive.”
“I’ve spoken to a truck driver who had fuel stolen from his truck while he slept – that’s the level of pressure we’re seeing right now.”
“These aren’t isolated stories. This is happening right across the Darling Downs.”
Mr Hamilton said the Government’s response showed a growing disconnect between Canberra and regional Australia.
“When I come back to Canberra and hear the Minister say there’s no fuel supply issue, it just doesn’t line up with what people are actually experiencing on the ground,” he said.
“You cannot panic-buy from an empty servo.”
“The Government has admitted there are hundreds of empty servos across the country – people can see it for themselves.”
“The government isn’t managing the basics, and Australians are paying the price.”
The Coalition is also putting forward sensible options to fund this relief without adding to inflationary pressure, including:
- Ending the Electric Car Discount
- Reversing the Government’s green hydrogen subsidies and tax credits
- Pausing and strengthening integrity controls around the Home Battery Scheme
“These measures will fully fund a temporary fuel tax cut while taking pressure off the broader economy,” Mr Hamilton said.
“People in our region cannot afford more delay or more excuses.”
“We need immediate relief at the bowser and a government focused on getting fuel where it is needed.”
ENDS.
Media Contact: Greta Dwan 0414 211 908