COALITION’S FUEL PRICE SHIELD WOULD DELIVER VITAL RELIEF TO DAWSON MOTORISTS, FARMERS AND BUSINESSES

Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox MP, has welcomed the Coalition’s Fuel Price Shield, which would automatically halve fuel excise when global oil prices surge, delivering an estimated 27 cents a litre in relief at the bowser.

Under the Coalition plan, the Fuel Price Shield would be triggered when the two-week average closing price of Brent crude rises above US$100 a barrel, with the measure expected to save motorists around $15 on a typical tank of fuel.

Mr Willcox said the policy would be particularly important for regional Australians, who often have little choice but to drive long distances.

“Fuel is not optional in Dawson. We have hundreds of kilometres between major centres, limited public transport and families who need their cars to get to work, school, medical appointments, the shops and everything in between,” Mr Willcox said.

“When fuel prices spike, regional Australians feel it first and feel it hardest. There is simply no easy alternative to driving when you live hundreds of kilometres from the next major centre.

“Our farmers feel that pressure right through the supply chain. They need diesel to plant, harvest, irrigate, transport and get Australian produce to market. When the cost of fuel goes up, the cost of getting that food from the paddock to the supermarket goes up with it.”

Mr Willcox said the Coalition’s proposal would provide a predictable response to major international oil shocks rather than leaving Australian families and businesses exposed when prices surged.

“Twenty-seven cents a litre matters when you are filling a family car, but it matters even more when you are running a farm, a truck, a tourism business or a small business that relies on vehicles every day,” he said.

Leader of the Opposition Angus Taylor said sharp rises in global oil prices flow quickly through to household and business costs.

“Fuel is not a luxury. Australians need it to get to work, take the kids to school and keep their businesses running,” Mr Taylor said.

“When global events send oil prices through the roof, Australians should know there is a clear automatic safeguard in place to provide temporary and targeted relief.

“The Fuel Price Shield would provide certainty. When a serious oil shock hits, the tax comes down automatically. When oil prices return to more normal levels, the ordinary rate is restored.

“For a family filling a typical tank, the Fuel Price Shield would mean around $15 staying in their pocket instead of going in tax.”

Leader of the Nationals and Queensland Senator Matt Canavan said regional Australia is particularly exposed to higher fuel costs.

“Higher fuel prices also flow through the entire economy. They increase the cost of moving food, freight and supplies around our country.

“The Fuel Price Shield is designed to provide temporary relief when international oil markets experience an exceptional shock, while ensuring the ordinary arrangements return once that shock has passed.”

Mr Willcox said cheaper fuel during major oil shocks would help protect the economy from a chain reaction of higher costs.

“This is about more than what people pay at the bowser. Fuel is an input into almost everything we buy in Dawson,” he said.

“It moves our food, our freight, our building materials and our tourism products. When fuel spikes, those costs don't disappear. They are passed through the economy.

“Regional Australians shouldn't be expected to simply absorb another hit every time international oil markets turn against us.

“The Fuel Price Shield gives regional families and businesses some protection when they are least able to absorb another increase in their cost of living.”

The Fuel Price Shield and stronger fuel security are part of the Coalition’s plan to fix our economy and protect our way of life.

ENDS

CAPTION

Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox MP says regional Australians feel fuel price spikes hardest, with long distances and limited public transport making affordable fuel essential for families, farmers and local businesses.

Contact: Amanda Wright | Media & Communications Adviser
P | 07 4944 0662   M | 0455 456 705   E | Amanda.Wright@aph.gov.au