Monday, 14 March, 2022
NORTHERN Tablelands MP Adam Marshall said the shocking spike in fuel prices across the past week will hit everyone hard and fast and is today calling on the Federal Government to act without delay and ease the cost at the pump by removing the current fuel excise of 44.2 cents per litre (cpl).
With the price for unleaded fuel bounding well beyond 220.0cpl and diesel fuel costs eclipsing that benchmark at 230.0cpl and beyond, the MP said something’s got to give.
“It’s fair to say that most of us have been left gobsmacked as we saw those price boards at service stations displaying numbers we thought we’d never see,” Mr Marshall said.
“There is pressure on the Federal Government to remove the fuel excise for the time being, as an emergency response to the ballooning household cost crisis.
“From the beginning of last week to the weekend, I saw prices leap by 40.0cpl in some cases, and when I saw 230.0cpl for diesel on Saturday, I couldn’t believe it.
“The seriousness of the situation and the many flow-on effects, is yet to really hit home, but I am very concerned as to what these prices mean for so many.”
The MP said that he had heard from constituents who fear they will need to resign from their work, because the cost of travelling to and from work will become unviable.
“I acknowledge that fuel excise is an import revenue stream for Australia and helps to maintain our vast road networks,” Mr Marshall said.
“However, running a medium sized car across 12 months, paying 210.0cpl for unleaded fuel, comes back at an annual cost of $6,800, with about $1,390 of that paid as excise.
“In rural areas, it would very likely be a greater cost, due to the distances travelled.
“I have heard from a registered nurse, living in Northern Tablelands, travelling 80 km each way to work at a local hospital across 10 shifts.
“She has calculated her fuel costs will be about $330 a fortnight and is reducing other costs, such as food, to meet the additional burden.
“This is the tip of the iceberg and without immediate relief from this unexpected and unplanned for hip pocket hit, the cost of living will soon skyrocket beyond control.”