Independent Member for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie has joined a growing wave of voices calling for the fuel excise to be temporarily suspended.
With the Middle Eastern conflict about to enter its second month, fuel prices locally have skyrocketed with petrol prices (at time of publishing) sitting around $2.59 across our regions and diesel now over $3 a litre in most areas.
The fuel excise was last halved in 2022, with the Morrison Federal Government choosing to reduce petrol prices for six months as a cost-of-living support measure.
Sharkie says it’s impacting locals significantly.
“Fuel is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. People in regional and rural communities, like those across Mayo, are really hit hard. When fuel costs more, food costs more.”
“Australians understand that international factors play a role, but that doesn’t mean we should do nothing. We have acted before to provide relief through fuel excise reductions, and we can do it again.”
The Albanese Federal Government maintains the issue is around demand and not supply, however have recently changed diesel standards to accommodate for shortages in regional areas.
