Peter Dutton reveals cost-of-living measures that may 'make a real difference to families'
By
Danielle F.
- Replies 93
Navigating the ever-fluctuating landscape of fuel prices can be daunting, especially for seniors on a fixed income.
The cost of living has been a concern that touches all corners of society, and fuel expenses could take a significant bite out of monthly budgets.
Yet, there could be a glimmer of hope on the horizon for those feeling the pinch at the petrol pump.
Liberal leader Peter Dutton MP announced a bold move that could capture the voters' attention.
Dutton promised that fuel excise rates could be slashed by half if elected as Prime Minister.
His proposal was the cornerstone of the Liberals' cost-of-living measures and a direct challenge to the Labor Party to match the commitment.
The proposed cut would see a substantial 25-cent reduction in fuel excise for a year.
This cut could bring the rate down from 50.8 cents to 25.4 cents per litre for both petrol and diesel.
'The Coalition is committed to supporting families and businesses and alleviating the cost-of-living pressure that everyone, right across the country, is feeling right now,' Mr Dutton stated.
'If elected, we will halve fuel excise for 12 months. And if elected, we will deliver this cost-of-living relief immediately—whereas people have to wait fifteen months for Labor's 70 cents a day tax tweak.'
'This cost-of-living relief will make a real difference to families and small businesses—everyone from tradies to mums and dads, to older Australians, and to transport delivery workers,' Mr Dutton promised.
The savings for Australian households could be significant.
A single-vehicle household refuelling once a week could pocket an extra $14 weekly.
Over a year, this could add up to around $700 to $750.
For those with two cars, the savings could double to approximately $1500 annually.
'The commute to work, taking the kids to school or sport, the family drive, or the trip to the shops will all cost less under the Coalition,' Mr Dutton emphasised.
The financial implications of this measure could have an estimated cost of $6 billion.
However, Dutton pledged to introduce the legislation for the excise cut on the first sitting day of the next parliament, ensuring that the benefits would be felt as quickly as possible.
This was not the first time a pre-election fuel excise cut has been on the table.
The Morrison Government offered a similar incentive in 2022.
On the other side of the political divide, Labor has outlined its cost-of-living measures, including an extra tax cut of $5 a week for individuals earning more than $45,000 starting next year.
'I understand there's always an appetite for governments to do more,' Treasurer Jim Chalmers stated.
'We've got budget constraints, but it's not the only thing we are doing in cost of living. It goes hand-in-hand with more bulk billing, cheaper medicines.'
The total value of these changes is estimated at $50 a week for the average worker, factoring in a $150 energy rebate.
While the Liberals' fuel excise cut is a headline-grabbing proposal, the cost of Labor's $5-per-week tax cut—amounting to $17 billion by 2030—highlighted the delicate balance between providing immediate relief and ensuring economic stability.
It's crucial for voters, particularly seniors who may feel the financial strain, to weigh the benefits of both parties' offers.
We would love to hear your thoughts on this issue. How do you manage your fuel expenses, and what impact would these proposed changes have on your budget? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below.
The cost of living has been a concern that touches all corners of society, and fuel expenses could take a significant bite out of monthly budgets.
Yet, there could be a glimmer of hope on the horizon for those feeling the pinch at the petrol pump.
Liberal leader Peter Dutton MP announced a bold move that could capture the voters' attention.
Dutton promised that fuel excise rates could be slashed by half if elected as Prime Minister.
His proposal was the cornerstone of the Liberals' cost-of-living measures and a direct challenge to the Labor Party to match the commitment.
The proposed cut would see a substantial 25-cent reduction in fuel excise for a year.
This cut could bring the rate down from 50.8 cents to 25.4 cents per litre for both petrol and diesel.
'The Coalition is committed to supporting families and businesses and alleviating the cost-of-living pressure that everyone, right across the country, is feeling right now,' Mr Dutton stated.
'If elected, we will halve fuel excise for 12 months. And if elected, we will deliver this cost-of-living relief immediately—whereas people have to wait fifteen months for Labor's 70 cents a day tax tweak.'
'This cost-of-living relief will make a real difference to families and small businesses—everyone from tradies to mums and dads, to older Australians, and to transport delivery workers,' Mr Dutton promised.
The savings for Australian households could be significant.
A single-vehicle household refuelling once a week could pocket an extra $14 weekly.
Over a year, this could add up to around $700 to $750.
For those with two cars, the savings could double to approximately $1500 annually.
'The commute to work, taking the kids to school or sport, the family drive, or the trip to the shops will all cost less under the Coalition,' Mr Dutton emphasised.
The financial implications of this measure could have an estimated cost of $6 billion.
However, Dutton pledged to introduce the legislation for the excise cut on the first sitting day of the next parliament, ensuring that the benefits would be felt as quickly as possible.
This was not the first time a pre-election fuel excise cut has been on the table.
The Morrison Government offered a similar incentive in 2022.
On the other side of the political divide, Labor has outlined its cost-of-living measures, including an extra tax cut of $5 a week for individuals earning more than $45,000 starting next year.
'I understand there's always an appetite for governments to do more,' Treasurer Jim Chalmers stated.
'We've got budget constraints, but it's not the only thing we are doing in cost of living. It goes hand-in-hand with more bulk billing, cheaper medicines.'
The total value of these changes is estimated at $50 a week for the average worker, factoring in a $150 energy rebate.
While the Liberals' fuel excise cut is a headline-grabbing proposal, the cost of Labor's $5-per-week tax cut—amounting to $17 billion by 2030—highlighted the delicate balance between providing immediate relief and ensuring economic stability.
It's crucial for voters, particularly seniors who may feel the financial strain, to weigh the benefits of both parties' offers.
Key Takeaways
- Peter Dutton promised to halve the fuel excise for 12 months if elected Prime Minister.
- The Liberal Party's proposal, intended as their major cost-of-living measure, could see a two-car family save approximately $1500 over the year.
- The fuel excise cut would reduce rates from 50.8 cents to 25.4 cents per litre and would cost the government about $6 billion.
- This announcement was seen as a challenge to the Labor Party, with Dutton contrasting the immediacy of the fuel excise cut to Labor's planned tax cuts.