Concern over ‘truckies tax’

By Lachlan Ellis

Transport operators and Opposition Ministers are urging the Federal Government to reconsider a proposed ‘truckies tax’, which could have a knock-on effect on cost-of-living pressures.

Shadow Minister for Resources and Northern Australia, Senator Susan McDonald, has called on the Federal Government to abandon plans to hit heavy vehicle users with an increase in the Road User Charge of up to ten per cent, which would see the tax truckies pay on fuel jump from 27.2 cents per litre to 36.2 cents per litre by 1 July 2025.

Senator McDonald said the move would have a serious impact on already difficult cost-of-living pressures.

“It is astonishing that Labor continues to attack those who do most for our economy. This Government has no idea of and no regard for the realities of running a business. Do they honestly believe truckies will just absorb this extra cost and not be forced to pass on the cost to customers?” she said.

“Any charge on truckies increases the cost of transporting groceries, livestock, and machinery, so we’ll all end up paying more. The Coalition will press the Labor Government to scrap these nonsensical plans.”

Local Moorabool councillor and transport owner, Paul Tatchell, echoed Senator McDonald’s concerns about the tax increase’s knock-on potential.

“If the Federal Government thinks this wouldn’t have an effect on the price of a can of soup in the supermarket, it shows how far apart they are from the realities of the rest of the world. Everything in this country is moved by transport, whether it’s by train or truck. Even if it comes by train, it has to then be moved by a truck,” Mr Tatchell told the Moorabool News.

“All they’re really doing is increasing the cost of living. It’s an on-cost, the charge will be forwarded on to the customer, the consumer pays for it. You already can’t get drivers or equipment, transport companies are going broke every day. It’s only companies like ours that have been around for a long time that can ride the wave.

“I think the Federal Government are insane, but there’s no opposition. They’re addicted to taxes…and it’s country people that get hit the hardest. People who live here have higher expenses because nothing’s close,” he said.

The current proposal is considering two scenarios, which would have heavy vehicle road user charges on fuel and truck registration increased by either six or ten per cent per year for the next three years.

The industry and the public can view and provide feedback on the National Transport Commission’s consultation report by heading to www.ntc.gov.au, searching ‘Proposed heavy vehicle charges’ and clicking the first result.