Truckies warn grocery bills could skyrocket by $20 a week due to massive tax bungle caused by Scott Morrison’s petrol excise cut
- The Morrison government slashed petrol tax as part of the March federal budget
- Motorists will save on average about $15 whenever the fill up their car’s tank
- But the trucking industry already get money back on the fuel excise
- The tax reduction wipes out their rebate and will force them to pass on costs
Truck drivers are warning that households will see a $20 increase in their weekly grocery shop because of ‘unintended consequences’ of the Coalition’s budget measures to help the hip pocket of Australians.
Across the country 11 trucking organisations have got together to demand a meeting with Prime Minister Scott Morrison to discuss their concerns.
They warn the budget centerpiece fuel tax cut designed to ease cost-of-living pressures for Aussies will actually cost them money.
This is because the transport industry will have to forego other rebates and, in order to stay afloat, they will be forced to pass on those costs to the supermarkets they keep stocked, who in turn will raise prices at the checkout.
A fuel tax cut of 22.1 cents per litre – or about $15 to fill up the average tank – was a centrepiece of the Morrison government budget measure to counter inflation for households (picture: Mr Morrison in April)
‘The food supply chain can only keep shop shelves stocked if operators can offset the loss of the tax credit,’ Australian Trucking Association chairman David Smith wrote to Mr Morrison.
Truckers already get money back on the fuel excise and the halving of the tax wipes out any rebates they get, the letter seen by The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald explains.
Mr Smith said said the only way they could offset the loss amid soaring fuel prices would be to either increase their rates or if a new rebate system was established.
‘Unless this is resolved, it is estimated that this will add $20 per week to the average household’s food bill. This will negate the cost of living relief which the government sought to provide.’
Truckers who already get a fuel rebate will be worse off after the tax cut and they warn they will have to pass the cost onto supermarkets who will then raise their prices (stock image)
He warned trucking companies were already doing it tough and counted on the rebate when doing their quarterly Business Activity Statements.
‘Operators who cannot replace or offset those funds will inevitably collapse in the coming months.’
The tax office is reportedly aware of the issue and has been instructed to show flexibility with the industry.
Mr Morrison’s office confirmed they had received the letter and issued a reminder that the fuel tax cut only lasts until September.
Shadow treasurer Jim Chalmers said the government wanted something that sounded good but must have been aware of the consequences the tax cut would have on the transport industry.
The fuel excise reduction will last until September and is expected to cost the government more than $2billion in revenue (stock image)
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