Member for Maranoa and Nationals leader David Littleproud is backing calls for Labor to rule out scrapping the Fuel Tax Credit (FTC) scheme.

Mr Littleproud said dumping the FTC scheme was another cost of living threat under Labor and would hurt families and businesses.

“Scrapping the FTC scheme would be harmful to our mining and agriculture industries,” Mr Littleproud said.

“It would directly impact households who are already struggling with a cost of living crisis, increasing the cost of groceries and travel.”

The Minerals Council has raised the alarm amid speculation Labor is considering amending or scrapping the FTC scheme ahead of the May Budget.

Businesses can currently claim fuel tax credits for fuel used in vehicles travelling off public roads or on private roads.

Mr Littleproud said the changes would be another worrying blow to agriculture.

“Why should a farmer using a tractor to harvest their crops on farmland have to pay a road tax for a private road or area?

“This change would be another tax on farmers. Labor keeps raising the bar, making it harder for farmers.

“Farmers might start to wonder if they can afford to plant their crops and if it’s worth the fuel use. Common sense tells you when supply goes down, prices go up.

“Agriculture Minister Murray Watt needs to start backing our farmers – not making their lives harder.

“The end result will be higher prices at the grocery store. Families cannot afford another tax by stealth from Labor.

“With parliament resuming this week, I’m calling on Labor to rule out scrapping the FTC scheme as one of its first priorities.” 

This article appeared in the Allora Advertiser, 8 February 2023.