Peter Dutton, the Opposition Leader, is set to announce a significant pledge during the Coalition’s budget reply speech, promising to cut the fuel excise by 50%. This reduction will lower the excise from 50.8 cents per litre to 25.4 cents per litre for a year, which the opposition claims could save drivers approximately $14 for each tank of petrol, amounting to about $700 annually.
This pledge responds to the government’s recent federal budget announcement, where Treasurer Jim Chalmers indicated that workers could expect an increase in their take-home pay by $268 starting July, increasing to $536 by the following year. Dutton has dismissed these tax cuts as a "cruel hoax," reflecting the Opposition’s ongoing critique of the government’s economic management as both parties prepare for an approaching election, expected before the end of May.
In discussions on the program Today, Dutton highlighted that the Coalition’s priorities revolve around providing cost-of-living relief, promoting homeownership, and ensuring national security. Furthermore, reports indicate that he may also advocate for gas projects, particularly those that commit to keeping production for domestic consumption rather than exporting.
The Coalition is using the rising cost of energy as a key point of contention against the current government, as they seek to resonate with voters concerned about their living costs. Dutton’s proposed fuel excise cut exemplifies the Opposition’s strategy to address economic pressures while positioning themselves as a viable alternative ahead of the imminent election.