The ATA has welcomed the Government's announcement that it will halve fuel tax and reduce the road user charge on the fuel used in trucks on the road to zero.
ATA Chair Mark Parry said the decision would deliver immediate tax relief to Australia's trucking businesses.
"Trucking businesses will save 26.3 cents per litre at the pump when they fill up. Their fuel tax credits will increase from 20.2 to 26.3 cents per litre, which they'll get as usual after they lodge their business activity statement at the end of the month or quarter," Mr Parry said.
"In total, the decision will save trucking operators 32.4 cents per litre. It is the lifeline that small trucking businesses need.
"Meanwhile, the Senate is debating the Government's bill to empower the Fair Work Commission to make urgent fuel price orders that will enable operators to pass their increased fuel costs along the supply chain. The ATA urges the Senate to pass the bill as it stands.
"These two measures are the outcome of strong and effective advocacy from the ATA and its member associations. I thank and congratulate them on their commitment to getting results for trucking businesses everywhere," he said.
The removal of the road user charge and the fairer fuel bill are two of the four elements in the ATA's plan to support trucking businesses. The ATA and its members have also argued for-
- the immediate activation of disaster recovery funding to help small trucking businesses, and
- the increased use of longer trucks that can move more freight with less fuel. The ATA has asked the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator to meet urgently with industry leaders and state government representatives to develop a coordinated plan to issue temporary notices to allow these high productivity freight vehicles on more roads. The Western Australian and South Australian governments have already demonstrated a willingness to modify rules holding back improved truck productivity.
