RACQ calls on Premier to table fuel tax petition
RACQs general manager for external relations Mr Gary Fites said more than 130,000 Queenslanders had put their name to the petition in a bid to save the 8.35 cents a litre fuel subsidy.
The State Government confirmed its intention to scrap the subsidy in this weeks budget and has rushed through legislation to ensure it becomes effective from July 1.
Mr Fites said the Premiers office had given the RACQ an undertaking in writing last week that she would present the petition to Parliament.
Unfortunately, we couldnt get a specific date from her office, Mr Fites said. But were calling on the Premier to present the petition ahead of tomorrows vote.
A record number of Queenslanders have taken the trouble to put their name to this petition and they deserve to have their opposition to scrapping the subsidy recognised in this way.
This has been an extraordinary community response the biggest in the states 150-year history and it would be a slap in the face for ordinary Queenslanders if their views are not at least acknowledged by the Parliament.
Mr Fites said the scrapping of the subsidy was, in fact, the introduction of a fuel tax for Queensland. With GST, it would add 9.2 cents a litre to petrol and diesel, placing extra pressure on families and businesses already reeling from the economic downturn.
Combined with 17 to 22 percent increases in registration from July 1, it would mean extra costs of at least $220 a year for most motorists.
The Premier has told Queensland motorists that the Government will go ahead and impose this new fuel tax. The least she can do is ensure that the petition is put on the record ahead of what will be an historic vote tomorrow, Mr Fites said.
