Gurmesh Singh
NSW Nationals Leader
Shadow Minister for Regional NSW
Scott Farlow
Shadow Treasurer
The NSW Liberals and Nationals have welcomed the Commonwealth’s decision to temporarily halve the fuel excise, after they called for immediate relief for NSW families and businesses.
In contrast, the Minns Labor Government refused to advocate for the reduction and has yet to outline any practical measures at the state level to support drivers facing rising costs.
Shadow Treasurer Scott Farlow said Labor’s vague commitment to consider measures down the track and maybe forgo extra GST revenue does little to help drivers now.
“We welcome the fuel excise cut which is something the NSW Liberals and Nationals have consistently called for to support NSW families and businesses as they face rising costs,” Mr Farlow said.
“This stands in stark contrast to the Minns Labor Government’s inaction and lack of leadership.”
“After refusing to back the cut, the Minns Government must now be clear about what it will actually do to help NSW drivers.”
The NSW Liberals and Nationals have already put forward three measures to provide immediate support, including the fuel excise cut, a fuel cap to lock in prices for 24 hours and free public transport over the Easter long weekend to support families and businesses as well as ease demand on service stations.
NSW Nationals Leader Gurmesh Singh said with 75 NSW service stations without fuel of any kind it appears the situation is worsening in the regions.
“The Minns Labor Government has been promising to address fuel shortages with fuel companies, but service stations are still running dry and they don’t have any answers,” Mr Singh said.
“Almost two weeks on and there is no clarity on what the Minns Labor Government is doing to help regional communities being hit the hardest by this fuel crisis.”