Fri, 16th May 2008

Conman Kevin or Prime Minister Rudd?

Luke Hartsuyker MP
Shadow Minister for Business Development, Independent Contractors and Consumer Affairs

Is he is fair dinkum about cheaper fuel prices?

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd needs to show he is fair dinkum about lowering fuel prices by supporting the Coalition’s plan to reduce the excise on fuel by five cents a litre, Shadow Minister for Business Development, Independent Contractors and Consumer Affairs, Luke Hartsuyker, said today.

In last night’s Budget in Reply speech, Opposition leader Brendan Nelson announced a Coalition policy to reduce the excise on fuel from 38.143 cents to 33.143 cents a litre.

Mr Hartsuyker said prior to the 2007 election, Mr Rudd led the Australian people to believe he would deliver lower fuel prices.

“Last Tuesday’s Budget was Kevin Rudd’s first real test to back his spin with substance.

“The Prime Minister had the chance to ease the pressure on families by bringing down the cost of fuel and taking the pressure of grocery prices. The lack of action shows that Kevin Rudd has conned the Australian people.

“The appointment of a Petrol Commissioner and the announcement of a FuelWatch scheme provide no guarantees for lower fuel prices. They are designed to con the Australian people into thinking the Government is doing something, when the reality is they are doing nothing.

“The only real action that Kevin Rudd has taken on fuel prices is to try and increase the diesel excise paid by heavy transport vehicles. The Coalition has blocked such a move in the Senate.”

Mr Hartsuyker said the Coalition plan to reduce the excise on petrol and diesel would genuinely assist all Australians.

“A reduction in the price of fuel will ease the financial pressure on families. It will also reduce the cost of doing business, help fight inflation and ease the cost of living pressure on everyday items.

“There is a stark contrast between the Opposition and Kevin Rudd. We propose to reduce the excise on fuel whilst Kevin Rudd is trying to increase the excise on diesel for the heavy transport industry.”