Petition: Fuel Subsidy Petition for Queensland

[Sunbus610]

Come on Queenslanders get behind this petition

Fuel Subsidy Petition

The State Government is threatening to scrap Queensland?s 8.35 cents a litre fuel subsidy in the June  Budget ? despite specific assurances to the RACQ and the broader community ahead of the March election that the subsidy would be retained.

Combined with increases in vehicle registration of 10 to 15 percent from July 1, this extra fuel tax would cost most Queensland families several hundred dollars a year, while also pushing up the prices of other goods and services. 

With GST, it will add nine cents a litre to petrol and diesel and will hit families in the outer suburbs and regional areas hardest, as people in these areas have less access to public transport and, often, longer distances to travel.

Click HERE for more information

Click HERE to sign the petition

[haakon]

Personally I would be happy to see it go, if it meant a goverment owned corporation got saved from being sold off.

[ozbob]

Other states don't have this fuel subsidy and often their fuel is cheaper than Queensland!

My own view is that I much prefer to see this subsidy spent on sustainable transport operations. Public transport operators don't pay the fuel taxes in any case.

Thanks for posting the petition though.  All opinions valid!!

Cheers
Bob

[ButFli]

I would sign a petition to get rid of the fuel subsidy. I think we should tax the **** out of private transport.

[WTN]

I'd rather see the subsidy go as well, or at least drastically reduced.  Subsidies can come and go relatively easily, government owned corporations can't.  Simply a better way of reducing costs to the government.

[dwb]

I also would like to see the fuel subsidy redirected to better spending on public transport infrastructure and operation. The subsidy is currently a waste of a lot of money - my taxes are promoting people to drive longer distances rather than improve the quality of PT i sit waiting in - it is perverse!

[Derwan]

I am also in favour of ditching it - and am disappointed in the RACQ for pushing so hard to keep it.  The RACQ should represent its members - not decide for them.  It should be a vote - not a petition.  Let the members decide.

[Jon Bryant]

Ditch it and redirct to public transport, footpaths, etc.

[Dean Quick]

Get rid of the ridiculous subsidy that the road transport industry loves so much and redirect that wasted money into much needed public transport infrastructure.

[ButFli]

I am also in favour of ditching it - and am disappointed in the RACQ for pushing so hard to keep it.  The RACQ should represent its members - not decide for them.  It should be a vote - not a petition.  Let the members decide.

No offence, but the RACQ is the Royal Automobile Club of Queensland. There would be something wrong if they weren't championing the use of automobiles.

Before you join a club you should find out what they are all about. What you are doing is akin to joining the RSPCA and complaining that they won't support your hunting trip.

[dwb]

That is not quite true. Surely RACQ purports to "represent" consumers who either their insurance products or their emergency support... just because some one owns a car and buys a service doesn't automatically mean that they know what you want them to be lobbying the government for.

i'm wondering if we can get our own petition together... do you think any pollie would be brave enough to support it?

[Derwan]

The RACQ is also pushing for a CityToll - which is hardly supportive of motorists.  (Don't get me wrong, I support the introduction of a CityToll!)

My biggest argument though - is that motorists are not seeing the benefit of the 8c/L.  A large portion of it is going to oil companies.  If the subsidy was ditched, the money could be redirected into other areas that would benefit everyone.

[ButFli]

That is not quite true. Surely RACQ purports to "represent" consumers who either their insurance products or their emergency support... just because some one owns a car and buys a service doesn't automatically mean that they know what you want them to be lobbying the government for.

RACQ Insurance is a separate entity. RACQ Insurance is not the organisation lobbying on behalf of motorists (or not).

If you have payed for roadside assistance you have not bought a service, you have joined a club. One of the services the club provides to its members is roadside assistance. Another is lobbying governments on behalf of motorists. If, as a member, you don't like the way they are lobbying you could try writing them a letter and telling them.

The majority of RACQ members want the fuel subsidy retained. It might be ignorant, it might be misguided and it might be short sighted. You might not agree with it. But the RACQ would not be fulfilling its duties if it did not push the agenda that most of its members supported.

[dwb]

Actually I disagree, a whole lot of economic theory says appropriate user charging maximises rate of return on investment as the use of the system is made much more highly efficient.

So if you take road pricing as an economic argument, those able to pay the charging rate would benefit (for example freight companies, although they'd have an additional cost, may become more competitive due to the current congestion patterns changing and unnecessary drivers changing their habits.

Currently the system is rationed solely through queuing which wastes a whole lot of time, fuel and money. Charging could also open up a whole pot of money to reinvest in maintaining and building roads (and PT) to the benefits of users, ergo the argument is not simply people don't like new charges.

Its quite the same in regards to PT. I'd rather pay a slightly higher but still reasonable fare and get a faster more reliable journey. That is, just cos I get the bus doesn't mean I think it should be cheaper or free.

Even though I don't agree with all the assertions, one of the more interesting presentations of the RACQ is available www.racq.com.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0013/9022/Congestion_Paper_Nov06.pdf

I recommend people have a squiz.

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

50,000 sign petition opposing fuel price increase

50,000 sign petition opposing fuel price increase
June 2, 2009 - 7:26AM

Joining some of Queensland's most powerful lobby groups, 50,000 motorists have signed a petition opposing any change which could see fuel rise by over 9 cents a litre.

Queenslanders receive cheaper fuel thanks to a 9.2 cents a litre fuel tax rebate.

The rebate is under threat as the Queensland government seeks to fill a $14 billion hole in its budget caused by the global financial crisis.

The 50,000 signatures were gathered in a week in response to the RACQ's on-line petition, lending weight to major industry groups opposing the axing of the rebate including AgForce, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland, Motor Trades Association of Queensland and the Queensland Trucking Association.

RACQ 's general manager for external relations Gary Fites said the response to the motoring organisation's petition indicated strong support across the community for retaining the fuel subsidy.

Mr Fites said that, combined with increases in vehicle registration fees of 17 to 22 per cent from July 1, removing the long standing subsidy would cost most Queensland families several hundred dollars a year.

AAP

Comment:  I have little doubt that the Government will do away with the fuel subsidy despite these responses on a petition.  We don't see the benefit in terms of fuel prices in any case.  This point seems to escape many.

And of course a lot more than '50,000' haven't signed the petition .... lol

How can they justify asset sales and allow this rort to continue?  

[ozbob]

From the Courier Mail click here!

Queensland fuel subsidy to end, petrol cost to rise 8c

Queensland fuel subsidy to end, petrol cost to rise 8c
Article from: The Courier-Mail

Patrick Lion

June 02, 2009 09:45am

QUEENSLANDERS will pay an extra 8 cents a litre for their petrol within weeks after the government today scrapped its fuel subsidy.

Premier Anna Bligh told parliament the 8.3 cents a litre subsidy  would end on July 1.

"This will bring us into line with other states in the country," she said.

The announcement follows today's report in The Courier-Mail that there will be a fire sale of the state's assets.

The shortlist also includes the Abbot Point Coal Terminal near Bowen in north Queensland.

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Fuel subsidy scrapped

Fuel subsidy scrapped
Fuel prices are set to soar from July 1.

June 2, 2009 - 12:37PM

Queensland motorists will soon pay an extra 9.2 cents per litre for petrol after Premier Anna Bligh announced plans to scrap the state's fuel subsidy from July 1.

The price increase will cost a family driving a six-cylinder car an average of $172 a year, according to figures from the RACQ.

The state's peak motoring group has slammed the government's decision, arguing the move would put Queensland in the unenviable position of being the most expensive state in Australia to own and operate a motor vehicle.

"That hits particularly hard in a state as large and decentralised as Queensland," RACQ general manager Gary Fites said.

Based on an annual travelling distance of 15,000km, it will cost an extra $138.00 a year to fill a small, four-cylinder car, $172.50 for a six-cylinder and $193.20 a year for a bigger, eight-cylinder vehicle.

Premier Anna Bligh told Parliament today the 8.4 cents a litre subsidy, which is worth 9.2 cents to motorists when GST is added, was a "luxury" the state could not afford.

She estimated the move would secure $300 million in interest savings over the next four years.

"We currently spend more than $500 million a year in our fuel subsidy program," Ms Bligh said.

"But Queensland taxpayers and the motoring public are not getting value for money."

Mr Fites said families living in outer suburbs and regional areas would be hit hardest by the fuel price hike.

"Families who run two cars as a necessity are looking at paying at least several hundred dollars more per year for the addition of the fuel tax alone and then you can add increases to vehicle registration fees," he said.

The Premier said she didn't want to diminish the burden scrapping the subsidy would place on motorists.

"But it will also save taxpayers more than $2.4 billion over four years as part of our strong plan to regain our Triple A credit rating and restore the budget surplus," Ms Bligh said.

Ms Bligh said with the state budget headed for deficit, Queensland would be borrowing the money needed to keep the fuel subsidy going.

Transport Minister Rachel Nolan said some of the money saved on the fuel subsidy would be redirected towards funding public transport services.

"This decision gives us the financial security to continue to improve public transport and that is what we will do," Ms Nolan said.

"Paying off our debt faster is like paying off a home faster.

"This measure alone means we will save almost $300 million in interest payments over the next four years.

"The money saved will go into the things that are most important, running our hospitals, running our schools, police and other vital services,'' she said.

[Dean Quick]

Well done captain Bligh!! Finally some commonsense. Now lets watch as the truckies and drivers of fuel guzzling 4wd's squeel!!!

[WTN]

Yay, commonsense indeed.

[O_128]

honestly about time

[Derwan]

The concern though - is that this is a "money-saving" measure, not a "funds redistribution" measure.  At least when Peter Beattie tried to scrap it a few years ago, it was to be replaced with cheaper registration.  Now we see nothing about what it's to be replaced with.  Sure the fuel companies pocketed a lot of it, but unless the scheme is replaced by something, people will be effectively paying to prop up the government's financial status.

Of course, I'm still in favour of it being axed - even if it's not replaced with anything.  It's better to have the oil companies help prop up Queensland's economy, rather than Queenslanders being slugged with increased taxes or fees elsewhere in the budget.

[Jon Bryant]

The 8c/litre will seem like small chnage when the rcie pressures of peak oil kick in.  We need to urgently break our addiction to oil and the motor vehicle.  he cry is not going to be "where is our subsidy" but "why did the government not provide an alternaive".

The money saved should be spent on public and active transport immediately.  $500 million will buy a lot of trains and buses.  I look forward to the press release!!!! I know I am dreaming.

[ozbob]

Joint Statement:

Premier and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Anna Bligh

Treasurer and Minister for Employment and Economic Development
The Honourable Andrew Fraser
02/06/2009

Fuel Subsidy abolished to boost budget bottom line

Queensland's fuel subsidy will be abolished next month saving the state about $2.4 billion over the next four years.

Announcing the abolition of the subsidy today, Premier Anna Bligh said the move from July 1 would make a significant difference to the State Budget bottom line as the global financial crisis saw Queensland revenues take a huge hit.

"The simple fact is that we have a $14 billion hole in our budget bottom line caused by the worst global recession in our lifetime and we must think carefully about what we spend and get real value for Queensland taxpayers," Ms Bligh said.

"The simple truth is that the fuel subsidy is a luxury we can no longer afford.

"This is a move that will make a big difference for our budget, saving around $2.4 billion over the next four years in addition to $300 million in interest payments."

The fuel subsidy was due to cost $582 million in 2009-10 and $599 million in 2010-11, rising to $617 million in 2011-12.

Treasurer Andrew Fraser said the rationale for the decision to scrap the subsidy was also based on the fact did not represent good value for money.

"The recent independent Pincus inquiry indentified that Queenslanders are not receiving the full benefit of what taxpayers are spending on the scheme," Mr Fraser said.

"Queensland taxpayers should not be footing the bill for interstate motorists who are crossing the border to take advantage of our system - a proposal by the NSW government to abolish their tiered fuel subsidy scheme as of July 1 will only make that situation worse.

"This is not a decision that was taken lightly but in such tough times, our focus has to be keeping our record building program going and protecting Queensland jobs.

"This is part of our determined plan to regain our AAA rating and restore the Budget to surplus while at the same time protecting jobs and building the schools, hospitals and roads we need today and in the years to come."

2 June 2009

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[mufreight]

The $14 billion hole in the Queensland budget is more a result of mismanagement by this government than as a consequence of the global financial downtown.
The sell off of publicly owned infrastructure is a con job and once sold the income derived from the present operation of these assets is lost so where does the revenue then come from to sustain the services that the government is obliged to provide, only one avenue will remain TAXES, the government hand even deeper in your pocket.

[stephenk]

Ditch the fuel subsidy, and spend the money on public transport infrastructure.

[david]

I also commend the government for removing the subsidy. It's a well known fact that the oil companies were the only ones benefiting from the 8c a litre.

This could also prove to reduce greenhouse gases, as people "may" stop driving their petrol-guzzling cars and get onto public transport. With this in mind though, the government should look at increasing public transport, especially train services.

The $14 billion hole in the Queensland budget is more a result of mismanagement by this government than as a consequence of the global financial downtown.

Yes, this may be true, but at least some of the money was put to good use, i.e. SEQIPP, road infrastructure, etc. I am regularly reminded of the continual (and seemingly never-ending) construction, passing by places like the PA and RBWH hospitals, where busways are being built, and the Ipswich Motorway/Centenary Highway interchange upgrade. I would prefer this over a government that did nothing...