Dutton Pledges Immediate Relief with Fuel Excise Cut in Budget Reply
ED: This from my inbox this morning. One point I noted, most pensioners don’t benefit from tax cuts, but fuel costs benefit all.
ABC News
In his budget reply speech last night, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton sharpened the debate on cost-of-living relief by unveiling a suite of policies aimed at easing financial pressure on Australian families. The centrepiece of his plan is an immediate reduction in fuel excise, contrasting with the government’s tax cuts that are still 18 months away and will amount to only $5 per week for many Australians.
Dutton’s proposal to slash fuel excise by $6 billion would provide direct and swift relief to motorists struggling with rising fuel prices. This initiative sets him apart from the Albanese government’s approach, which centres on a $17.1 billion tax cut that will not take effect until July 2025. With household budgets already under strain, Dutton’s plan offers tangible benefits without the long wait.
In an effort to further reduce living costs, Dutton committed to driving down energy prices by increasing domestic gas supply. His “gas reservation” policy would require gas producers to prioritise the local market, ensuring Australians benefit from the nation’s natural resources. While this move has sparked debate, it aligns with the opposition’s broader strategy to make Australia a global manufacturing and mining powerhouse by cutting excessive red and green tape.
Dutton also outlined a major savings initiative, announcing that he would reverse the government’s decision to hire 41,000 additional public servants. This move, projected to save $7 billion per year once fully implemented, reflects the Coalition’s commitment to fiscal responsibility. However, he has yet to specify a precise timeline for achieving these savings.
In addition to his economic measures, Dutton reaffirmed key policies, including reducing permanent migration by 25 per cent, allowing first-home buyers to access their superannuation, funding critical housing infrastructure, and collaborating with states to tighten knife and bail laws. He assured Australians that health, aged care, veterans’ support, and the NDIS would remain priorities, while military spending would receive a boost to enhance national security.
With cost-of-living pressures dominating the political landscape, Dutton’s budget reply speech presented a clear alternative to the government’s long-term tax strategy. By focusing on immediate relief measures such as the fuel excise cut and energy cost reductions, he positioned himself as an advocate for Australian families seeking rapid financial relief.
