Tuesday,
Fuel excise to increase petrol price burden
. From the Liberal party room in Canberra was heard a loud OMFG WTF? Wednesday,
Govt scraps fuel tax plan
. Who says populism isn't alive and well.
From the Tuesday news report;
The already high cost of fuel may be boosted by a decision taken by the Federal Government to increase petrol taxes from next year.Tax coal too then. ... From the Wednesday news report;
Two years ago Treasurer Peter Costello announced the petrol excise, which is currently capped at 38 cents a litre, would increase from January next year.
He said the increase was a way of encouraging the production of clean fuels.
But after press reports this morning, Prime Minister John Howard announced a policy review.The Howard government is the most taxatious government in Australian history. That magic budget (pudding) can do a lot of things without needing to raise more taxes.
"I can assure the Australian public that it is being reviewed and is being reviewed very soon," he said.
This afternoon, Treasurer Peter Costello issued a statement, saying given the current market conditions, the Government has decided there will be no rise.
Mr Costello says the incentive for friendlier fuels will instead be funded from the Budget.
Excise will remain at 38.143 cents.
