RFNSW welcomes Federal Government action on fuel excise and national fuel security

Peak body Road Freight NSW (RFNSW) has welcomed today’s announcement by the Federal Government to halve the fuel excise and reduce the road user charge to zero, following an emergency National Cabinet meeting to address looming fuel supply shortages.

 

RFNSW Chief Executive Officer Simon O’Hara said the measures were a critical and timely step to ease pressure on Australia’s freight operators and help keep essential goods moving across the country.

 

“Truck operators are on the frontline of keeping Australia supplied, and right now they are under enormous pressure from rising fuel costs and uncertainty around supply,” Mr O’Hara said.

 

“Halving the fuel excise and reducing the road user charge to zero will provide immediate and meaningful relief to operators who simply cannot absorb these escalating costs.”

 

RFNSW also supports the Australian Trucking Association and congratulates them on their success in pushing for these important changes.  

 

Mr O’Hara said RFNSW also welcomed the introduction of a National Fuel Security Plan, developed in collaboration with states and territories, as an important step toward ensuring a coordinated and consistent national response.

 

“Australia’s freight industry depends on reliable, affordable fuel supply. A nationally coordinated approach is essential to maintaining confidence and ensuring that fuel gets where it is needed most - particularly for critical freight tasks,” he said.

 

“Keeping Australia moving must remain the priority, and that includes ensuring freight operators are supported to continue delivering for businesses, communities and households across NSW and beyond,” Mr O’Hara said.

 

RFNSW said it will continue working closely with government and industry to ensure the measures translate into real, on-the-ground support for operators and that costs are shared fairly across the entire supply chain.

 

“While today’s announcement is a strong step forward, it is critical that relief flows through the supply chain and that operators are not left to carry the burden alone,” Mr O’Hara said.