SYKES CALLS FOR BRACKS TO AXE PETROL TAX

The Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes, has joined the Victorian Nationals Leader, Peter Ryan, in calling for Premier Bracks to give some of the State Government’s GST income from petrol back to Victorian families and businesses.

Dr Sykes said, “The State Government gets an extra $35 million per year for every 10c increase in petrol prices.

“The State Government has the power to give this back to motorists by a rebate as occurs now in Queensland.

Dr Sykes continued, “Soaring fuel prices are impacting on the lives of all Victorians however country Victorians are affected most severely because of higher fuel prices and greater distances travelled.

“City dwellers also have the benefit of public transport as an alternative to using their own vehicles, and public transport is subsidised by over $1 billion each year.

Dr Sykes continued, “It was disappointing, but not unexpected, that Mr Bracks side-stepped the issue when Mr Ryan asked in Parliament today, for the Premier to return some of the GST on fuel back to motorists.

“Mr Bracks wouldn’t commit to a rebate – something within his control, instead he blamed the Federal Government for the high fuel costs.

“I agree that Federal excise on fuel is a significant part of the cost and I would hope that the Member for Indi is representing our interests in Canberra.

“In the meantime, I and my Nationals colleagues call on Mr Bracks to follow the lead of the Queensland State Government and provide a rebate on fuel prices to Victorian families and small business.”

Media contact: Bill Sykes (03) 5762 2100 or 0427 624 989