Bill Shorten (Maribyrnong, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Before the last election, as we know from this question time, the Prime Minister promised no new or increased taxes. Why is the Prime Minister's petrol tax ambush costing Victorian motorists an extra $569 million over the next four years?

Tony Abbott (Warringah, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I observe in response to the Leader of the Opposition's question that petrol is today 13c a litre cheaper than it was at budget time.

Honourable Members:

Honourable members interjecting—

Joe Hockey (North Sydney, Liberal Party, Treasurer) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

That's FuelWatch!

Tony Abbott (Warringah, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Yes, a lot more effective than the shadow Treasurer's FuelWatch!

Mrs Bronwyn Bishop (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Order! The exchange across the chamber will cease. The question has been asked. The Prime Minister's answer will be heard in silence.

Tony Abbott (Warringah, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

If the shadow Treasurer were still watching fuel, he would know that petrol prices are down 13c a litre since budget time. It is true that we have restored an old tax—the fuel excise indexation that the Labor Party put in place and which was suspended for a period of time by the former government. It is true that we have done that. What we are doing is tackling the debt and deficit disaster that members opposite left us, and that is what the public elected us to do. The public knew that this country could not continue to live beyond its means. The Australian people are smart enough to understand that governments, like businesses and households—

Mr Bowen interjecting —

Mrs Bronwyn Bishop (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The member for McMahon is warned!

Tony Abbott (Warringah, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

ultimately do have to live within their means, and that is exactly what is happening thanks to the policies of this government.

Bill Shorten (Maribyrnong, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to table the Victorian impact of the petrol tax that he has brought in—$569 million over the next four years.

Leave not granted.