Meryl Swanson (Paterson, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

The world is in a state of flux, and, while we can't change what's happening in the Middle East, we can impact how it hurts Australian households and how we help them. I've just gotten back from farewelling a friend out west, and I was talking to farmers, truckies, business owners and workers. I heard 'fertiliser' and 'fuel' in many conversations. Everyday costs are rising and hurting people at the pump. That is why this Albanese government is acting. We are halving the fuel excise—cutting 26.3c per litre—and we are doing that from 1 April. It is practical relief. We're doing it in partnership with the states. I want to thank the states. I want to thank the Prime Minister, the Treasurer and the cabinet for taking this action.

We haven't forgotten our truckies. Our heavy vehicle industry is under real strain. These are the people who keep the shelves stocked and our economy moving. In my own electorate, we've got businesses like Hills Tankers, a small, family-run business that is supplying fuel to all the coal mines in the Hunter and keeping them going. They're doing it tough, but they're showing up day in, day out. Who is this for? This is for people in Australia who are under strain. For the next three months we'll reduce the heavy road user charge to zero. We'll keep backing those people who keep us moving. We're going to ease pressure on households. We hear you, we see you and we are delivering.

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