Since my election in 2022, I have been calling for a reduction in fuel excise as a practical cost-of-living measure. The government did listen and did reduce that excise in May this year, but that lasted for three months and, as we know, it ended in August. But I'll continue to press the government on this issue. I stand here today to second the member for Mayo's motion, because Australians still need ongoing relief. My constituents rely on their cars to get to and from work, take their children to school, get their groceries or take their loved ones to see a doctor. This motion rightly recognises the pressures on regional and rural Australia, and I acknowledge and empathise with the challenges being felt across these communities. These challenges and fuel dependence are shared in outer suburban communities like Fowler.

Fuel prices show no signs of falling. The cost of Middle East crude is currently US$118 a barrel, which is about A$168. No matter how the conflicts in that turbulent region unfold, energy experts aren't optimistic there'll be relief anytime soon. Today, local bowser prices have E10 at around 236c a litre, premium unleaded 98 at 260.9c and premium diesel at around 290.9c. That means putting about 50 litres of E10 in a car costs more than $118. I have done a vox pop in my community. Those who are driving on diesel have seen their diesel double in price, and for other cars, fuel has gone up by about 30 per cent.

Many households in Fowler need more than two cars to manage different shifts, school drop-offs and family responsibilities. There is an increasing use of electric vehicles, as we've all heard, but the majority of people in Fowler and, I have no doubt, in regional areas still rely very much on diesel and on leaded and unleaded petrol. When fuel prices rise, people still must get to work, get up in the morning, drive their trucks, take their kids to school and take their elderly parents to medical appointments. Fuel isn't optional; it's essential. When rent, electricity, insurance and groceries all have to be paid, there is only so much a family can cut back. Where are families supposed to find that extra money.

Our small businesses face the same squeeze. A trader needs to get to the next job. A delivery driver needs to keep moving. In Fowler, many businesses rack up huge bills as their vehicles crisscross Sydney on a daily basis. Last week, my office held our inaugural Fowler Small Business Forum. Businesses told us loud and clear that they are hurting. From high fuel prices and credit card charges to changes on trusts—not to mention the cost of operations and the running costs of doing business in this day and age—costs are piling up. These high running costs, of course, will eventually flow through to consumers in higher prices for the goods and services we buy. This is why fuel excise relief matters.

This motion calls for the government to halve the excise on petrol and diesel for at least six months and ensure the full benefit reaches consumers. Families must see that saving at the bowser. It must not be swallowed up by high margins along the way. Many families and small businesses will need that relief all the more as we move into what is likely to be a scorching summer. They'll need that relief as they consume more fuel running vehicles and air conditioning as they contemplate or decide against holiday travel, as they face crippling energy bills to keep their homes cool—for those who can afford to turn their air conditioning on. We are aware that some people just can't afford to.

We also need a long-term plan to strengthen Australia's fuel security, but that work should happen alongside immediate relief, not instead of it. People in Fowler are working very hard, paying their taxes and doing their best to support their families. They deserve a government that understands what another increase at the bowser means for their weekly budget and takes practical action to help. I thank the member for Mayo for bringing this motion forward, and I commend it to the House.