Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Finance) Share this | Hansard source

The rebate will be lower, because the fuel excise will be lower as a result of getting rid of the carbon tax. Getting rid of the carbon tax will flow through the whole economy. It will reduce not only the cost of electricity and gas, which will bring down the cost of living for families, but also the cost of doing business. This will help make Australian businesses more internationally competitive. It will help us create jobs. These are all good things. In relation to the specific question Senator Milne asked, if the level of the fuel excise goes down then the value of the related fuel rebate goes down as well.

I had reason to read a transcript earlier today reporting on some comments made by our chair, Senator Whish-Wilson. He expressed concern about the position adopted by the Greens not to support indexation of fuel excise. He suggested that if the government wanted to talk to the Greens we should approach them. I just want to say here on the public record that we are very keen to talk the Greens about making sure the value of this fuel excise is maintained, that the past real cuts and the value of the excise on fuel do not continue into the future.

Senator Milne would be well aware that in 2001 the value of the fuel excise was about 41.5 per cent. It is now down to 25 per cent. I understand that the position the Greens have adopted on the fuel excise is that they want its value to continue reducing on a regular basis. The coalition, however, as part of their efforts to repair the budget, are very keen to ensure the value of the excise is maintained in real terms by ensuring it keeps pace with inflation.

Given the comments Senator Whish-Wilson made earlier today at a doorstop interview—at the Senate doors, I believe—I want to put on the record that I am very keen to take up the offer Senator Whish-Wilson made for the Greens and the government to have a conversation on that.