Mitch Fifield Victoria, Liberal Party, Manager of Opposition Business in the Senate
2:42 pm
My question is to the minister representing the Treasurer, Senator Wong. Can the minister assure the Senate that there will be no increase in the 38 cents per litre excise on petrol under the government Ms Gillard leads?
Penny Wong SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Finance and Deregulation
2:43 pm
I think it is a hypothetical question. The government's position on that issue has been previously articulated. If the senator is referring to the indication about petrol, I have answered questions on that recently.
Mitch Fifield Victoria, Liberal Party, Manager of Opposition Business in the Senate
Mr President, I ask a supplementary question. I thought it was a straightforward question, but I will try another. Can the minister confirm that the automatic indexation of fuel excise abolished by the coalition government will not be reinstated by the current government?
Penny Wong SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Finance and Deregulation
2:44 pm
I am unaware of the government having announced any changes such as the one the senator refers to. If I can provide any further information, I will seek it from the Treasurer and respond to the senator accordingly.
Nick Sherry Tasmania, Australian Labor Party, Minister Assisting the Minister for Tourism
That's how you're going to fund your tax cuts, isn't it?
Mitch Fifield Victoria, Liberal Party, Manager of Opposition Business in the Senate
No.
Government senators interjecting—
John Hogg President
Senator Fifield, ignore the interjection; it is disorderly. Senator Fifield is entitled to be heard in silence.
Mitch Fifield Victoria, Liberal Party, Manager of Opposition Business in the Senate
Some additional context may assist the minister. Can the minister confirm that no motorist will pay additional tax on their fuel as a result of the government's response to the proposed Productivity Commission inquiry into the taxation of fuel?
Penny Wong SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Finance and Deregulation
2:45 pm
To clarify, I am being asked to discuss what the government response to a proposed inquiry might be. Self-evidently, that is a hypothetical question.