Australians are facing a growing cost-of-living crisis, and fuel prices are a major driver of that pressure.

Fuel is not a luxury — it is essential to everyday life and the functioning of our economy. It powers the transport of food, supports farmers, enables businesses to operate, and allows families to get to work, school, and appointments.

Right now, Australians are paying record-high prices at the pump. A significant portion of this cost includes fuel excise (over 50 cents per litre), with GST applied on top.

At a time when:

● Families are struggling to keep up with rising living costs

● Small businesses are under pressure

● Farmers are facing increasing input costs

● Communities are seeing rising homelessness and financial stress

…it is unreasonable to maintain full fuel excise without temporary relief.

Western Australia — and particularly regional and mining communities — are especially impacted. Long travel distances, reliance on diesel, and the critical role of mining and transport in the national economy mean fuel costs hit harder here than most.

When fuel prices rise:

● The cost of groceries increases

● The cost of services increases

● The cost of running businesses increases

● The pressure on households intensifies

This contributes to broader social challenges, including financial hardship, housing stress, and family strain.

We are calling on the Australian Government to implement an immediate temporary reduction or suspension of fuel excise for a period of 3 to 6 months to provide urgent relief.

This is not a long-term solution — it is a practical, short-term measure to support Australians during a period of global price volatility.

Australians need relief. Now.