NatRoad says it will launch a webinar following the removal of the fuel excise in a bid to help operators handle rising costs
The National Road Transport Association has issued a warning to its members and operators to brace for a shock when the 50 per cent cut in fuel excise expires at the end of September.
NatRoad CEO Warren Clark says fuel prices have been dictated by world events, with there being no signs that the cost of diesel will drop substantially in the near future.
Even if it does drop, Clark warns it’ll be a bumpy ride for Australian operators, especially with other costs set to increase.
“Operators will also see the 2.75 per cent rise in heavy vehicle charges agreed to earlier in the year by all state and territory ministers when their registrations fall through,” Clark says.
“Margins remain tight and some operators have been forced out of the industry by the last government’s Budget decisions.
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“These are among many reasons NatRoad has been urging the federal government to provide our industry with some form of special relief.”
Clark says NatRoad will be convening a webinar for its members on September 21 with principal and fuel tax leader Chris Sant of Ryan Tax Services to help operators negotiate the changes.
The association will also continue calling for fuel tax changes to be made to ease the burden of rising fuel costs in the coming months.
“Now is the time for every operator to start talking to their suppliers and to understand how to optimise their fuel tax credit entitlement post September 28,” Clark says.
“NatRoad has been pushing the federal government for the fuel tax credit to be restored at the same time as the excise cut comes off.”