Post by Chips on May 24, 2008 8:52:17 GMT 9.5
Fuel chance blown
Kevin Rudd's claim that his Government has done as much as it could on fuel prices is a joke ("How petrol is pumping Sydney motorists dry", May 24). He blew his chance at the budget, where instead of introducing measures to get us into fuel-efficient vehicles, he introduced an ideologically driven increase to the luxury car tax.
Where was the tax break on cars with less than 1.5 litres engine capacity or fuel-efficient hybrids and diesels? What about a comprehensive revision of motorists' taxes based on carbon dioxide emissions? What about reducing the tax on diesel? Or reversing the ridiculous free kick that fuel-guzzling four-wheel-drives enjoy?
Lindsay Cameron Mosman
The front page headline is very insular. What about regional Australia, where most residents have no alternative method of transport? We are well and truly screwed at the bowser.
Lachlan Sullivan Bathurst
Brendan Nelson seems to be suggesting the Government should cut the fuel excise even if the overall negative consequences would far outweigh the small benefit to motorists. It would be possible to hold the price of petrol at the bowser at, say, $1.30. The Federal Government could absorb the excess price through a rebate or subsidy and legislate the maximum price. That would be doing "whatever it takes" to cushion the price for motorists. But what sensible person would support such action?
Tony Ireland Beecroft
Relax, people, relax, it's only temporary. In December Macquarie Bank predicted "oil prices to plunge to about $US40 a barrel" this year. Macquarie Bank wouldn't get something that important that wrong, so be happy, the good old days will be back soon.
Joe Goozeff Clovelly
The petroleum party is coming to a close, the good times can't go on forever. Will we be like raging drunks and keep scrounging for that last squeeze from the cask, and regret it all tomorrow? Or do we plan for change now, and leave the scene with dignity, minimising the potential damage?
Mark Slocum Dulwich Hill
And you all thought Mad Max II was a fantasy.
Phil Stanton Corindi Beach
Kevin Rudd's claim that his Government has done as much as it could on fuel prices is a joke ("How petrol is pumping Sydney motorists dry", May 24). He blew his chance at the budget, where instead of introducing measures to get us into fuel-efficient vehicles, he introduced an ideologically driven increase to the luxury car tax.
Where was the tax break on cars with less than 1.5 litres engine capacity or fuel-efficient hybrids and diesels? What about a comprehensive revision of motorists' taxes based on carbon dioxide emissions? What about reducing the tax on diesel? Or reversing the ridiculous free kick that fuel-guzzling four-wheel-drives enjoy?
Lindsay Cameron Mosman
The front page headline is very insular. What about regional Australia, where most residents have no alternative method of transport? We are well and truly screwed at the bowser.
Lachlan Sullivan Bathurst
Brendan Nelson seems to be suggesting the Government should cut the fuel excise even if the overall negative consequences would far outweigh the small benefit to motorists. It would be possible to hold the price of petrol at the bowser at, say, $1.30. The Federal Government could absorb the excess price through a rebate or subsidy and legislate the maximum price. That would be doing "whatever it takes" to cushion the price for motorists. But what sensible person would support such action?
Tony Ireland Beecroft
Relax, people, relax, it's only temporary. In December Macquarie Bank predicted "oil prices to plunge to about $US40 a barrel" this year. Macquarie Bank wouldn't get something that important that wrong, so be happy, the good old days will be back soon.
Joe Goozeff Clovelly
The petroleum party is coming to a close, the good times can't go on forever. Will we be like raging drunks and keep scrounging for that last squeeze from the cask, and regret it all tomorrow? Or do we plan for change now, and leave the scene with dignity, minimising the potential damage?
Mark Slocum Dulwich Hill
And you all thought Mad Max II was a fantasy.
Phil Stanton Corindi Beach