The Motor Trades Association of Australia (MTAA) has welcomed the National Fuel Security Plan announced by the Australian Government, along with temporary cost relief measures including the reduction in fuel excise and the suspension of the heavy vehicle road user charge.
MTAA said the coordinated national approach reflects the seriousness of the current fuel supply environment and the need to protect Australia’s economy and essential services.
“Fuel security is not an abstract issue for our industry – it directly affects the ability of automotive businesses to operate, service customers and keep vehicles on the road,” said Peter Jones, Interim Executive Director of MTAA.
“The Government’s decision to act quickly to stabilise supply and provide cost relief is both necessary and appropriate.”
MTAA noted that automotive businesses, the majority of which are small and medium enterprises, are already experiencing significant cost pressures driven by rising fuel prices, inflation and supply chain disruption.
The Association welcomed the temporary halving of fuel excise and the pause of the heavy vehicle road user charge as important steps to ease immediate pressure on businesses and consumers.
However, MTAA, which represents service station operators through its state members, has called for the excise reduction to be applied to existing fuel stocks to ensure the benefits flow through to businesses and consumers without delay.
“It is critical that the excise reduction is reflected in fuel already held within the supply chain, not just future shipments,” Mr Jones said.
“Without this, businesses and consumers may not immediately see the full benefit of the Government’s decision.”
MTAA is also calling on the Australian Government to provide greater transparency on fuel supply volumes and allocation across the country. Independent service stations and automotive businesses are operating with limited visibility over the supply chain at a time when accurate, timely information has never been more critical.
Without clearer data on available volumes, distribution priorities and expected delivery timelines, businesses cannot make informed decisions about stock, staffing or customer commitments. MTAA is urging the Government to establish a regular and accessible reporting mechanism to keep industry informed as the situation evolves.
MTAA will continue to work with government and industry stakeholders to ensure the automotive sector remains supported through the current period of uncertainty.
ENDS
Media contact
Andrew Molloy
Manager Marketing & Communications
Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce
P: 03 9829 1248 | M: 0457 188 375
E: amolloy@vacc.com.au
