Originally published by James Morrow of The Daily Telegraph
24.03.2026
Mining magnate Gina Rinehart has called on the federal government to stop treating petrol and diesel as a “luxury purchase” by slugging consumers with a 52 cents per litre excise tax, despite a global oil shock.
“Fuel is not a luxury purchase but it is taxed like it is,” Australia’s richest person declared on Tuesday.
“It is an essential input into daily life and into almost every sector of the economy.
“Higher fuel costs do not just affect motorists, they push up the cost of transporting goods, running farms, operating many small businesses and delivering services.”
Mrs Rinehart warned the government’s continued addiction to taxes, including fuel excise taxes, risked spiking inflation across the economy at a time when consumers and businesses could least afford it.
“When Australians are under real financial pressure, the priority should be relieving the burden, not increasing it,” she said.
“For the average driver, removing the excise would save around $2000 a year – money they pay after they’re already taxed.”
Cutting the fuel excise tax also has precedent, with the Morrison government halving the fuel excise tax for six months in 2022 during the Covid pandemic.
Overseas, Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni moved last week to cut fuel excise duties to help motorists cope with rising fuel costs.
Ireland has also decided to offer its citizens temporary fuel excise relief.
However the Albanese Labor government has steadfastly refused to follow suit, with Treasurer Jim Chalmers again telling parliament on Tuesday, during question time, that cutting the tax on fuel was “not something we have been considering”.
Mrs Rinehart said this was out of touch with the reality of everyday Australians trying to run a businesses or take care of their families.
“For people living in major cities there may be alternatives, but in regional Australia driving is a necessity,” she said.
“Farmers, tradies, truckies and the many small businesses agriculture supports depend on fuel every day simply to do their jobs and put food on our tables.
“When Australians are under real financial pressure, the priority should be relieving the burden, not increasing it.
“When fuel taxes rise, the impact is felt by many already struggling under the rising cost of living.
“Ultimately those costs flow through to the price of everything Australians buy.
“Successive governments have become increasing spenders, increasingly reliant on higher taxes and charges or subsidies hidden in everyday expenses.
“Payroll taxes, stamp duties, licensing fees, all were meant to be removed decades ago, and excise. They all accumulate in the final price paid by every Australian.”
