Trucks targeted in tax summit money grab, Crook

Author: Tony Crook
Published on: 02-August-2011

Nationals WA Federal Member for O’Connor Tony Crook MP has hit out against a Federal Government proposal to target heavy vehicles at October’s Federal Tax Forum.

Mr Crook said the Federal Government would use the Tax Forum to gauge support for the new tax proposal that would increase charges to heavy vehicles.

“The Tax Forum Discussion Paper suggests a scheme that would fit trucks with a GPS and charge vehicles based on weight, distance travelled and roads used.”

Mr Crook said this proposal would cause the most damage in regional Western Australia.

“When you consider the amount of freight that comes into regional WA communities on truck, you can see how greatly this tax would impact regional towns.”

Mr Crook said the Labor Government was attempting to “double-dip” a new tax on heavy vehicles.

“The Labor Government has already stated that heavy vehicles will be impacted by the Carbon Tax, and this discussion paper shows another heavy vehicle tax is already in the pipeline.”

Mr Crook said he had already received feedback from transport companies in his electorate who were concerned with this new tax.

“The reality is they will most likely pass this additional cost on to consumers. The flow-on effect will hit families in the form of increased fuel and groceries, and it will hit businesses who will have to pay more for freight.”

Mr Crook said the transport industry was growing visibly frustrated with the Labor Government.

“Those involved with the transport industry in regional WA have said this is a no-win situation for regional Australia.”

Mr Crook said no transport industry representatives have been invited to the Tax Forum at this stage.

See this article on the member's website