Has the Federal Government withdrawn the tax on diesel fuel? What benefits will accrue to the farming community?
Mr AMERY: I am pleased to be asked a question so early in question time. There must be something else on today! The honourable member for Bathurst always shows an interest in country issues. I know that his office and many members of Parliament have been contacted by the farming community about whether the Federal Government has withdrawn the Commonwealth excise on diesel fuel. At this stage the Federal Government has not withdrawn the tax. I understand that the honourable member for Bathurst was prompted to ask his question by inquiries to his office and statements made by, for example, the New South Wales Farmers Association, which said in a press release on 13 May: Any move to cut the diesel fuel rebate to farmers would cripple agriculture and would be fiercely opposed by the NSW Farmers’ Association. So there is concern – and even some belief – in country areas that the rebate on diesel fuel excise has already been withdrawn. By way of background I should say that primary producers
