NSW Cans Petrol Subsidy

Petrol prices in northern New South Wales could rise by up to 8.5 cents by Easter, when the State Government axes its fuel subsidy.
The scheme, designed to help north coast service stations compete with subsidised prices in Queensland, will be cut in tomorrow’s cost-cutting NSW mini-Budget.
A spokesman for NSW Treasurer Eric Roozendaal says the subsidy will be removed when Queensland introduces its bar on interstate drivers benefiting from its 8.345 cents-a-litre subsidy.
Queensland motorists will either have to swipe a barcode on their driver’s licence or a separate petrol card by next Easter, as part of an attempt by the State Government to stop fuel companies rorting the subsidy.
Mr Roozendaal’s spokesman says the timing means NSW north coast residents will not be paying more than across the border.
But Opposition fair trading spokeswoman Catherine Cusack says businesses will be affected.
“First of all, it’s going to be an immediate price shock for all of the residents and businesses in NSW,” she said.
“But secondly, the effects on business and loss of jobs from NSW across the border is just going to be huge.”
The NSW Government flagged axing the petrol subsidy in June.
It has axed a number of infrastructure projects and subsidies as part of the mini-Budget process. Students will no longer get free trips to school and a $50 back-to-school allowance will also be scrapped.

11 November 08

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