Newsroom

March 30, 2026

KAP Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter has declared the Government’s decision to finally halve their fuel excise at the bowser, and suspend the heavy vehicle road user charge, as a win for Australia’s transport industry and regional communities who refused to back down.

The decision to halve the 52c litre fuel excise on every litre sold for three months follows mounting national pressure, as surging fuel prices and crippling supply shortages cut deep and wide to increasingly disrupt everyday life and threaten livelihoods nationwide.

“Today’s decision has only happened because Australians stood up and demanded action,” said Mr Katter today, two weeks after he wrote to the Prime Minister to demand an immediate halving of the fuel excise to protect families, farmers, regional industries and national food security.

“The Government didn’t lead on this – they were dragged to it,” he said in crediting all the “fighters on the ground who drove the campaign” for national leadership, amid the Middle East war fallout.

“I want to thank the fighters, Les from Blenner’s Transport and Stephen from Curley Cattle Transport, and the many others across North Queensland who refused to accept being crushed.

“Their tiger-like determination forced this result and, while it might not be the perfect outcome, it certainly goes a long way.

“I’d also like to acknowledge my independent colleagues for their fight, and I think we played a small but key role in the decision that I have been screaming for in public now for two weeks.”

While “it sure would have been nice to have it done two weeks ago”, Mr Katter said the excise cut should deliver immediate relief of about 25 cents per litre at the bowser – if fully passed on.

But he warned it was only the beginning of what was needed.

“This might be a win but it’s not the solution,” said Mr Katter.

“You cannot run a country on imported fuel and expect security. We are still at the mercy of overseas supply. Until Australia can fuel itself, this crisis will continue.”

Meanwhile, Mr Katter and his “independent” crossbench colleagues will continue to push for long-term fuel security solutions – including rebuilding domestic fuel capacity and supporting our own supply of Australian-produced biofuels.

“Today proves one thing – when the people fight, they can still win,” he said.