FEDERAL Member for Page Kevin Hogan said Labor’s decision to reintroduce the fuel excise will put added pressure on the cost of living in our community.

The 22c a litre cut to fuel prices put in place by the Coalition Government to ease cost of living pressures expired at midnight on Wednesday night.

“Labor refused to extend the 22c a litre cut to fuel prices, which means motorists will pay an extra tax at the fuel pump,” Mr Hogan said.

Mr Hogan said the decision not to extend the price was evidence that Labor “don’t understand Regional Australia”.

“We drive our cars more than people in the city, which means we will be the people most affected by this.

“Fuel is a big part of the household budget, and this decision will add more unnecessary pressure.

“Our region’s farming, and agricultural sector will be massively impacted.

“The last thing we need in the lead up to Christmas as interest rate rises flow through to family budgets is another tax.

“We implemented this excise cut as a targeted measure in our last budget to provide a cost-of-living relief which was appropriate at the time, and it’s still appropriate now.”