QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator WONG (South Australia—Minister for Foreign Affairs and Leader of the Government in the Senate) (14:10): Our government has taken early action on supply and continues to act to support Australians, and, today, we have announced halving the fuel excise on petrol and on diesel for three months. The halving of the excise will reduce the cost of fuel by 26.3c per litre.

States and territories are also working on a proposal to ensure they will not benefit from the elevated prices that are occurring flowing through to the GST take. We are making fuel cheaper today because we understand Australians are under serious pressure. Our government will also reduce the heavy-vehicle road user charge to zero for three months, to help truckies continue their vital work for our nation.

And, today, we have introduced legislation for the government to underwrite the purchase of fuel by the private actor. I want to acknowledge the constructive response from state and territory governments working as one, which is what Australians expect of their political leaders.