visit raa.com.au
Motorists will keep around 16 cents per litre in relief for another month. RAA’s focus is on where the remaining revenue goes. Federal Budget analysis shows only around 70% of fuel excise revenue will be directed to transport initiatives over the next four years.
The temporary cuts have already reduced the forecast funding pool by about $2.5 billion to date, with the latest extension adding a further $400 million. RAA says it’s important than ever toto reinvest these critically-needed funds in our road network.
This matters not just in South Australia, but around the nation, with the federal government co-funding key state transport infrastructure projects. It is also used to fund maintenance on the roads that form part of the national highway network such as the Dukes and Sturt Highways.
Longer term reductions in fuel excise revenue are also expected with the uptake of electric vehicles, impacting both investment and maintenance unless the federal government progresses its long-mooted road user charge to ensure all motorists pay their fair share.
RAA Senior Manager Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain said the tax paid by motorists needed to come back to them in safer roads.
“The fuel excise exists for a reason: to fund safe roads and the transport projects our growing state needs,” Mr Mountain said.
“Motorists pay this tax. They expect it to be reinvested back into better, safer roads.
“With around 30 per cent of excise revenue going elsewhere, we want governments to commit to investing the bulk of it back into transport, including projects that bring our major roads up to at least a three-star AusRAP rating and public transport that takes pressure off the network.
“The whole community benefits when this revenue is invested properly.”
Mr Mountain said RAA’s Growth without Gridlock platform outlined several priorities to protect South Australia’s liveability.
Shorter days, slippery roads and reduced visibility can all increase crash risk during winter, requiring motorists to take extra…
The State Budget has allocated funding for a number of new road and transport projects,…
RAA’s State Budget submission builds on its Growth without Gridlock election platform, which outlines a…