Ursula Stephens (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Science and Water) Share this | Hansard source

I have one final issue to raise with the parliamentary secretary. In his response to the discussion, could he indicate whether consideration has been given to the committee recommendation that during the transition period the government re-examine the effect of the legislation on manufacturers who use hydrocarbons for non-fuel manufacturing processes, with a view to minimising and offsetting any adverse effects. The committee heard quite substantial evidence from industries and manufacturers who currently pay no excise because their use of hydrocarbons is excise exempt. For them, the introduction of the fuel tax legislation will definitely entail some extra costs, so I wonder if the parliamentary secretary could just clarify what the government’s attitude is to the arrangements for them during the transition period.