The Commonwealth Fisheries Association (CFA) is opposing the Australian Coalition Government’s proposal to increase tax for professional fishermen.
Under the Fuel Tax Credit Scheme, provides a rebate of the excise and customs duty paid on diesel fuel used by primary producers, including professional fishers.
“Any move by the Coalition Government to cut the fuel rebate would go against their election commitments. The maintenance of the fuel tax credit scheme for fishing industry use is important for Australian professional fishers as primary producers of seafood,” said Anthony Ciconte, chair, CFA.
“Even a minor cut will have substantial effects on the fishing industry and businesses, and would severely threaten the economic viability of many fishing operations,” he added.
In the CFA’s Election Statement Policy to the Coalition, strong support was given for the Scheme to be maintained, in order to provide Australian fishers with access to world equivalent prices for fuel.
The CFA says diesel fuel is vital to the industry and can comprise of up to 40% of the total operating costs (depending on the fishery) for Australian fishing businesses.
