NT Government Challenged On LPG Conversions

The Federal Government has proposed a $2,000 rebate for converting vehicles from petrol to gas to help Australians deal with the climbing petrol prices. Even before the Federal Government announcement, the CLP announced that it would rebate $1,000 for such a conversion no matter what the Federal Government offered. Since that time the Territory Government has dithered saying that alternately it would be 'too expensive' and they were 'looking at it'.

"I hope they are looking at it,” Jodeen Carney said today.

"Prior to the 2001 election, Labor made enormous political mileage of the fact that petrol was at about the $1 per litre mark. They promised the world but delivered nothing.

"Even their review of petrol prices after they came to power offered no relief for Territory motorists.

"The Chief Minister has called on the Federal Government to cut excises, but she knows that over a third of the Federal excises and taxes are collected on behalf of the Territory and given directly to the Territory Government.

"The taxes and excises given to the NT Government add $12 to the average tank of fuel.

"Her call on the Federal Government is hypocritical because she can do exactly what Beattie does in Queensland and rebate the full amount that is collected by the Feds. It's for that reason fuel is so much cheaper there.

"We are proposing a $1,000 rebate for a gas conversion for a private family car. Between the Territory and the Federal Government, the conversion would almost be cost neutral for Territory families, so their savings would begin immediately.

"What a great way to make a difference to Territory families. If the Chief Minister came into the Parliament with such a policy tomorrow we'd support it and if it needed legislation to make it work we'd support the law being passed this sittings.

"The challenge is made let's see how Clare Martin responds.”

2006-08-21