The trucking industry may be rewarded with at least a one-year extension to the diesel grants scheme if its campaign gathers momentum over the next six weeks.
The campaign, being co-ordinated by the Australian Trucking Association (ATA), is highlighting the cost to transport customers – both business and consumers – if the current scheme is not extended beyond its June 30, 2002 deadline.
The Diesel and Alternative Fuels Grants Scheme refunds 18.51 cents a litre on fuel used in trucks more than 4.5 tonnes GVM in the regions and more than 20 tonnes in the five major capital cities.
While the federal government, which introduced the scheme as part of the new tax system last year, claims it will not abolish the grants, it has not provided any detail on how it will operate when the Energy Credits Scheme starts next July 1.
The Labor Party will only say that changing the scheme is "not on their radar", but has not given a commitment to maintain the incentives.
The Democrats, meanwhile, want radical changes that would extend the scheme to public transport vehicles operating in cities while at the same time restricting access for trucks operating in built-up areas.
It also wants more of the funding allocated to vehicles using alternative fuels.
Canberra sources say that the government will make a detailed commitment to the diesel grants scheme, probably in September.
This would entail an extension of the current scheme for one year through to June 30, 2003.
When the government's Fuel Inquiry reports next March (after the election), decisions will need to be made about how to extend the scheme. This may include further grants for low-sulphur fuels and reduced grants for current-quality diesel.
To find out how to join the ATA's ‘Save the Diesel Grant - It Saves You' campaign, click
here.