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Voters warn no carbon tax on fuel: NRMA survey


Voters warn no carbon tax on fuel: NRMA survey

Author: CJ LeggettDate: 12 June 2011

The inaugural NRMA Motoring & Services More4Members Cost of Living survey has found almost two-thirds of people will not support a political party that proposes a Carbon Tax if it means fuel prices will increase.

The NRMA survey of around 1,200 Members found 60 per cent of people will not vote for a political party that introduces a Carbon Tax that forces up the price of fuel.

The More4Members survey found 87 per cent of people said their cost of living was higher than 12 months ago, while two-thirds were suffering from stress as a result.

The survey also found that 55 per cent of respondents believe the cost of living will increase substantially over the next 12 months, while 15 per cent said they had taken on a second job or were working longer hours to cover expenses as a result of increasing costs.

NRMA President Wendy Machin said the NRMA would seek assurances from the Australian Government that the Carbon Tax would not force up the cost of fuel and cause further strain on families struggling with the cost of living.

"Our members are struggling under the cost of living pressures and it is the NRMA’s responsibility to fight to ensure that every cent increase on a litre of petrol brought about by the Carbon Tax is offset by a reduction in the fuel excise," Ms Machin said.

"The NRMA surveyed our Members because we wanted to ask average Australians about the real effect of rising costs and the ways they look to save money.

"Australian families cannot withstand another hike in petrol prices and this survey shows the inherent risk of introducing an additional tax without protecting families from this rise.

"With uncertainty around petrol prices and the Carbon Tax, the benefits and costs of living in Sydney weighs heavily on the minds and wallets of all Australians."

The survey revealed that the average household spent an extra $50 on groceries compared with last year, with 82 per cent highlighting they eat out less than they did 12 months ago.

Almost 40 per cent (38%) would like to see the Federal Government reduce power costs, another 19 per cent want to see downward pressure on interest rates and 18 per cent want to see reduced fuel costs.

More than 42 per cent (42.3%) used discount vouchers in order to save money, with almost a third (28.9%) admitting to using vouchers frequently. An overwhelming 85 per cent (84.5%) of people who used discount vouchers used them for fuel.

The NRMA More4Members Cost of Living survey also found:

  • 73 per cent have seen the cost of running a car increase substantially, with the average cost increasing by $620.80 a year
  • 24% said they support the introduction of a Carbon Tax
  • 26% said they were using their credit card more than they used to, with one-in-four (26%) admitting to using their credit card to pay for everyday expenses.

Since the More4Members program’s inception in 2008, Members have saved $44 million through the More4Members program. Discounts are available in the motoring, travel, home and lifestyle categories, both through NRMA-businesses and well known brands.

The More4Members Cost of Living survey will be conducted annually to get feedback on the increasing cost of living in NSW.

For more information on the More4Members program go to: more4members.com.au/

Contact: Cie’Jai Leggett on 0439 133 114

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