QTA in Queensland fuel subsidy backlash

Queensland premier Anna Bligh floated the idea at the weekend as an item in next month’s state budget to take pressure off the state’s finances, saying tough choices would have to be made.
The idea resulted in a chorus of protest from business and road groups which included the QTA.
QTA chief executive Peter Garske pointed out that such a move would add $15,000 on average to the running of a B-double, the registration costs for which were due to rise $3,000 on July 1.
“It is unreasonable that small business should be slugged up to $20,000 in additional tax and costs per B-double in the current difficult economic times,” Mr Garske said.