Treasurer Jim Chalmers has dismissed Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s promise to slash the fuel excise as a misleading cost-of-living gimmick, claiming it would only benefit Australians who drive well above average distances each year. According to new government analysis, the average household would need to clock up around 40,000 kilometres annually—almost triple the national average of 13,800 kilometres—to see the level of savings the Coalition is promoting. The Liberal Party claims its proposed 25-cent-per-litre cut to the fuel excise would save a typical motorist who fills up a 55-litre tank once a week about $14. For households with two cars, ...

Peter Dutton’s pledge to halve the fuel excise has faced significant backlash from economists, who warn that the policy is a short-term political manoeuvre that would disproportionately benefit wealthier Australians and fail to address the real economic challenges facing the country. On Thursday, the opposition leader promised to reduce petrol prices by 25p per litre for one year if the Coalition wins the federal election. This promise comes as both major parties compete for voter support, with cost of living at the forefront of the campaign. Dutton’s plan follows his decision not to match the Albanese government’s proposed tax cuts, ...