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Guy Wigley.
Farmers say if the government introduces a tax on diesel to fund transport it must first sort out the "cumbersome and costly" fuel excise duty rebate system.
Federated Farmers transport spokesperson Guy Wigley told the Finance and Expenditure Select Committee select committee this week that while there is a rebate applying to off-road petrol use many farmers don’t bother to make claims because the paperwork is too onerous.
"Extending the fuel excise duty off-road rebate to diesel, which is much more heavily used in agriculture than is petrol, will likely result in a big increase in claim volumes and an increase in compliance costs."
Forestry, fishing, rail and maritime sectors would be similarly affected, adding pressure on administration of the rebate.
"Running a dual refund system which includes diesel for Auckland but not for the rest of the country will add further complications and confusion," Wigley said.
The Federated Farmers submission supported increased investment in transport infrastructure and acknowledged the case for extra revenue to be raised for specific transport projects that might otherwise crowd-out investment in other regions.
"It’s not just Auckland that needs investment. Rural roads need to be improved, especially for safety, and they need more funding for maintenance."
The Federation has long held concerns about regional fuel taxes (RFT), and the prospect of RFT revenue collected from rural road users being used solely to fund urban projects.
"However, if an RFT is to proceed and be collected from rural areas of a region, then it is only fair for revenue to be spent on activities in rural areas as well as urban areas.
"That should be written into the criteria in the proposed amendment bill."
According to the latest Federated Farmers banking survey, farmers are more satisfied with their bank and less under pressure, however, the sector is well short of confidence levels seen last decade.
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