Victoria’s leading transport advocate, RACV, has called on the federal government to ensure that any carbon price for fuel is part of the existing fuel excise.

RACV, and all motoring clubs in Australia, have sought assurances from the government and Prime Minister Julia Gillard that previous commitments to offset any carbon tax on fuel with a corresponding drop in excise will be honoured.

RACV General Manager Public Policy, Brian Negus, said the government’s announcement on the carbon tax was “long on rhetoric, short on detail.”

“The carbon price should be part of the existing fuel excise. This was the case with the original emissions trading scheme (ETS) and RACV calls on the Government and the Prime Minister to honour their previous commitments to offset any carbon tax on fuel with a corresponding drop in excise,” said Mr Negus.

“The announcement by the government is littered with opportunities for them to renege on prior commitments.

“The government’s commitment to motorists under the emissions trading scheme clearly recognised that the current fuel excise regime overtaxes motorists. This unfair tax regime should be overhauled before any further tax is imposed on positive step in this direction.”

Mr Negus said there was a noticeable lack of detail in the announcement and called on the government to put detailed proposals on the table so that meaningful and detailed consultation can occur with all community interest groups.

RACV, which represents more than 2 million Victorians, said expects the Australian government to honour its commitments and remove any uncertainty about a carbon price increasing costs to motorists.