Coalition divided over fuel excise cut

Coalition MPs are divided over how to best address the rising cost of living in this month’s federal budget ahead of the election.

While some are calling for an extension of tax cuts for low- and middle-income earners – others want a reduction to the 44.2 cents a litre fuel excise.

This follows calls from three Liberal premiers – New South Wales’ Dominic Perrottet, South Australia’s Steven Marshall and Tasmania’s Peter Gutwein – to cut the excise.

While seeking to address rising inflation, Prime Minister Scott Morrison hasn’t weighed in on the debate ahead of the budget of March 29.