Key facts
- Rookie One Nation MP David Farley voted to cap fuel tax rebates for industries using heavy machinery.
- The amendment, moved by Nicolette Boele, was defeated after Labor and the Coalition rejected it.
- The Minerals Council of Australia and National Farmers Federation criticized Farley's vote.
- Farley stated the vote was 'political theatre' and denied being caught out by the process.
One Nation is facing scrutiny after its rookie Member of Parliament for Farrer, David Farley, voted in favor of capping fuel tax rebates. The scheme refunds excise applied to petrol and diesel for industries using heavy machinery, including mining and farming. Farley sided with the Greens and teal independents on the amendment, which was ultimately defeated as Labor and the Coalition rejected it.
The Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) and National Farmers Federation (NFF) have strongly criticized Farley's vote, labeling it an attack on regional industries. MCA chief executive Tania Constable expressed deep disappointment, stating Farley voted against regional Australia. Farley, however, described the vote as 'political theatre' and denied making a mistake.
The Nationals have seized on the incident, with shadow resources minister Susan McDonald questioning if this represents One Nation's policy and Nationals leader Matt Canavan suggesting it is not a training ground for MPs. Shadow treasurer Tim Wilson also commented that One Nation's stance appears inconsistent.
This vote places Farley alongside climate campaigners, unions, and mining magnate Andrew Forrest, who advocate for capping the rebate scheme to encourage decarbonization. Farley's actions have also led to discussions about policy freelancing, following his earlier stances on migration levels and the display of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flag.