Biodiesel Excise Information Sheet

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Issued by __________________ in support of Biodiesel Excise Exemption Reform (BEER) contact: ______________________________________

On the 24th February 2004 Biodiesel Excise Exemption Reform (BEER) launched a campaign to raise awareness of the impact of the government’s recent changes to excise tax and its impact on the individuals’ ability to provide biodiesel fuel for their families’ use.

Biodiesel is diesel fuel made from household products including used cooking oil. Biodiesel will run any diesel motor without the need for modification. As biodiesel is made from a plant oil or animal fat, it is a renewable fuel.

BEER is asking the politicians of this country to exempt the production of diesel for personal use. Australians can legally make beer (an excisable product) at home just how we like it. We would also like to be able to make fuel for our families’ diesels with the same excise exemption. At present it is just not viable to make biodiesel for personal use due to the ATO’s new tax and regulations.

Biodiesel is common in Germany with 1500 service stations, and in France which blends biodiesel into its entire fossil diesel supply. 27 countries have a biodiesel program, not just a biodiesel tax.

Countries that have an incentive scheme to encourage biodiesel production do not charge excise tax on biodiesel in recognition of its attributes, which include:

• Drastically reduced emissions meaning less pollution.
• Improved health benefits especially for people living in urban areas.
• Less foreign debt created from importing fossil fuels.
• It is produced locally meaning security of supply, less reliance on fuel from overseas.

BEER has further information on its web site www.biodiesel.id.au BEER spokespersons can answer any questions and conduct interviews.

Paul Martin: Biodiesel consultant, working for industry and personal producers of biodiesel. 0415 377 060

Terry Shulze: Barrister, Biodiesel processor inventor. 0404 88 27 14

Tony Clark: President, West Australian Renewable Fuel Association. 0428 920 881

 Biodiesel Excise Exemption Reform  

Asking the government for parity with home brew beer laws.

What we are lobbying for:

Excise tax exemption for small producers of biodiesel similar to the excise free status of home brew beer.

Why should biodiesel be excise tax exempt?  

1. LPG, also considered to be an alternative fuel, has enjoyed 20 years so far without excise tax! Hence it has been able to become established and compete with traditional fuels. LPG is now readily available to the 10% of Australian motorists who use it.
2. It is financially unviable to produce biodiesel for your own use under the governments current system.
3. The revenue collected will be miniscule! It is unlikely to cover the cost of administering the tax.
4. Biodiesel is a renewable fuel it reduces emissions drastically. Biodiesel has the lowest emissions of ANY transport fuel according to the CSIRO and Green House Office. http://www.greenhouse.gov.au/transport/comparison/index.html
5. Biodiesel offers diesel drivers an alternative to fossil diesel, which is a highly polluting, carcinogenic fuel that has NO known safe exposure limit for humans.
6. Biodiesel is locally produced ‘home grown fuel’. It can decrease our dependence on imported fossil fuel, given we have the chance to make it.

What needs to happen to achieve excise free status for small biodiesel producers?

 Australia prides itself on being a democratic country. The laws will be changed when the government hears of reason to change them, from enough Australians.

How would the amended law read?

The Schedule for the Excise Tariff Act 1921 – would include:

Tariff items 11 and 12 of this Schedule do not include any biodiesel which has been produced for non-commercial purposes, using non-commercial facilities and equipment.

Biodiesel Excise Exemption Reform www.biodiesel.id.au