Extending Duty Concession for Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel

92.     The duty concession for ultra low sulphur diesel is due to expire on 31 March this year.  In view of the operating difficulties of the transportation industry, I propose to extend this concession, for the third time, for another year to 31 March 2003, maintaining the duty rate of ultra low sulphur diesel at $1.11 per litre.  This proposal will cost $1.2 billion.

Freezing Government Fees and Charges

93.     To avoid adding to the burden of the community, I have decided to freeze government fees and charges up to the end of March next year.  However, this measure will not apply to fees and charges levied by trading funds, nor to services provided at full cost to certain public entities.  Nor will it apply to any new fees that are in the pipeline.