Wendy and her husband John are one of the many families that will be affected by the fuel excise tax and GP levy. 

The Owens spend almost $200 on fuel per week for two cars and make several trips to town for work, sport and recreation. 

“I travel into town six times a week and that includes taking my daughter to and from work,” Mrs Owen said. 

“I filled up with petrol on Monday night and we have half a tank left and it is Wednesday.” 

The busy mum also plays taxi for her two children Catherine, 16, and David, 14, when they play netball and basketball. 

“My daughter is in Buninyong for netball and you have to drive there for training and take her home later,” she said. 

“Every second game is not a home game, so you could be driving to Bungaree or Daylesford and that’s a bit of a distance.” 

Unexpected trips also hurt the family’s hip pocket. 

“I had to make a special trip (into town) today for band practice and there were no buses,” she said. 

Mrs Owen said the fuel excise levy, introduced at 38 cents per litre, will impact her family significantly. 

“I don’t want to move. It frustrates me and makes me a bit angry, I don’t want to change our lifestyle and have to tighten our belts,” she said. 

Federal treasurer Joe Hockey announced on Tuesday the government would unfreeze the indexation of the fuel excise. 

The fuel excise is currently 38.1 cents per litre but will rise in line with inflation twice a tear, from August 1.

kara.irving@fairfaxmedia.com.au