Australia’s most costly anti-climate policy hits taxpayers for $30m a day as calls mount to wind back fuel tax credits

Miners and farmers are among the main beneficiaries of the fuel tax credits scheme that will cost the Australian government nearly $10.8bn this financial year. Photograph: Reuters

It’s the most costly anti-climate policy in the Australian government budget, working against efforts to cut emissions. This financial year, taxpayers will hand over nearly $10.8bn to make it cheaper for miners, farmers and some other industries to use diesel and petrol.

How much? Nearly $30m a day, every day of the year. Or $20,500 a minute, around the clock.