Most Australians would support replacing the fuel excise with a per-kilometre road user charge, particularly when reforms are tied to improved road outcomes, according to new research from Transport Australia.
The survey found 59 per cent of respondents favour a shift away from fuel tax, rising to 71 per cent among electric and hybrid vehicle drivers. Support also increases to 65 per cent when linked to better road maintenance.
Transport Australia CEO, Ehssan Veiszadeh, said the findings reflect growing awareness that current funding models are under pressure.
“Australians rely on the road network every day to get to work, move freight, connect communities and support the economy,” he said.
“As fuel excise revenue becomes less sustainable over time, particularly as the vehicle fleet changes, we need to have a national conversation about future road funding.”
The research also highlighted stronger backing in Queensland (67 per cent) and among metropolitan residents (66 per cent), while 53 per cent of respondents believe all drivers should contribute equally to road maintenance regardless of vehicle type. That figure rises to 64 per cent among EV and hybrid drivers.
More than half (51 per cent) say EV and hybrid motorists should begin paying a road user charge now, although there is also support for a phased introduction – especially within that cohort.
However, the survey points to a knowledge gap, with only around one-third of Australians saying they understand how roads are currently funded.
Transport Australia conducted the study in partnership with toll road operator, Transurban, and technology firm, Q-Free.
Transurban CEO, Michelle Jablko, said the findings underline the potential to reshape road funding.
“A modern road user charge is a fair and sustainable way to tackle congestion and fund the road maintenance we need to keep our cities moving,” she said.
Q-Free CEO, Mark Talbot, added that governments have explored multiple funding models over the past decade.
“New approaches are needed, and these will require new policies and operational solutions to implement them,” he said.
In related news, the National Transport Commission is calling on Australia’s transport and logistics sector to help shape the body’s cost base project.
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