A NEW scheme to ensure only Queenslanders benefit from the State Government`s fuel subsidy could push up the price of food and other goods, the Transport Workers Union (TWU) said.
Under the proposal announced by Premier Anna Bligh yesterday, Queensland motorists will swipe a bar code on their drivers licence at the point of sale to receive the 8.35 cent a litre subsidy.
The subsidy is currently included in the sale price of fuel, but a Government inquiry last year found motorists have not been receiving the full benefit.
Ms Bligh said industry and motoring bodies would be consulted before implementing the scheme next April.
TWU Queensland secretary Hughie Williams believes interstate truck drivers could raise their costs as a result of the scheme.
"Thousands of tonnes of produce and goods is being brought in and out of Queensland, and those people spend many weeks of their time in Queensland filling up their trucks, and they`re not going to get the discount," Mr Williams told ABC radio.
"They`re going to be very, very annoyed and they`ve got every right to be very annoyed about it."
Tourism operators are also opposed to the scheme, saying higher fuel prices in Queensland will deter holiday makers from entering the state.
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