Later admitting it was a “mistake”, Mr Farley last week voted in favour of the Treasury Laws Amendment (Fuel Excise Relief No. 2) Bill 2026.
The most controversial amendment was a clause to introduce “a cap of $50 million annually, per consolidated corporate entity, so that it will not apply to small users of the scheme such as farmers and small businesses”.
Leader of The Nationals Matt Canavan and CT Group manager Thomas Storey were quick to react, issuing press releases which called out Mr Farley for choosing to “vote against regional Australia and the industries that rely on the rebate”.
It was one of two votes Mr Farley has since tried to repeal, the other relating to gambling reform.
Mr Farley, in his second week in Parliament and with no staff resources, said he “made a mistake” with the divisions and had sought advice from the Clerk of the House of Representatives about correcting the vote.
“Unfortunately, I was not able to change my votes after the fact,” he said.
“I regret that I made these mistakes. They were made due to my inexperience in Parliament.
“Recruiting experienced staff to support my work has been difficult, however I am rectifying the situation.
“I further note that all of One Nation’s advisers are significantly overworked due to the Albanese Labor Government’s refusal to provide Australia’s most popular political party with adequate staffing levels enjoyed by parties more closely aligned with Labor’s agenda.”
Mr Farley said he supported the extension of the fuel excise cut and intended to back relief measures benefiting farmers, miners, motorists and regional communities.
The amendment, which was lost, proposed capping the fuel tax credit scheme at $50 million annually for large manufacturers, including mining companies.
It also called for excess funds to be redirected towards electrification infrastructure and the gradual phase-out of eligible fuels.
The fuel tax credit scheme allows businesses using heavy machinery - particularly in sectors such as mining, agriculture and freight - to reclaim fuel excise paid on off -road diesel use.
Senator Canavan and Shadow Resources Minister Susan McDonald criticised the vote, describing it as “completely at odds” with the interests of regional communities and the resources sector.
Ms McDonald said fuel tax credits were not subsidies but refunds of taxes that businesses should not have been required to pay in the first place.
Industry groups echoed those concerns.
Minerals Council of Australia CEO Tania Constable warned that capping or removing the credits could drive up costs across sectors with limited alternatives to diesel, with flow-on effects for consumers.
“It risks undermining investment, export income and the industries that underpin the national economy,” she said.
National Farmers’ Federation CEO Michael Guerin said farmers were concerned any changes could set a precedent affecting agriculture, while Coal Australia CEO Stuart Bocking described the credits as a longstanding policy rooted in the principle that off-road fuel use should not attract road taxes.
Mr Farley maintained that his support for regional industries remained unchanged, and indicated he is working to secure experienced staff to avoid similar errors in the future.
“I support the extension of the fuel excise cut, and my vote reflects this,” Mr Farley said.
“My mistake was voting to support an amendment to the legislation, which was defeated.
“I support this relief for the mining industry, for farmers, for motorists, for businesses and for regional communities.
“I do not support putting any more taxpayer money into renewables.”
