Hockey's 'poor don't drive' claim fuels row

By James Massola
Updated August 14 2014 - 1:08pm, first published 12:01am
Rough road: Joe Hockey's suggestion that an increased fuel excise who not hit the poor has brought a stiff response from the opposition, economists and welfare groups. Photo: Louise Kennerley
Rough road: Joe Hockey's suggestion that an increased fuel excise who not hit the poor has brought a stiff response from the opposition, economists and welfare groups. Photo: Louise Kennerley
Illustration: Ron Tandberg.
Illustration: Ron Tandberg.

Treasurer Joe Hockey's charm offensive with Senate crossbenchers in a bid to pass the budget was derailed on Wednesday after he suggested increasing fuel excise would not hit the poor because they "don't have cars or actually drive very far".

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