THE diesel fuel rebate is emerging as a growing pressure point for the agricultural sector in 2026 following renewed public scrutiny of the scheme last year. The diesel fuel rebate – officially known as the Fuel Tax Credits Scheme – refunds fuel excise paid on diesel used off-road. Independent senator David Pocock also weighed into the issue on social media last year, branding the diesel fuel rebate as a “subsidy”:Australia’s biggest miners have pocketed almost $60BN in diesel tax subsidies in <20 years. It makes no sense for 🇦🇺ns to pay tax while coal giants get a free pass. “Imposing a road tax on vehicles that don’t use roads just doesn’t stack up,” then NFF president Fiona Simson said.