"This is very good news for many people who use vehicles for business use in rural and regional communities, and will help drive their fuel prices down," Mr Truss said.

"This was a Coalition Government decision that has made this happen, although I strongly suspect that the new Labor Government might try to take credit for it."

The July 1 changes mean that farmers, foresters, fishers, miners, nurses, doctors and operators of marine transport and emergency vessels will for the first time be able to claim the full rebate excise of 38.14 cents per litre for petrol and other fuels used off-road. Until now, the full rebate applied only to diesel use.

All industries (including construction and manufacturing) will be able to get a half rebate of 19.07 cents per litre diesel, petrol and all other fuels used off-road. They will get a full rebate from 1 July 2012.

"This are very good changes and will benefit many people right around Australia," Mr Truss said.