The Family First party, especially, is concerned about putting taxes up at a time when families are struggling to make ends meet and when the economy appears to be slowing.

Family First Leader Senator Steve Fielding said today: "I spoke to Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan about making changes to this unfair tax and the government is considering them.

"The Rudd government has now deferred the bill until these issues are resolved.

"Family First is concerned ordinary Australians and small businesses like tourism operators and farmers will bear the brunt of this tax hike.

"Small businesses in farming and in the tourism industry are already struggling with high petrol prices and now also have to deal with another increase in capital costs for their business.

"Family First wants exemptions for four wheel drive vehicles that are registered in a rural area, in recognition that families in rural and regional Australia are doing it tough.

"It also wants exemptions from the extra tax for commercial vehicles designed to carry seven or more passengers in tourism operations.

"Family First is also considering the tax impact for people who ordered cars before May 13 this year, but who received their new car after June 30, who are being asked to pay tax at the higher level, even though they were not aware of that tax when they purchased their car."