Is that ‘different-treatment-for-different-travellers’ trend one that could grow, particularly when many beauty spots are busier than they have ever been.

In the US state of Oregon, non-residents who camp in RV sites at campgrounds will now be charged a 25% surcharge. The extra fee will be applied to those who reserve a site online from an out-of-state address. In person, the extra charge will be applied to those with out-of-state plates.

But while the ‘tourist tax’ a concept has taken off in the US, 99% of respondents to our recent poll on the issue thought it would be a terrible idea to introduce it here.

“I think it is just another idea for a tax grab,” said Neil W. “Leave us alone … we have paid enough tax in our lifetime of working.”

Mick M agreed.

“This would only reduce the number of visitors,” he said. “And that would greatly reduce the tourist dollars being spent in that state.”

Beverley P was worried the money might not end up where it should.

“We try to spend in every town we visit,” she said. “A tax would taint this gesture of good will.”

Reg F thought there were a lot more issues than just taxes.

“For example, national parks should be national, not state,” he said. “And there should be standardised standards across states … I had to replace a hot water system in Queensland because it was a ‘91 van they wouldn’t issue a gas certificate because the stove wasn’t 2018 compliant!”

Rob M was against the tourist tax idea on a point of basic principle.

“I don’t think we should pay that tax,” he said. “After all, we are putting money into the different states’ economies that we travel in.”

A point picked up on by Cassandra F.

“We are all Australians and this is segregating the states and there is enough of that happening at present,” he said. “People won’t go where they have to pay more to visit and this affects the whole local economy.”

And Dianne L summed up the views of almost all correspondents rather neatly.

“A good percentage of grey nomads have limited income and have already spent a small fortune on their RVs and tow vehicles, besides fuel and campsites,” she said. “Allow all Australians the right to enjoy the sights of our beautiful country without the burden of further taxes.”

“No, I don’t believe it’s fair out-of-state visitors to a national park should pay more than those who reside in that state,” said Roy E. “This is just another idea for a rip-off.”

Joel B agreed.

“We are all Australian so why start discrimination just because people are from another state,” he said. “If we want people to visit our tourist sites let’s not start discriminating against those from another state which ever that may be.”

Brodie F went one step further.

“There should be no charge on any Crown Land for any reason,” she said. “The charges now applied generally dampen the incentive to get out and enjoy Australia and the fresh air and family togetherness.”

Chris B was equally adamant that Australia was for Australians to share equally.

If we don’t come to your state you don’t get our cash which is a damn lot more than a ‘tourist tax (cash grab),” he said. “Keep your grubby hands out of our pockets.”

A sentiment shared by Hannu A.

“What a silly idea,” he said. “We are already taxed to the hilt!”