IMO, ignore references to Govt charges, the credit cards you want to avoid are those that particularly state that they exclude Utilities, Rates, Insurance, Telcoms, and the like.
If they mention exclusion of govt charges, in the same sentence and context as intereest and bank fees, then they are referring to governmemnt bank account taxes which no longer exist, but could be introduced.
Look at how ANZ words it:
https://www.anz.com.au/content/dam/anzcomau/documents/pdf/anz-rewards-program-terms-conditions.pdf
You will not earn Rewards Points on interest charges, premiums paid for ANZ Credit Card Insurance (ANZ Credit Card Insurance not available for new customers from March 17th, 2018), government charges, bank fees, payments made to the Australian Taxation Office or other taxation payments or duties, card account adjustments resulting from disputed transactions or otherwise, balance transfers or cash advances
Now look at Citibanks wording
Eligible Transaction means any purchase excluding (but not limited to) Cash Advances, Balance Transfers, Special Promotions, BPAY payments, purchases of foreign currency and travellers cheques, transactions made in operating a business, payments to other Citi accounts, bank fees and charges such as interest and ATM charges, transactions made using Points and government related transactions. Government related transactions include transactions with government or semigovernment entities, or relating to services provided by or in connection with government (for example but not limited to or transactions made at Australia Post, payments to the Australian Taxation Office, council rates, motor registries, tolls, parking stations and meters, fares on public transport, fines and court related costs).
Citibank makes it very clear what is excluded, but so does ANZ, "government charge" does not mean government services. You can bet your house on that.
Sample AFF with no advertisements? More..
