In a sure-fire sign that an election is looming, Queensland’s Premier has announced a plan to reduce fuel prices for the state’s motorists – provided he’s reelected to his current role.
Steven Miles – who became Premier following the resignation of Annastacia Palaszczuk in December 2023 – made his State of the State address yesterday, announcing planned cost of living reduction measures should his bid to remain in power prove successful come October.
Mr Miles has proposed the establishment of 12 state-owned fuel stations, working on a cost recovery basis while selling petrol and diesel, as well as providing electric vehicle (EV) chargers.
According to the Premier, this would result in greater competition and lead to privately owned fuel stations driving down their prices, delivering savings for motorists.
The government is yet to determine where these stations would be set up, though it has said their locations will be “based on where competition is most needed across the state”, with the state additionally working with stakeholders such as independent retailers to implement its plan.
Additional fuel cost-cutting measures include banning fuel stations from raising prices more than once a day and by more than five cents per litre, and requiring them to announce price changes a day prior.
It has also proposed providing publicly owned land for small retailers and independents who charge less.
“The costs associated with owning and driving a car can add up. But most Queenslanders, especially in the regions, need a car to get around, drop the kids at school or to do their work,” Premier Miles said in a media statement.
“It’s not a simple issue to fix. We don’t control global oil prices and we can’t force privately owned petrol retailers to charge less at the bowser, but a government I lead will do whatever we can to bring petrol prices down.
“Currently when you fuel up your car, you’re sending money offshore to big multinationals.
“Publicly owned fuel stations will charge a fair price for fuel, increase competition, and ensure Queenslanders have more choice when it comes to filling up.”
It’s the latest transport-related scheme which Premier Miles has introduced under the guise of reducing cost of living pressures in the leadup to the election.
This has included reducing registration fees by 20 per cent, and introducing 50 cent public transport fares for six months, which began this Monday.
The Royal Automobile Club of Queensland (RACQ) has backed the Premier’s plan, and will work with the Labor Government to implement it, should its reelection be successful.
“With cost-of-living pressures affecting so many Queensland households, being able to plan and sustain your fuel budget is vital,” Mr Carter said.
“It will be a lot easier to fill up when you can see prices start to climb by five cents per day. Currently when the hike is on – prices jump by up to 50 cents in an instant and there’s no way of knowing when it will start or when prices will hit the cheaper phase again.
“This is particularly important for motorists living in the outer suburbs who drive long distances for their work, health appointments, children’s school or sporting commitments.
“While the new 50 cent public transport trial is a great initiative, not everyone has access to reliable public transport, so we need greater stability – not excessive margins – in the fuel market to get Queenslanders where they need to be.”
The Queensland election is due to take place on October 26, 2024.
