In a sure sign that an election is approaching, Queensland’s Premier has announced plans to slash fuel prices for motorists in the state – on condition that he is re-elected to his current position.
Steven Miles – who becomes premier after Annastacia Palaszczuk steps down in December 2023 – delivered his State of the Nation speech yesterday, announcing planned cost-of-living cuts if his bid to retain power in October is successful.
Mr Miles has proposed setting up 12 state-owned fuel stations that would operate on a cost recovery basis while selling petrol and diesel, as well as providing charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs).
This will lead to greater competition and force private gas stations to reduce prices, benefiting motorists, the Prime Minister said.
The government has yet to determine where these stations will be located, although it has said the locations will be “based on where competition is most needed across the state”, and that it will also work with stakeholders such as independent retailers to implement its plans.
Additional fuel cost-cutting measures include banning petrol stations from increasing prices more than once a day and by more than five cents a litre, and requiring them to announce price changes a day in advance.
The government also proposed to provide public land to small retailers and individuals at lower prices.
“The costs associated with owning and driving a car may be increasing. But most Queenslanders, especially in regional areas, need a car to get around, take the kids to school or get to work,” Premier Miles said in a statement to the media.
“This is not an easy problem to solve. We do not control global oil prices and we cannot force private fuel retailers to charge less at the pump, but my government will do everything possible to bring down the price of fuel.
“Today, when you fill up your car with gas, you are transferring money overseas to large multinational companies.
“State-owned petrol stations will charge fair fuel prices, increase competition and ensure Queenslanders have more choice when filling up.”
This is the latest transport-related scheme introduced by Prime Minister Miles in a bid to ease the pressure on the cost of living ahead of the election.
This includes a 20 percent reduction in registration fees and the introduction of a 50-cent public transport fare for six months, starting this Monday.
The Royal Automobile Club of Queensland (RACQ) has backed the Prime Minister’s plan and will work with the Labor Government to implement it if re-elected.
“With cost of living pressures affecting so many Queensland households, planning and maintaining a fuel budget is incredibly important,” Mr Carter said.
“It would be a lot easier to fill up when you could see the price starting to go up five cents a day. Now, when the price goes up – it shoots up 50 cents in a flash and there’s no way of knowing when it’s going to start or when it’s going to go back down again.
“This is especially important for drivers who live in suburban areas and have to drive long distances for work, medical appointments, taking children to school or participating in sports activities.
“While the new 50c public transport trial is a great initiative, not everyone has access to reliable public transport, so we need more stability – not excessive profit margins – in the fuel market to get Queenslanders where they need to go.”
The Queensland election is scheduled for 26 October 2024.
