Treasurer Jim Chalmers has written to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, urging it to ensure fuel retailers pass on the fuel excise cut to consumers. The move comes as part of broader efforts to ease cost-of-living pressures amid ongoing fuel supply issues.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan welcomed steps endorsed by national cabinet to address cost-of-living concerns, noting that 15 petrol stations in metropolitan Melbourne and 29 in regional Victoria are currently without petrol, with even more lacking diesel. Allan said households are concerned and are filling up more frequently due to rising prices.
In response, Victoria announced free public transport for all of April and plans to legislate requiring fuel suppliers to provide additional data on fuel supply. Energy Minister Lily D'Ambrosio stated the change aims to ensure fair allocation and distribution of fuel across the state.
Meanwhile, Shadow Assistant Minister Garth Hamilton backed Liberal frontbencher Andrew Hastie's suggestion of introducing a gas exports tax to shield Australians from the impacts of the war in Iran. Hamilton argued that the conflict is having a huge impact on Australia's energy security and that policies must address current challenges.
