Treasurer Jim Chalmers has written to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission requesting that fuel retailers pass on the recent fuel excise cut to consumers. The move comes as the government faces mounting pressure over its handling of fuel supply issues and rising prices.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan welcomed steps endorsed by national cabinet to ease cost-of-living pressures, noting that 15 petrol stations in metropolitan Melbourne and 29 in regional Victoria are currently without petrol. The number of stations without diesel is even higher. Allan expressed concern that rising prices are prompting people to buy fuel earlier or more frequently.
In response, Victoria will offer free public transport for the entire month of April and plans to legislate requiring fuel suppliers to provide additional data on the state's fuel supply. Energy Minister Lily D'Ambrosio stated the change aims to ensure fair allocation and distribution of fuel across both metropolitan and regional areas.
Meanwhile, Shadow Assistant Minister Garth Hamilton backed Liberal frontbencher Andrew Hastie's suggestion of a gas exports tax to shield Australians from the impacts of global conflicts. Hamilton argued that Australia's energy security is being negatively affected by the war in Iran and that policy changes are needed to address current challenges.
Assistant Minister Patrick Gorman countered that Australia has not been a party to US decisions regarding the conflict and emphasized the government's focus on lessening its impacts on Australians.
