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Two states introduce fare-free travel amid fuel crisis
Victoria and Tasmania will suspend public transport fees for months to ease pressure on drivers facing soaring fuel costs linked to Middle East tensions.
Federal fuel tax cut announced
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's government will halve the national fuel excise tax for three months starting Wednesday, reducing petrol and diesel costs by 26.3 cents per litre. The measure, costing taxpayers A$2.55 billion, aims to save motorists between A$10 and A$20 per tank.
Albanese previously addressed reports of panic-buying and fuel shortages, assuring Australians that supply remains stable despite global price spikes.
Victoria and Tasmania act to ease cost-of-living strain
Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan announced free travel on trains, trams, and buses statewide from Tuesday through April. "This won't solve every problem, but it's an immediate step to help Victorians right now," she said.
Tasmania, an island state, will waive fares on buses, coaches, and ferries until the end of June. Premier Jeremy Rockliff framed the move as "strong and decisive action" to protect households. The state will also make school buses free, saving families A$20 weekly.
Other states resist similar measures
New South Wales Transport Minister John Graham ruled out free public transport, citing the need to preserve funds for long-term crisis management. "We're keeping our powder dry," he told broadcasters.
South Australia expanded senior travel cards instead, while Queensland pointed to its existing 50-cent flat fare introduced last year. Western Australia Premier Roger Cook noted his state had already reduced fares, quipping, "Rick Astley was top of the charts when fares were this low in the 80s."
Global fuel price surge triggers conservation efforts
Australia's average petrol price hit A$2.38 per litre last Sunday, up from A$2.09 a month ago when the US-Israel conflict escalated. The government attributes the rise to global oil market volatility, not domestic supply issues.
The near-blockade of the Strait of Hormuz-through which 20% of the world's oil and gas flows-has disrupted shipping, prompting governments worldwide to adopt fuel-saving measures.
Egypt ordered early closures for shops and restaurants, while Ethiopia placed non-essential public workers on leave. The Philippines declared a national emergency Tuesday, offering transport subsidies, reducing ferry services, and implementing a four-day workweek for civil servants.
