Federal Labor Treasurer Jim Chalmers has reassured Australians the government will avoid COVID-style restrictions or rationing as fuel prices surge and supply tightens across 500 service stations.
“One of the reasons why the prime minister has brought the states and territories together today [for National Cabinet] is because we want to avoid harsh restrictions, we want to avoid those kind of heavy‑handed COVID interventions, and to make sure that people are doing the most responsible thing they can,” Chalmers said on on ABC News Breakfast on March 30.
But the treasurer is encouraging Australians to work from home.
“We’re trying to avoid those kind of a heavier-handed COVID interventions. But work from home in a number of instances makes a lot of sense,” Chalmers said, in reference to the pandemic era when working from home was mandated across several white-collar industries.
“The prime minister has indicated more of a willingness to go down the voluntary path than the compulsory path.”
Amid the outbreak of the Iran War, global oil prices shot up as supply was squeezed with container traffic through the Strait of Hormuz is held hostage by the Iranian regime.
Meanwhile, the Labor government is planning new laws to give government authority to purchase fuel without the need for parliamentary approval.
Finance Minister Katy Gallagher said the introduction of the bills would ensure the government can respond better to future fuel security challenges.
“This legislation was about preparedness and responsible fiscal management. They do not commit new spending, but they do make sure that if action is needed at short notice, the funding framework is in place and subject to strong safeguards,” she said in Canberra.
Amid pressure from the federal opposition, the government also announced on March 30 that it would cut the fuel excise tax in half for three months.
That equates to 26.3 cents per litre off the price of fuel at the pump. The tax is aimed at supporting the cost of road infrastructure.
Previously, the Liberal Party leaders from the federal Angus Taylor to his state counterparts in New South Wales and Victoria have called for the strategy.
“Take 26 cents a litre off the fuel excise to provide Australians with the relief they need as they go into Easter, $16 million a day,” Taylor said in a doorstop at Parliament House.
“The fuel security and fuel affordability crisis rolls on. Australians are struggling to pay their bills but are now struggling at the bowser, of course, and many bowsers across this country with no fuel,” Taylor said, saying 600 petrol stations were now out of at least unleaded or diesel.
Victoria Introduces Free Public Transport
Meanwhile, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has promised free public transport for residents.
“From tomorrow to the end of April, public transport will be free across Victoria—taking pressure off the pump and helping you save,” Allan said on March 30.
“As premier, I’m determined to do everything within my control to help Victorians deal with rising fuel prices.”
