TASMANIAN GOVERNMENT REFUSES TO ACT ON FUEL CRISIS
Jeremy Rockliff today confirmed that his government is proposing no new initiatives to support Tasmanians struggling with soaring fuel costs to reduce their fuel usage — despite international guidance urging governments to boost public transport use as a key strategy to reduce fuel demand.
During Question Time, I asked the Premier:
“The pain people are experiencing with the cost of fuel is worsening by the day, and your government is appearing very flat-footed on this. Since your general announcement last week about fuel security, the International Energy Agency has done the policy work for you, setting out 10 clear steps to reduce fuel demand. Number 3 was encouraging people to use public transport, which is something your government hasn’t been successful at doing up to this point. What new initiatives is your government considering to increase the uptake of public transport in the midst of this fuel crisis?”
The Premier offered no new measures, instead repeating existing talking points and indicating that the government is satisfied with the current situation — a situation in which Tasmania has the lowest uptake of public transport in the country, and the highest reliance on private motor vehicles and some of the highest fuel prices in the country.
The Premier is refusing to show leadership and prefers to shift responsibility to the Commonwealth for this cost-of-living crisis.
Half price bus fares are due to expire at the end of this financial year which will inflict more pain on those using public transport, and this government shows no inclination to extend that important cost of living initiative.
There are easy solutions at hand. The government should extend half price fares beyond June 30th and invest in a campaign to highlight public transport as the best alternative to rising fuel costs. And by increasing the number of people using buses, there will be more fuel available for the rural and other sectors.
Despite escalating cost-of-living pressures and clear international advice supporting mode shift to affordable, accessible transport options, the Premier’s response to my question suggested no urgency, no new policy, and no intention to address Tasmania’s entrenched dependence on private cars which leaves Tasmanians terribly exposed to global oil shocks. This response is typical of a government who has lost touch with the community and those who are doing it tough.
This government’s inaction comes as fuel prices continue to climb, putting additional strain on households across the state and further widening the gap between Tasmania and the rest of Australia in public transport usage.