2026-03-24
Today in the Assembly, the ACT Greens are hopeful to pass an amendment that will seek free public transport for the duration of the fuel supply crisis and change the cost of fares in the long-term.
"Canberrans are at a breaking point with fuel now reaching three dollars per litre," said Andrew Braddock ACT Greens Spokesperson for Transport.
"I'm hopeful that today the Assembly will pass my amendment to seek free public transport for the duration of the fuel supply crisis. It'll provide immediate cost-of-living relief for Canberrans who are doing it tough.
"We'll also be doing our part to take the pressure off demand for fuel.
"It's the billion-dollar gas companies who profit of this crisis and pay less tax than Australians pay for beer. That's why my amendment calls on the federal government to impose a 25% tax on gas exports.
"It's time that Australia's big gas corporations pay for better transport options and not everyday people struggling to put food on the table."
The amendments also call on the Australian Government to fund 50 cent fares beyond the fuel supply crisis to encourage public transport use and uptake. As well as improve investment in public and active transport infrastructure.
The ACT Government will also be called on, once again, to adopt free public transport for concession card holders, providing much needed cost of living relief for Canberrans with the greatest need.
"The Labor Transport Minister Chris Steel said that he's worried cheaper public transport fares would lead to full buses," said Mr Braddock.
"I welcome full buses because it means less congestion on our roads, less emissions, and households saving thousands of dollars in transport costs. If we have full buses we can then work to address the Labor Government's underinvestment in buses."
"The Canberra Liberals' suggestion to lower the fuel excise won't fix the problem. Farmers who grow our food will still struggle to obtain the necessary fuel; emergency services won't be able to guarantee their supply. We need policies that effectively reduce demand for fossil fuels, not subsidise them. "
"The Greens are proud to get this long-needed reform across the line because Canberrans deserve free, green, and accessible public transport."