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Premier promises to cap petrol price hikes, and take over Brisbane buses
By Tim Arvier
Premier Steven Miles will promise to limit how much petrol prices in Queensland can be increased in one day under a suite of new pre-election proposals.
A re-elected Labor government would also take over the running of buses from Brisbane City Council and make Translink an independent authority so bus and train services can be better coordinated with each other, Nine News has revealed.
After spruiking the start of the 50¢ public transport fare trial on Monday, the premier will use a lunchtime address to the Committee for the Economic Development of Australia (CEDA) on Tuesday to formally unveil his latest pre-election promises.
Premier Steven Miles will unveil two new election promises on Tuesday.Credit: Jamila Toderas Filippone
If he is returned to George Street, Miles would heed a call from the RACQ to cap daily fuel price increases. Under the proposal, petrol prices could be increased by only 5¢ per day, meaning motorists will not have to fear dramatic jumps of 30¢ to 40¢ at the bowser.
It is not known if the LNP will support Miles’ latest pre-election promises, as it did with the government’s 50¢ public transport fare initiative.
Queensland Labor trails the LNP in polling ahead of the October 26 election, although Miles hopes targeted cost-of-living relief can win his government a fourth term.
Miles also wants the state government to take over the running of Brisbane buses so bus and train services can be better aligned with each other.
The premier joined train commuters from Mango Hill on Monday morning as much-awaited 50¢ fares began across the state.
Miles travelled with Transport Minister Bart Mellish on the first day of the bold cost-of-living initiative.
Commuters on Translink ferry, bus and train services will pay 50¢ under a six-month trial spruiked by the three-term Labor government to address economic pressures and keep money in Queenslanders’ pockets.
Transport Minister Bart Mellish on the train on Monday morning.Credit: Twitter
The government will also cut 20 per cent off car registrations for Queenslanders from September 16.
Further cost-of-living relief will come with the government providing $1000 energy rebates to all households over the next 12 months.
Foregone revenue from the reduced fares is expected to cost $150 million, but will help the government gauge where improvements to public transport access can be made.
Extra bus services have been slated amid a forecasted increase in patronage.
Miles has flagged a flat or reduced fare could become a permanent fixture if public transport usage exceeds pre-COVID-19 levels.
Mellish said the scheme was a “use it or lose it” situation and hoped to see Queenslanders turn to public transport in droves where possible.
“I really want to see people get on board for their daily commute,” he said.
with AAP