Queenslanders are being left behind as the LNP Government fails to act on rising fuel prices, adding further pressure to already stretched household budgets.
While every state is working with the Commonwealth Government through a National Fuel Supply Taskforce, the Queensland Premier has said there is nothing his government can do to help.
Governments in other states are leading the charge. Tasmania today introduced a bill to change emergency fuel laws and enable price caps. New South Wales has expanded real-time fuel price transparency so drivers can find the cheapest bowser. Victoria is delivering stronger oversight to crack down on unfair pricing practices. South Australia is improving monitoring and consumer protections to put drivers first, while Western Australia is regulating fuel price cycles to give motorists certainty and help keep prices down.
The Commonwealth Government today introduced new laws to empower the ACCC to crack down on price gouging, including tough new penalties.
Governments across the country are using their powers to deliver real relief for motorists. That’s why, in the first sitting week of 2026, we introduced the Transport Affordability Amendment Bill 2026, led by the Shadow Minister for Transport Bart Mellish, to deliver cost-of-living relief.
The Bill would cap the increase of fuel prices to no more than 5 cents per day and stop the sudden price spikes that hit household budgets. The Bill also requires fuel stations to notify customers of price increases by 2:00pm the day prior, so drivers can shop around.
RACQ has backed the stronger regulation, warning the current system is not working in the interests of consumers.
The Bill would also legislate Queensland Labor’s 50 cent public transport fares. This initiative saw 15 million trips taken in its first month and would further safeguard commuters and their household budgets.
The LNP this week in Parliament voted against the legislation.
Quotes attributable to the State Member for Ipswich West, Wendy Bourne MP:
“Families in my community rely on their cars every single day to get to work, and right now they’re paying around $2.17 to $2.29 a litre at fuel stations in Ipswich West.
“While governments across the country are stepping up to bring prices down, here in Queensland the LNP is leaving us behind.
“I am proud that we have put forward a practical plan to cap fuel price hikes and lock in 50 cent fares, and yet the LNP refuses to back it in.
“At a time when cost-of-living pressures are rising, my community needs action, and instead the LNP have voted against making fuel more affordable.”
For media enquiries, please contact ipswich.west@parliament.qld.gov.au
