COST OF LIVING — FUEL PRICES
712. Hon WILSON TUCKER to the Leader of the House
representing the Premier:
I
refer to the latest data from FuelWatch, which reveals unleaded petrol prices
have risen overnight by up to 48� per litre, with many metropolitan fuel
stations charging $1.89 per litre.
(1) Given that
more than two in three Western Australians drive to work, does the Premier, who
is also the Treasurer, have a plan to address rising fuel costs as a major
contributor to the cost of living?
(2) With the fuel
excise reduction ending next month, will the Premier commit to providing
immediate relief to commuters through the reduction of government fees and
charges?
Hon SUE
ELLERY replied:
I thank the honourable member for
some notice of the question.
(1)–(2) The state government recognises that it is a difficult
period for everyone across Australia and the world. International factors are involved and are
impacting on the price of fuel and other goods, particularly the war in Ukraine. State government household fees and
charges, however, are decreasing by 3.8 per cent in 2022–23, going
beyond the McGowan government's election commitment to keep any
increases to household fees and charges below inflation. In relation to relief
for commuters, the McGowan government's election commitment to cap public transport fares is now in
effect. All public transport travel is now capped at $5 one-way, which could
equate to savings of as much as $3 000 a year for one person and thousands more
for a family. For example, a journey to the Perth CBD for a person living in Dawesville
has reduced by $8.20 one-way,
allowing them to save up to $82 a week. The McGowan government has also capped
the price of airfares for regional Western
Australians travelling to and from Perth at $199 for locations under 1 000
kilometres from Perth, and $299 for
locations more than 1 000 kilometres from Perth. These capped airfares have
already saved regional residents thousands of dollars in the short time period
they have been in place.