The Nationals WA have called on the Cook Labor Government to urgently deliver practical fuel relief, warning Western Australian families, farmers and small businesses are being left exposed as supply pressures intensify.
Leader of the Nationals WA, Shane Love MLA, said while the Premier today had described Western Australia as an “energy state” that is “well placed” to manage global disruption, the reality for many Western Australians was rising costs and growing uncertainty.
“Western Australians are hearing a lot about abundance and opportunity, but right now they’re feeling the impact at the bowser and in their household budgets,” Mr Love said.
“There is a clear gap between the Government’s messaging and what people are experiencing.”
The comments come as the Premier acknowledged fuel conditions are expected to worsen before improving, reinforcing the need for immediate and targeted support.
The Nationals WA said communities could not afford to wait for the State Budget, and practical relief must be delivered now.
“People in regional WA don’t have alternatives, they rely on fuel every day to get to work, school and medical appointments.” Mr Love said. “They need support now, not in a few months’ time.”
The party is calling on the State Government to immediately:
• Increase the Patient Assisted Travel Scheme (PATS) fuel rebate from 40 cents to $1 per kilometre;
• Lift the Regional Pensioner Travel Card from $775 to $1000;
• Provide additional support through the Student Conveyance Allowance; and
• Deliver targeted, temporary cost-of-living relief for regional Western Australians most affected by rising fuel costs.
The Nationals WA also called for greater transparency around fuel supply pressures and clearer contingency planning for key industries, particularly agriculture.
“If fuel doesn’t flow, crops don’t go in — and that drives up costs for every household in WA,” Mr Love said.
While the Government has pointed to long-term projects and future energy development, the Nationals WA said those initiatives do not address the immediate pressures facing Western Australians.
“Long-term investment is important, but it doesn’t help a farmer trying to get a crop in the ground this month, or a family struggling to afford fuel this week,” Mr Love said.
“The Premier is right — this will be a challenging period. That’s exactly why Western Australians need more than reassurance — they need a government that is prepared and acting ahead of the curve.”
