An Australian prime minister’s election promise to open state-owned petrol stations in a bid to cut fuel costs has been branded the “dumbest policy” by a political opponent.
Queensland Premier Steven Miles has announced that if he wins the state election in October he will establish 12 state-owned petrol stations across Queensland.
The courier mail The plan is reportedly estimated to cost $36 million, although Miles admitted the figure is not backed by detailed analysis or modelling.
Mr. Miles announced the plan in his State of the State address on Tuesday.
‘Publicly owned service stations will charge a fair price for fuel, increase competition and ensure Queenslanders have more choice when it comes to refuelling.’
He also announced that if Labour is re-elected it will ban petrol stations from raising fuel prices more than once a day, as well as trialling a cap on price increases at 5 cents per litre per day.
LNP deputy opposition leader Jarrod Bleijie did not hold back in criticising the prime minister’s plan, calling it “economic vandalism”.
“This would have to be the dumbest policy I have ever seen announced by a Queensland premier,” he said.
Queensland Premier Steven Miles (pictured) has announced that if he wins the state election in October he will establish 12 state-owned petrol stations across Queensland.
Mr Miles said the initial 12 petrol station sites would be determined by the government, based on where competition was most needed across the state.
“Seriously, what’s next? The butcher, the baker, the candlestick maker?”
Mr Bleijie added: “It will kill off independent retailers.”
“What are you going to say to parents who have to close their businesses, thereby creating less competition and opportunities in the market and therefore increasing gasoline prices?” he said.
Australasian Petroleum and Convenience Traders Association chief executive Mark McKenzie was also critical of Miles’ plan.
‘History shows that government interference in complex competitive markets inevitably leads to higher costs for consumers, and the retail fuel market is no different.’
Mr McKenzie said the lack of consultation with industry before the announcement of Mr Mile’s plan “beggars belief”.
“(This has also been done) without any clear legislative mechanism on how this proposal would work in practice,” he said.
In a statement, Miles said his plan is to create more competition.
‘The costs associated with owning and driving a car can add up.
“But most Queenslanders, especially in the regions, need a car to get around, drop the kids off at school or get work done.”
He said rising fuel prices were not an easy problem to solve.
“We do not control global oil prices and we cannot force private petrol retailers to charge less at the pumps, but the government I lead will do everything possible to reduce petrol prices.”
Opposition deputy leader Jarrod Bleijie (pictured) did not hold back in his criticism of the prime minister’s plan, calling it “economic vandalism”.
The initial 12 sites will be determined by the government, based on where competition is most needed across the state.
Mr Miles said his government would work with stakeholders, including independent retailers.
“I am also committed to working with experts and industry to ensure fair competition in all Queensland communities and that fuel prices cannot increase by more than 5 cents a day.”
Mr. Miles posted his plan on his social media channels.
‘We will install publicly owned gas stations if we are elected in October.
‘They will charge a fair price, increase competition and give Queenslanders more choice when it comes to fueling up.’
Replies to the Prime Minister’s posts were not saved.
“Come on Steven! This is beyond ridiculous! You can’t buy elections by promising cheap gas! That’s insane!” wrote one X user.
“You’re truly deranged, Miles. Most of the cost of fuel is taxes. Are you going to get your federal colleagues to reduce fuel taxes for your servos?” wrote another.
‘Nonsense! That would be a complete disaster for public service employment conditions: overtime, vacations, working from home, DEI, etc.
“Stop trying to buy elections.”