“Free public transport might help some in Melbourne, but it does nothing for a nurse in Murchison, a butcher in Euroa, or a farmer trying to get a crop in.”

State Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland has been calling on Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to deliver “real cost-of-living relief” to regional Victorians, after they “were largely left behind by free public transport announcements”.

The Federal Government has since announced a temporary cut to the fuel excise.

“This excise cut is welcome, but it comes too late for many families and businesses who have been absorbing these costs for months,” Ms Cleeland said.

She said while the cut would provide some relief at the bowser, it failed to address ongoing fuel supply pressures across regional communities.

“I’m still hearing from farmers, small businesses and local service stations who simply can’t access reliable supply,” Ms Cleeland said.

“That’s why the next step must be releasing Minimum Stockholding Obligation fuel into regional Victoria, so our independent suppliers, the ones who actually keep our communities moving, can access it.”

She says without action on supply, regional industries will continue to struggle.

“Our agricultural sector depends on fuel to operate; without it, you can’t sow, you can’t transport and you can’t produce food,” Ms Cleeland said.

“This isn’t just about price, it’s about making sure fuel is actually available where it’s needed most.”

Ms Cleeland said the excise cut showed that pressure worked, but more must be done.

“It shouldn’t take this long for governments to act when people are under this much pressure,” she said.

“We need decisions that support the whole state, not just the city.”

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Saturday, 1st September 2029

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