Queensland Labor has promised to create a dozen state-owned service stations if it wins the next state election, after disastrous polling for the party indicated a potential defeat.
In an announcement Tuesday, Premier Steven Miles outlined a plan for 12 public gas stations that would operate on a cost-recovery basis.
The location of fuel stations will be based on where competition is most needed in the state, Miles said in a speech to the Committee for Economic Development Australia.
The stations will sell gasoline and diesel as well as fast charging stations for electric vehicles.
“We do not control global oil prices and we cannot force private gasoline retailers to charge less to the carrier, but the government I lead will do everything in its power to bring down oil prices. ‘gasoline,’ he said.
“Currently, when you fill up your car, you send money abroad to large multinationals.
“Public fuel stations will charge a fair price for fuel, increase competition and ensure Queenslanders have greater choice when it comes to filling up.”
Another part of the reelection promise is to limit fuel price increases to 5 cents per gallon per day and prohibit gas stations from raising prices more than once per day.
Gas stations should also publish price changes a day in advance.
The promises to the petrol stations are the latest announcement in Queensland Labor’s hopes of being re-elected on October 26.
Last year, he promised $1,000 energy rebates, 50-cent public transportation fares, 20 percent savings on light vehicle registration fees, among other things.
Queensland Labor is currently trailing the opposition Liberal National Party in polls ahead of the state election.
A recent YouGov poll gives the LNP a lead of 57 percent to 43 on a two-party preferred basis.
