Free public transport announced in Victopria and Tasmania. Image – V-Line.

VICTORIAN farmers have applauded State Government agreement to their request to make public transport free for one month from tomorrow to alleviate the fuel crisis.

And the Tasmanian Government has instituted a three-month free public transport period, with free travel on all buses and ferries until July 1, 2026; however, other states are yet to follow suit.

However, Victorian Farmers Federation president Brett Hosking said today’s National Cabinet outcomes fell short of delivering the certainty farmers need, warning that more must be done to give farmers confidence.

Over the weekend, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the Federal Government would amend its export-finance laws to aid fuel security.

“New fuel security powers will ⁠enable the government to ⁠underwrite the purchase of fuel ​by the private sector,” he said.

Energy Minister Chris Bowen said Australia has 39 days’ worth of petrol and 30 days of diesel ⁠and jet ‌fuel.

And after a National Cabinet meeting today, Mr Albanese announced that the fuel excise will be halved from Wednesday. The excise is currently 52.6 cents per litre and will be cut to 26.4 cents. He also said the heavy vehicle charge will be cut to zero.

VFF president Brett Hosking.

Mr Hosking said Victorian farmers welcomed the announcement by the State Premier to make public transport free, following calls from the farming community.

“With fuel still under pressure, free public transport is one of the few practical levers available to help Victorians conserve fuel and save money.

“If Victorians make the switch, it can make a real difference,” Mr Hosking said.

“Every commuter who leaves their car at home frees up fuel for the essential, time-critical work that keeps Victorians fed, whether that’s ensuring livestock are fed and cared for, or getting crops in the ground.”

Mr Hosking said the VFF is grateful Victoria’s Premier has listened and acted on its call for free public transport.

“This is not a silver bullet and must be one of many levers pulled to navigate this crisis.

“The VFF will continue to work closely with state and federal governments on further steps in the coming days and weeks,” he said.

No details on fuel prioritisation

However, Mr Hosking said while the Federal Government’s temporary fuel excise cut may provide some relief for consumers, it does little to address the unique and massive impacts being felt at the farm gate.

“Farmers are among the hardest hit by fuel and fertiliser price spikes, yet today’s announcements contain no clarity on how fuel will be prioritised if the crisis deepens.

“Farmers are telling me they are facing a real make or break moment,” he said.

“They can’t keep absorbing skyrocketing input costs without a plan to at least break even in months ahead.”

“This decision might help consumers in the short-term, but it leaves farmers out in the cold on price relief. Eventually, the pain felt by farmers now will hurt consumers at the supermarket checkout,” Mr Hosking said.

The VFF expressed concern that, despite ongoing calls from industry, National Cabinet failed to commit to a clear framework that prioritises fuel access for critical industries such as agriculture, particularly in regional and rural communities already experiencing supply disruptions.

“We’ve consistently called for a system that recognises agriculture as an essential service in times of shortage.

“That means guaranteed access to fuel so farmers can plant, harvest and transport food and fibre.”

Mr Hosking said the state was seeing patchy shortages and growing uncertainty.

“Without explicit prioritisation, farmers risk being left at the back of the queue and many will be forced to look after their bottom line,” Mr Hosking said.

While efforts to stabilise national fuel supply were welcome, the VFF said they must be matched with practical, on-the-ground measures that support those most exposed to volatility.

“Ensuring fuel imports and supply chains are functioning is important but it’s only part of the solution. Farmers need certainty that when they need fuel, it will be available.

“Farmers are helping to keep food on the table and are underpinning our regional economies. In a crisis like this, they cannot be an afterthought,” Mr Hosking said.

myki charges on hold for a month

The Allan Labor Government on Sunday announced it would deliver one month of free public transport from Tuesday 31 March, meaning free trains, trams and buses – metro and V/Line – every day until the end of April, for everyone.

During the free period, passengers won’t have to touch on with their myki – all myki gates will be open. Myki pass holders can contact the call centre at 1800 800 007 to pause their pass for a month, or get a refund. People travelling on V/Line coaches outside the myki network will need to book a free ticket to secure their seat. A ticket will not be needed to travel on trains outside the myki network.

Premier Jacinta Allan said she was determined to do everything within her control to help Victorians deal with rising fuel prices.”

“This is a temporary measure to help with the cost of living – it will take pressure off the pump and help you save.

“This won’t solve every problem, but it’s an immediate step to help Victorians right now while we keep working on new solutions to make Victoria more affordable.”

Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams said fuel prices are rising and Victorian families are feeling it.

“Free public transport will make a real difference for all.

“Our transport system can support this as a temporary measure, and it’s important to support Victorians right now.”

NFF called for an agriculture-specific plan

Before the National Cabinet meeting today, the National Farmers Federation urged the Federal Government to deliver three key outcomes:

An agriculture-specific plan to secure fuel supply for farmers and fishers, including clear ‘trigger points’ for government action to safeguard food production in both the short and medium term.

Clear direction on fertiliser supply into the medium term, including the establishment of a dedicated fertiliser roundtable and the Government underwriting the purchase of fertiliser by the private sector, as it has does for fuel.

Targeted small business support for those across the supply chain facing acute financial pressure.

NFF president Hamish McIntyre said the sector was already feeling the impact on the ground.

“Farmers are making tough calls right now, including rationing fuel, delaying operations, and in some cases weighing up whether they can plant or harvest at all.

“Growers are deciding whether they can afford to buy fertiliser, fuel the tractor and sow a crop,” he said.

“Many will need to make that call before Anzac Day, and some in horticulture are already there.

“Without certainty on fuel and fertiliser, some will scale back, and that has real consequences for food production and prices.”

After meeting with Treasury last week, Mr McIntyre said government must consider all options, including temporary tax relief and targeted support measures, to keep businesses operating through this period.

Mr McIntyre said the situation was being driven by both availability and cost pressures, with farmers having little capacity to absorb further increases.

“Farming is always a gamble, but right now too much is out of farmers’ control. Our reliance on imported inputs is again being exposed, and it’s putting farm businesses under serious strain.”

“The NFF said National Cabinet must prioritise practical, immediate action,” he said.

“We need a clear plan for agriculture now, not just broad measures.

“Farmers and fishers must be front of mind in decisions about fuel supply, distribution and pricing,” Mr McIntyre said.

“If conditions worsen and emergency powers are considered, maintaining food production must be treated as a national priority.

“And if conditions worsen and emergency powers are considered, maintaining food production must be treated as a national priority,” he said.

“At the end of the day, if farmers can’t access fuel and fertiliser, they can’t produce food. It’s as simple as that.”