Tasmanians continue to feel the impact of high fuel prices, driven by global pressures flowing through to the bowser. In response, coordinated action across all levels of government is delivering practical relief for motorists and households.
Following sustained advocacy, the Federal Government has halved the fuel excise to 26.3 cents per litre, delivering immediate relief for drivers across Tasmania. This measure was introduced as part of a broader national response to rising global fuel prices and is already providing savings at the pump.
Further relief is now on the way.
Today, Australian Premiers and Chief Ministers met and committed to taking additional action to reduce fuel prices, agreeing that any extra GST collected as a result of higher fuel costs should be returned to motorists and used to lower prices.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the agreement would deliver immediate and real relief for Tasmanians.
“We have been clear – we want to deliver immediate and real relief to Tasmanians as quickly as we can,” the Premier said.
Under the agreement, returning the GST windfall would potentially lower fuel prices by a further 5.7 cents per litre, on top of the existing 26.3 cent excise reduction currently in effect. Together, the measures could deliver total relief of around 32 cents per litre at the bowser.
Complementing these actions, the Tasmanian Liberal Government has introduced free public transport across the state, easing cost pressures on families, reducing congestion on our roads and lowering demand for petrol. This initiative provides immediate support while delivering broader community and environmental benefits.
Together, these practical measures demonstrate a strong focus on cost of living relief—keeping Tasmania moving and supporting households, businesses, farmers and truck drivers through a challenging period of global uncertainty.
Mr FERGUSON (Bass) – Deputy Speaker, it’s an honour, as Liberal member for Bass, to welcome day 2 of the Tour de Cure as it rolls through my electorate today. For 20 years now, Tour de Cure has been hitting the road with a single powerful mission: to cure cancer and to change lives. And what an impact they have made. There have been 238 world class cancer breakthroughs, over 1200 research projects funded, more than 6000 nights of accommodation provided to families during some of the toughest moments of their lives and countless community grants supporting grassroots health initiatives across the country. Tour de Cure is much more than a ride. It’s a testament to courage, compassion and the belief that when people come together, they can change the world.
Today’s stop is at the Bridgenorth Football Club. Go the Parrots. This makes this moment extra special because it’s also the town I grew up in. The Bridgenorth community has a proud and generous spirit, and that spirit is embodied in one of its most remarkable sons, Professor Richard Scolyer AO. Right now, there are 300 people gathered at Parrot Park in Bridgenorth, amongst them 120 riders who are coming through the area, and Richard Scolyer is shortly to arrive with his dad Morris, a wonderful man. Richard’s connection to Bridgenorth runs long, from his family’s 100-year football legacy in the town to his role as the club’s devoted no 1 ticket holder.
In 2025, that pride was on full display at Riverside Primary School. When he walked into the assembly, the grade 6 students burst into spontaneous applause. The school unveiled the Professor Richard Scolyer AO Excellence Award, which honours students who strive for excellence, determination and the courage to make a difference. It was a powerful reminder of the impact of one person’s story can have on young lives.
I hope we all realise that he is one of Australia’s and the world’s leading pathologists. Born in my home city of Launceston, he has become internationally recognised for breakthroughs in melanoma diagnosis, research and immunotherapy. His work has transformed melanoma treatment, saved countless lives and extended countless lives. Our nation recognised this extraordinary man and his extraordinary contributions by naming him our Australian of the Year in 2024.
In recent years, Richard has shown the world of different kind of leadership: scientific brilliance but also immense courage. After himself being diagnosed with an aggressive brain cancer, he became the first person in the world to undergo an experimental treatment using pre surgery immunotherapy and a personalised cancer vaccine, a technique based on his own melanoma research. He has faced this journey publicly, sharing a blog with honesty and integrity. I believe he brings hope to a lot of other people. His life is defined by service to science, to medicine and, of course, to countless families who have been touched by cancer.
Today, as the Tour de Cure comes through northern Tasmania and Bridgenorth, we are reminded of the virtue that Richard shows us so perfectly: that when people use their talents, their energy and even their struggles to help others, wonderful, extraordinary things can happen.
To the riders, support crews, organisers, local volunteers and every person who donates or cheers from the sidelines, I say a big word of thanks. Bridgenorth Football Club has exceeded its target of $5000. I’m told thousands and thousands have been coming in. Sponsors, donors, it’s been wonderful. To all of those people and, in particular, the club, together with Richard and his family, you’re all being part of something much bigger than just one event. You’re part of a movement that saves lives, and I applaud you.
The Police Offences Amendment (Increased Penalties for Damage to Tasmanian War Memorials) Bill 2026 has passed the House of Assembly, marking a major step in strengthening protections for war memorials.
Liberal Member for Bass, Michael Ferguson, said the Tasmanian Government took strong action following the recent vandalism of the St Helens Cenotaph. “The vandalism of the St Helens Cenotaph earlier this year was deeply distressing for the local community and for many veterans across the State,” Mr Ferguson said. (more…)
Mr FERGUSON (Bass) – Honourable Deputy Speaker, I rise this afternoon to respond to the Premier’s address, and from the outset I commend him for outlining a clear and ambitious vision for Tasmania’s future and one which is already fruitful for our community. (more…)
Over the past few months, several media organisations have asked me to speak openly about some of the big issues facing Tasmania. I recently had the opportunity to do exactly that in a frank and wide-ranging conversation on the Poll Position podcast, hosted by two people from opposite sides of the political spectrum.
The long-form sit-down format meant we could move beyond short media grabs and talk in detail about some of the challenges and opportunities ahead for our state. And yes, there were plenty of difficult and well-intentioned questions. I appreciated that authenticity.
Speaker, I rise to support this motion on behalf of the people of Bass. I speak with both sorrow and resolve. Last month, I travelled to Bondi to pay my respects in person. I spent the afternoon with the Chabad of Bondi community, meeting with Rabbi Yehoram Ulman, speaking with men and women of the congregation, and being guided through their shul, their synagogue. (more…)
