Tuesday, 9th June 2026

National Joint Media Statement

The 26-cent a litre fuel tax cut is expected to expire on June 30th. Treasurer Jim Chalmers ruled out an immediate extension ahead of the federal budget, suggesting that the government is open to alternatives to easing the fuel crisis.

We Ride Australia has joined a national coalition of transport and public health organisations* to launch a report that calls for simple and practical measures to help households cut fuel use and ease cost‑of‑living pressures by making it easier to walk, ride and use public transport for everyday trips.

These practical actions can make a real difference to our fuel security while keeping Australians moving – easing cost of living pressures and improving health through increased physical activity.

The national alliance proposes nine practical and cost-effective actions that boost safe and convenient options for local trips. They are:

  1. Crossings and footpaths near schools, shops and stops
  2. Pop-up bike lanes on key commuter routes
  3. More frequent public transport services
  4. Pop-up bus-priority lanes
  5. Shorter wait times at push-button crossings
  6. Fuel-saving speed limits
  7. Vouchers for bicycle repairs
  8. Rapid grants for bike parking and end-of-trip upgrades
  9. Purchase incentive to support bicycle commuting.

WeRide’s EO Peter Bourke said the current fuel crisis highlighted the need to give people real transport options to save money, not just advice to drive less.

“Families are hit hard by high fuel prices, but often don’t feel they have any options,”

“Many of our daily trips are short, nationally at least a half are 5km or less across all areas,” said Peter Bourke.

“Many of these trips could be done by walking, riding or public transport if safe and convenient options were available.”

“These solutions would provide long term ongoing benefits to household and national budgets.”

“They are proven ideas that can be rolled out fast by all levels of Government, saving households money and freeing up fuel for people who genuinely need it like people in the regions, tradies, shift workers and families in outer suburbs” said WeRide’s Peter Bourke.

WeRide is working nationally with partners and Governments to help turn these ideas into on‑the‑ground solutions that people can use immediately.

Link to full report: https://www.weride.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Joint_Statement_-_Nine_Ideas_to_Ease_Fuel_Crisis_WeRide.pdf

National media contact

Stephen Hodge, Director – National Advocacy, WeRide Australia, stephen@weride.org.au, 0411 149 910

*Coalition

These initiatives have been developed and are supported by the following transport and health sector organisations:

  • Australian Health Promotion Association
  • Asia-Pacific Society for Physical Activity
  • Better Streets
  • Bicycle Network
  • Bicycle New South Wales
  • Bicycle Queensland
  • Bike SA
  • Council of Academic Public Health Institutions Australasia
  • Pedal Power
  • Queensland Walks
  • 10,000 Steps
  • WestCycle
  • WeRide Australia

About WeRide

We Ride Australia is the national independent voice for cycling, working to secure the policies, infrastructure and programs that ensure the environmental benefits of cycling contributes to healthy, safe and enjoyable communities throughout Australia.

 

Acknowledgement of country

WeRide acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands and waters of the lands where we live and work, and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We respect the continual cultural connection, heritage and beliefs that remain important today.