Today, National Cabinet met and endorsed a new National Fuel Security Plan, setting out a consistent approach across the Commonwealth, states and territories to keep Australia open and the economy moving while we manage the impacts of the global energy shock.
While Australia is well prepared and current fuel supply remains secure, the plan outlines how governments will work together and ensures we are ready to respond as conditions change. This includes prioritising diesel for critical uses such as public transport, emergency services and essential supply chains.
As announced by the Prime Minister, the plan is guided by four levels that provide a clear framework for monitoring conditions and managing fuel demand nationally. It is supported by other measures announced today, including halving the fuel excise for the next three months from 1 April to 30 June 2026.
National Cabinet also received an update on Australia's fuel supply outlook and noted that supply remains secure.
National Cabinet further agreed that states and territories will not receive a windfall from GST revenues as a result of higher fuel prices, reinforcing a shared commitment to do what we can to help ease cost‑of‑living pressures for households.
The ACT, along with all jurisdictions, is committed to securing fuel supply for households and industry and taking sensible steps to manage demand where needed.
We are actively managing the local situation through close collaboration with the Commonwealth, NSW and fuel suppliers, and daily coordination with ACT retailers to monitor supply levels. Ongoing scenario planning is also in place to ensure the Territory is ready to respond if conditions change.
Following today's National Cabinet, the ACT Government's Security and Emergency Management Cabinet will meet on Wednesday to consider further local demand management measures and support for Canberrans, with more announcements ahead of Easter.
The Government has established the ACT Fuel Coordination Team to manage information sharing and coordinate local planning and response activities. We're also actively involved in the national Fuel Supply Taskforce, which is closely monitoring fuel supply and distribution, is focussing on timely data and information sharing, and is a key to ensuring alignment of effort across all levels of government.
We understand that rising fuel prices are putting pressure on households, community organisations and businesses, and we are working directly with different sectors to understand and ameliorate the impacts.
National Cabinet also recognised that early voluntary steps to manage fuel use, alongside effective supply measures, can play an important role in easing pressure.
With fuel prices high, Canberrans will likely choose to reduce fuel use where it makes sense for them. Now is the time to look out for each other. Using public or active transport, combining trips, car sharing, or driving more efficiently also helps save money.
