SMH · Shane Wright, James Hall, Daniella White · Wednesday 1 April 2026
The federal government pressured states to cut fuel costs by an additional 8 cents per litre, but Queensland is blocking the plan, leaving the national strategy in limbo.
Eight cents. The Commonwealth's grand fuel relief strategy hinges on whether Queensland can be talked into surrendering eight cents of excise like a toddler being asked to share a biscuit. Canberra announces the plan before securing the votes — the political equivalent of selling the house before checking the title deed. Every state fuel cut since Howard has evaporated at the bowser within months, but we keep running the same play and calling it leadership.