Public transport fares would be slashed to 50c nationwide under a plan from Greens leader Adam Bandt.
Mr Bandt indicated that the plan would form a key part of the Greens’ federal campaign and was inspired by the Queensland 50c fare program.
‘In a wealthy country like ours, everyone should be able to afford the basics. 50c fares will help people make ends meet,’ Mr Bandt said.
‘We can’t keep voting for the same two parties and expecting a different result. This election will be the most important in a generation,’ Mr Bandt said.
‘By electing more Greens, we can keep Peter Dutton out and get Labor to act on the cost-of-living crisis.’
According to the Greens, a full-time worker in Melbourne could pocket around $2400 annually ($50 per week) under the policy.
In Sydney, the savings would amount to $2160 per year ($41.53 per week), while Perth commuters would be ahead by $2006 annually ($38.57 per week).
Meanwhile, Adelaide workers could expect to save $1872 each year ($36 per week).
Adam Bandt revealed the plan saying transport costs hit families hard in the cost-of-living crisis
Prahran District candidate Angelica Di Camillo said households would save up to $5,000 a year
Mr Bandt revealed that his proposal to finance the 50c fares would be supported by the party’s ‘Robin Hood’ reform policy to impose a 40 per cent tax on the profits of large corporations.
‘With poll after poll indicating we’re headed towards a minority parliament, if people vote Greens we can get cost-of-living relief like 50c fares. Greens pressure got 50¢ fares in Queensland, and now we want it for everyone,’ Mr Bandt said.
‘I could see the government backing this. It’s very doable … Anthony Albanese is on the record supporting funding public transport.’
Queensland trialled a 50c pubic transport fee last year under former premier Steven Miles, made permanent by Premier David Crisafulli after he won the state election in October.
Greens transport spokeswoman Elizabeth Watson-Brown claimed the policy had been a huge success.
‘It has reduced traffic and emissions, massively increased ridership on public transport, and saved Queenslanders millions.’
As part of their election campaign, the Greens have proposed adding free dental care to Medicare and providing households with $800 per child at the start of the school year to help cover out-of-pocket expenses such as stationery, textbooks, and school fees.
