RACQ fights for fair fuel and safer e-mobility
With petrol price hikes hitting motorists and the increasing presence of e-mobility devices on our roads and footpaths, RACQ has been stepping up its advocacy to ensure fairer outcomes and safer transport options for members and the wider Queensland community.
In March, RACQ referred major fuel retailers to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) after sudden and concerning petrol price hikes across South East Queensland.
RACQ said the increases appeared unjustified, coming just days after conflict broke out in the Middle East and well before any meaningful impact on Australian fuel supply would normally have been felt.
RACQ Principal Economic and Affordability Specialist Dr Ian Jeffreys said some fuel companies appeared to be taking advantage of motorists at a time when cost-of-living pressures were already high.
“South East Queensland was already at the expensive end of the fuel price cycle, and prices should have been easing, not increasing further,” Dr Jeffreys said.
As a result, RACQ called on the ACCC to investigate the price hikes and urged fuel companies to do the right thing by Queenslanders and continued to push for stronger market regulation to prevent unfair and unjustified price increases.
RACQ’s advocacy also covered a safer, more controlled way of managing e-scooters and e-bikes. While we support the legal and responsible use of e-mobility devices, the Club has been calling for stronger safety standards as they become more common on Queensland roads and footpaths.
That advocacy was reflected in the outcome of the parliamentary e-mobility inquiry, which delivered 20 recommendations closely aligned with those RACQ and its members pushed for.
RACQ General Manager Advocacy Joshua Cooney welcomed the report, saying it struck the right balance between safety and innovation.
“RACQ congratulates the committee on its comprehensive e-mobility inquiry and the strong recommendations it delivered,” Mr Cooney said.
“If adopted and implemented, these reforms would result in safer roads and footpaths for Queenslanders, while recognising the important role e-mobility devices play in our transport system.”
RACQ particularly supported stronger action on dangerous and illegal devices, improved data collection and tighter controls on the import and sale of e-mobility products. We now await the Queensland Government’s response to the report.
From the price paid at the pump to safety on roads and footpaths, RACQ continues to stand up for Queenslanders – calling out unfair practices, pushing for smarter regulation and advocating for a safer, more affordable transport system for all.
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