Dire warning over Queensland Premier Steven Miles’ wild plan to create state-owned petrol stations to cut the price of fuel: ‘Beggars belief’

An Australian prime minister’s election promise to open state-owned petrol stations in a bid to reduce fuel costs has been branded the “dumbest policy” by a political opponent.

Queensland Premier Steven Miles has announced that if he wins the state election in October he will open 12 state-owned petrol stations across Queensland.

The courier post reports that the plan will cost an estimated $36 million, although Miles admits that figure is not supported by analysis or detailed modeling.

Mr. Miles announced the plan in his State of the State address on Tuesday.

‘Public service stations will charge a fair price for fuel, increase competition and ensure Queenslanders have more choice when it comes to filling up.’

He also announced that if re-elected, Labour would ban petrol stations that increase fuel prices more than once a day, and a trial to limit price increases to 5p per litre per day.

LNP Deputy Opposition Leader Jarrod Bleijie did not hold back his criticism of the Premier’s plan, calling it “economic vandalism”.

“This has to be the stupidest policy I have ever seen a Queensland Premier introduce,” he said.

Mr. Miles said the initial 12 locations for fuel stations will be determined by the state, based on where in the state the most competition is needed.

‘Seriously, what’s next – the butcher, the baker, the candle maker?’

Mr Bleijie added: ‘He will wipe out the independent retailers.’

“What is he going to say to the big companies that are having to close their businesses, creating less competition and opportunity in the market and driving up gasoline prices?” he said.

Mark McKenzie, chief executive of the Australasian Convenience and Petroleum Marketers Association, was also strongly opposed to Miles’ plan.

‘History shows that government intervention in complex, competitive markets inevitably leads to higher costs for consumers, and the retail fuel market is no exception.’

Mr McKenzie said the lack of consultation with industry prior to the announcement of Mr Mile’s plan was “unbelievable”.

“(This also happened) without there being a clear legislative mechanism for how this proposal would work in practice,” he said.

In a statement, Mr Miles said his plan is primarily aimed at creating more competition.

The costs associated with owning and operating a car can add up quickly.

‘But most Queenslanders, especially in the regions, need a car to get around, take the kids to school or get to work.’

He said rising fuel prices are not an easy problem to solve.

‘We have no control over global oil prices and we cannot force private petrol stations to offer lower fuel prices, but a government under my leadership will do everything it can to bring petrol prices down.’

Deputy Opposition Leader Jarrod Bleijie (pictured) did not hold back his criticism of the Prime Minister’s plan, calling it “economic vandalism”

The government determines where in the state the first twelve locations will be built, based on where in the state the most competition is needed.

Mr Miles said his government will work with stakeholders, including independent retailers.

‘I am also committed to working with experts and industry to ensure fair competition across all Queensland communities and ensure fuel prices do not rise by more than 5 cents per day.’

Mr. Miles posted his plans on his social media channels.

‘If we are elected in October, we will set up public gas stations.

“They’re going to charge a fair price, increase competition and give Queenslanders more choice when it comes to fuel.”

There was a massive response to the Prime Minister’s messages.

‘Oh come on Steven! This is beyond ridiculous! You can’t buy the election by promising cheap gas! That’s madness!!’ wrote one X user.

“You are really crazy, Miles. The biggest part of fuel costs are taxes. Are you going to ask your federal comrades to lower the taxes on fuel for your servos?” wrote another.

‘Nonsense! That will be a complete disaster under the employment conditions of the public service – overtime, vacation, working from home, DEI etc etc.

“Stop trying to buy the election.”