New fuel support package offers $50 weekly relief for working families

The Government has unveiled a new fuel support package to help families struggling with rising petrol costs. Announced on Tuesday, the scheme will provide weekly payments to eligible households, with funding drawn from the Budget 2026 operating allowance.

Starting from April 7, around 143,000 working families will receive a $50 weekly payment. To qualify, couples must work at least 30 hours a week combined, while single parents need to work a minimum of 20 hours. Households receiving a main benefit are excluded from the scheme.

A further 14,000 households will get a reduced payment. The support will continue until the price of 91 petrol stays below $3 a litre for four straight weeks or until a year has passed, whichever happens first. The total cost of the package is estimated at up to $373 million. Critics have raised concerns about the scheme's limitations. Isaac Gunson from the Child Poverty Action Group pointed out that it fails to help those relying on benefits. Official 2025 statistics show that 85,000 households on main benefits live in poverty, with 62,000 of them including children. Economists have given mixed reactions. Shamubeel Eaqub from Simplicity called the policy surprisingly generous, noting that average household fuel spending was $65 before recent price hikes. Brad Olsen from Infometrics suggested the payments might boost GST revenue but could also reduce spending on other essentials.

The fuel support package will provide temporary relief for working families facing high petrol prices. Payments will stop once fuel costs stabilise or after 12 months, whichever comes first. The policy does not extend to households dependent on main benefits, leaving many in poverty without additional assistance.