The current fuel security challenge is creating real and immediate pressures for community service organisations across Tasmania. While the full extent of the disruption is still unfolding, it’s clear organisations will need the support of Government, along with adaptable, staged contingency plans to maintain essential services and protect the wellbeing of staff and clients.
Concerningly, of the members we have surveyed to-date, 93% of organisations said they have already been impacted as a result of the fuel disruptions, with 88% reporting a moderate or significant impact.
Organisations that service regional areas also identified additional challenges due to reduced volunteering, large distances to be travelled to access and deliver services, and a lack of alternative public transport options.
Thank you to the members who have taken the time to complete our fuel disruption survey. Your input is critical. We’re in the process of collating an issues register and will continue to feed your concerns and solutions to government through a variety of channels, including directly with the Premier and relevant ministers. TasCOSS will also be working closely with Department of Premier and Cabinet Deputy Secretary, Noelene Kelly, who is leading the Community Services Working Group under the Fuel Incident Management Team framework, to ensure our industry is represented and informs decision-making at this critical time.
We will continue to provide updates as the situation evolves.
Moments like this also highlight that community services are essential services. Ongoing underfunding, inadequate indexation and rising demand mean many organisations have little capacity to absorb disruptions. In response, the Tasmanian Coalition of Community Service Peaks has launched the #PrioritiseallTasmanians campaign, which you can read more about here.
As you may already be aware, some key actions have been taken by governments. The Tasmanian Government introduced free bus travel along with new legislation “designed to further improve transparency, strengthen compliance and enhance Tasmania’s ability to act during fuel disruptions.” $500,000 has also been committed to support emergency food relief providers. The Australian Government has also implemented a temporary 50% reduction in the fuel excise duty for petrol and diesel, in effect until 30 June 2026.
For more information, please refer to the ReCFIT fuel supply update and the Australian Government’s National Fuel Security Plan. Up‑to‑date information on the fuel situation is also available though TasALERT.
The TasCOSS Member fuel survey remains open and we encourage you to contribute your insights and proposed solutions. If you would prefer to share your insights directly, please contact Stephen Durney, Senior Policy Officer, via email.