Dr Mike Freelander MP, the Federal Member for Macarthur, has written to the NSW Premier, Chris Minns MP, calling for the NSW Government to provide free public transport to commuters from South West Sydney to assist with rising fuel costs and to help with fuel supply concerns.

With the Middle East conflict causing significant economic stress on the nation and local households, the Member for Macarthur believes that measures that can address supply and cost concerns be considered.

And with the Federal Government having reduced the fuel excise and working on securing fuel supplies from our Asia-Pacific partners, Dr Freelander believes it is imperative that all levels of government address this issue with practical relief.

This is compounded by the fact that South West Sydney residents travel some of the furthest distances to reach their places of work, study or appointments.

By providing free public transport for a period of time for residents of outer metropolitan areas, Dr Freelander believes this will deliver wider benefits to other commuters who are required to continue using their vehicles, such as tradies, teachers, nurses and local community group transport.

For outer metropolitan residents, even modest savings on daily travel can make a meaningful difference to household budgets.

This crisis has also shown the importance of public transport in providing continuous connection for commuters during difficult times and the need for greater investment in public transport services for South West Sydney.

Dr Freelander hopes the NSW Government will consider this proposal and see it as an effective, practical means to help South West Sydney households manage these difficult times.

Quotes for Dr Mike Freelander MP, Federal Member for Macarthur:

“South West Sydney residents travel the furthest distances to get to their places of work, study or other appointments. We are on the very fringes of Sydney and so as an outer metropolitan region with a large commuter population, it is imperative that the NSW Government provide free public transport for a period to assist local households.

“I believe this policy is important as it benefits all commuters, as for every commuter who opts for free public transport, this means less stress on local fuel supply and prices for those who must use their vehicles, such as tradies, teachers and local community group transport services.

“I hope the NSW Government strongly considers this proposal as it will help local households and local fuel supplies during a time of great uncertainty.”