Federal government spends $20 million on fuel-saving campaign urging Australians to drive less and conserve petrol

Drivers are asked to use less car, drive smoothly to avoid excessive fuel consumption, carry less weight in the car and walk or take the train or bus instead of driving.

The expensive advertising campaign is now met with skepticism about its effectiveness.

Former Nationals leader and Maranoa MP David Littleproud said motorists don’t need an expensive TV advert to convince them to cut back on their spending at the bowser.

“You don’t spend the money because you can see the price, the price limits how much you put in the tank. You only use what you need because of the price,” Littleproud said. Today.

“The government doesn’t need to spend $20 million on an advertising campaign.

“The prices themselves do that at the bowser.”

Littleproud disagreed that it was unfair for politicians to ask ordinary Australians to drive less while they could enjoy taxpayer-funded wheels.

He said most MPs need cars to adequately serve their electorate

“You can’t carry an electorate three times the size of Victoria with your own pocketbook,” he said of his own seat.

3AW’s Shane McInnes said the campaign contradicted the government’s claim that Australia’s fuel supply was not at risk.

“Why are we spending $20 million to save fuel when the Prime Minister has repeatedly said there is no fuel shortage?” he asked.

“We are told over and over again: no, there is no shortage of supply

“This is in complete contrast to what the government is telling us. Aren’t we getting the whole truth here?”

The fuel information and tips will be advertised on television and online, along with selected outdoor sites including billboards and bus stations.

The camp will cost approximately $20 million in taxpayer money.

It will be officially launched across the country tomorrow, two weeks after the government held an urgent national cabinet meeting to discuss the fuel crisis.

Infrastructure Minister Catherine King said the advice will help keep Australia’s essential workers on the road.

“The global fuel shortage is affecting us all, and every little bit helps. From getting groceries in fewer trips to filling up with only the fuel you need, this will help us keep essential services moving,” King said.

“The rollout of this campaign and the National Fuel Safety Plan ensures that we can give the public the information they need, and keep them informed if and when the situation changes.”

Australia is now in the second phase of the government’s plan to Keep Australia Moving, which was drawn up during national cabinet discussions.

Energy Minister Chris Bowen said yesterday that Australia’s fuel reserves are in a reasonably healthy position, with diesel stocks up and petrol and jet fuel stocks down slightly.

“That’s two days higher for diesel, one day lower for gasoline and two days lower for jet fuel,” Bowen said.

He said Australia has 38 days’ worth of petrol, 31 days’ worth of diesel and 28 days’ worth of jet fuel in reserve.

Tomorrow’s launch of the campaign also follows Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s visit to Singapore, where he struck a deal with his counterpart Lawrence Wong to maintain fuel supplies to Australia.

Singapore pledged to do everything in its power to continue supplying Australia with 55 percent of its petrol.

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