POLITICS
Taking action to ease fuel pressures and secure supply
with Michelle Rowland MP Federal Member for Greenway
The conflict in the Middle East is pushing up fuel prices here at home. While Australia is not an active participant in this conflict, global supply disruptions are being felt across the country.
I know Australians, including here in Northwest Sydney, are feeling the pressure.
Whether it’ s commuting to work, running a business or dropping the kids at school, every trip adds up, with higher fuel prices putting real strain on household budgets, small businesses and tradies who rely on their vehicles every day.
That’ s why the Albanese Government is acting.
We are taking practical steps to provide immediate relief. Every litre of petrol and diesel is cheaper through to 30 June, with the fuel excise halved. In addition, we have secured an agreement with states and territories for a
further cut, bringing total relief to 32 cents per litre.
At the same time, we are working to keep fuel flowing. We have engaged with international partners, including locking in supply arrangements with countries such as Singapore and Brunei. We have secured hundreds of millions of litres of additional diesel for Australia, and work is underway to secure more fertiliser for our farmers.
We are supporting the transport sector by reducing the Heavy Vehicle Road User Charge to zero for three months and deferring the next scheduled increase by six months.
We have also taken action to protect consumers. Penalties for price gouging have doubled, and the ACCC has been tasked with increased monitoring and enforcement.
Here in New South Wales, the FuelCheck app – using real time data – is showing the latest prices at the bowser as well as any outages, helping drivers find fuel nearby and avoid unnecessary trips.
There are also simple steps you can take to reduce your fuel use, helping conserve fuel for our truckies, farmers and essential services, while saving you money. This includes keeping your tyres properly inflated and reducing excess weight in your vehicle. For more tips you can head to fuelplan. gov. au.
Women’ s conference opens with scaley surprise in Blacktown City
Local government leaders welcomed delegates to a major women’ s conference in Blacktown City last month with a unique and memorable opening.
Around 130 attendees at the Australian Local Government Women’ s Association( ALGWA) NSW Annual Conference gathered at Sydney Zoo, Eastern Creek, where they were greeted by civic leaders and some unexpected reptile encounters.
The welcome event offered delegates the chance to network ahead of a two-day program focused on supporting women’ s professional development, held at The Colebee Centre in Doonside.
Veteran journalist Sandra Sully served as MC, leading a speaker lineup that included Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig, Blacktown City Woman of the Year Elfa Moraitakis and LinkedIn expert Lucy Bingle.
Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting said Council was proud to host the conference and recognised ALGWA NSW Secretary and Blacktown City Councillor Julie Griffiths for helping secure the event.
“ Blacktown is a large, growing and diverse city, and we’ re proud to support women in local government,” he said.
“ It’ s important we continue to bring leaders together and support women across the sector.”
The City’ s commitment to
Conference delegates enjoy the welcome function at Sydney Zoo.
advancing women is reflected in recent achievements, with two Council staff- Director of City Living Vanessa Parkes and Senior Coordinator Environmental Health Jessica Speechly- receiving Minister’ s Awards for Women in Local Government in 2025.
ALGWA NSW President Cr Penny Pedersen said the conference highlighted the importance of gender equity and strong leadership.
“ This program champions inclusive governance, professional development and connection,” she said.
“ It’ s an opportunity to share knowledge, celebrate success and empower women leaders across NSW.”
Delegates also visited several of Blacktown’ s award-winning facilities, including the Animal Rehoming Centre, Exercise and Sports Technology Hub and Nurragingy Reserve.
The conference was hosted in partnership with ALGWA NSW, Local Government NSW and Vision Super.
18 ISSUE 62 // MAY 2026 theindependentmagazine. com. au BLACKTOWN CITY INDEPENDENT