Locking in Cost of Living Support (50 Cent Fares Forever) Amendment Bill 2025
Bill Story
The journey of this bill through Parliament, including debate and recorded votes.
Introduced the bill as Leader of the Opposition to permanently enshrine 50-cent public transport fares in legislation, arguing this Labor policy has driven an 18% increase in patronage and returned $181 million to Queenslanders.
“Today Labor is taking strong action. Today we are acting to lock in 50-cent fares for Queenslanders forever. This bill will guarantee to Queenslanders that public transport fares will never be more than 50 cents.”— 2025-02-19View Hansard
Referred to State Development, Infrastructure and Works Committee
6 members · Chair: Jim McDonald
Plain English Summary
Overview
This bill was discharged and did not become law. It sought to make 50 cent public transport fares permanent in Queensland by amending the Transport Operations (Passenger Transport) Act 1994. The bill was introduced by the Opposition following a 6-month trial that began in August 2024 and saw 18.3% growth in public transport use.
Who it affects
Public transport users across Queensland who travel on the Translink network by bus, train or ferry would have had permanently capped fares at 50 cents per journey.
Key changes
- Would have capped all Translink fares at 50 cents per journey in legislation
- Applied to urban buses, trains, and ferries across the network, including regional areas
- Aimed to prevent future governments from increasing fares without changing the law
- Built on the 6-month trial that saved Queenslanders over $181 million in fares