‘Make ends meet’: Greens call for nationwide rollout of 50c public transport fares in major election pitch

Greens Leader Adam Bandt has called on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to enact a nationwide public transport fare of 50c – a move he says will save Australians up to $2400 a year. The move is prompted by an election salvo from the former Queensland Labor state government – led by Steven Miles – before they were defeated by the LNP in 2024. The Greens say 50c fares will be a key election policy in their federal campaign – despite public transport being a remit of state governments. And while the minor party doesn’t have the numbers to pass legislation by themselves, they argue their influence on policy will increase in the likely event of a minority government. Mr Bandt is set to launch the party’s election pitch on Friday – saying that if Queensland could implement the heavily discounted fares, then the rest of the country should too. “In a wealthy country like ours, everyone should be able to afford the basics. 50c fares will help people make ends meet,” he said. “We can’t keep voting for the same two parties and expecting a different result. This election will be the most important in a generation.” The Greens estimate an average full-time worker in Melbourne would save about $2400 ($50 a week) through the policy, while Sydney residents would save $2160 ($41.53) a year. Commuters in Perth would be $2006 ($38.57) better off in a year, with Adelaide workers saving $1872 ($36). Greens’ spokeswoman for transport Elizabeth Watson-Brown encouraged Mr Albanese to get on board. “Queensland’s recent shift to 50c fares has been proven to be a huge success. It has reduced traffic and emissions, massively increased ridership on public transport, and saved Queenslanders millions,” she said. “Now it’s time to roll out 50c fares across the country. If it’s good enough for both Queensland Labor and LNP, surely it’s good enough for Federal Labor.” Last week, the Greens also announced a $10bn election pitch to essentially make public school free by giving households $800 per child at the start of a school year to help pay for out-of-pocket fees like stationary, textbooks and school fees. The party is also calling to expand free dental services under Medicare, and the establishment of a controversial three-tier Robin Hood tax plan which would hit large corporations and mining companies with 40 per cent taxes on super profits to fund cost-of-living support. Friday’s announcement also coincides with the upcoming February 8 by-election in the Victorian state seat of Prahran which was prompted by the resignation of former Greens Deputy Leader turned independent MP Sam Hibbins. Mr Hibbins exited from state politics following revelations he had an affair with a staffer from his office. The Greens are hoping to maintain the previously safe seat with environmental engineer Angelica Di Camillo.