Victoria and Tasmania get free public transport in fuel crisis but NSW and WA to keep collecting fares

Allan government says measure is temporary as energy shock from Middle East conflict sees petrol prices soar

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Public transport will be free in Victoria for a monthand in Tasmania until July, in an effort to encourage people toswitch from drivingand to alleviate the surge in fuel demand.

However, the NSW and Western Australian governments will not follow suit, with NSW's transport minister saying it needs to keep our powder dry" to deal with a crisis that may last much longer than a month.