Support Workers are increasingly feeling the strain of soaring fuel costs as they use their own vehicles to travel between customers. The government has introduced several measures to assist, including halving the fuel excise by 26 cents a litre, boosting accessible fuel supplies and increasing monitoring of fuel prices.
While there is little you can do to change the price at the bowser, the good news is there are plenty of creative yet practical ways to drive down costs without compromising on care.
Support Workers are not alone in the push to bring fuel costs down to more manageable levels — and Just Better Care is advocating on your behalf.
Government fuel initiatives
26.3c
per litre reduction from the government's fuel excise cut — reducing the cost to fill a 65L tank by nearly $19
1 April to 30 June 2026
20%
of Australia's petrol and diesel fuel reserves released by the government, targeted at regional areas
Source: Prime Minister of Australia, March 2026
ACCC
tasked to ramp up fuel price monitoring and issue on-the-spot fines to ensure savings are passed on at the bowser
Source: Prime Minister of Australia, March 2026
Strength in numbers
It's important to remember that Support Workers are not alone in the push to bring fuel costs down to more manageable levels. The national peak body for aged care providers, Ageing Australia, has called on older Australians and aged care workers to be prioritised in any government response to fuel prices and shortages.
As part of this, the industry group has requested that aged care providers and workers get priority access to fuel if there are shortages, and an exemption from any rationing measures that may be imposed.
Just Better Care is on your side
Just Better Care is doing its bit for the nation's Support Workers by providing feedback to Ageing Australia to support their submission to government — backing the push for better protections on your behalf.
Fuel saving apps
For those keen to do the research, there are other ways people working in the in-home aged care and disability sector can save on their petrol or diesel costs. One of the easiest is to use a fuel price comparison app to find the cheapest bowser near you in real time.
FuelCheck NSW
Compare fuel prices in real time, track daily price cycles and search by suburb, postcode or "near me" for directions to the cheapest bowser.
MyFuel NT
Northern Territory's real-time fuel price comparison tool for motorists across the NT.
FuelCheck TAS
Tasmania's equivalent fuel price comparison app, helping drivers find the best deals across the state.
WA Fuel Watch
Western Australia's fuel monitoring service, providing daily price updates and comparisons across the state.
Join supermarket fuel programs
Several supermarket and major fuel retail programs are available in Australia that offer fuel discounts. These can add up to meaningful savings over time for Support Workers who are regularly filling up.
Please note
Fuel discount offers and program details were accurate at the time of writing and are subject to change. Always check with individual providers for the latest terms and conditions.
Driving more efficiently
It may not be obvious but there are several ways drivers themselves can save on petrol or diesel costs simply by altering their driving habits. Small changes behind the wheel and under the bonnet can make a real difference over the course of a week.
Accelerate gently. Hard acceleration uses significantly more fuel than a smooth, gradual build-up of speed. Give yourself time and space to accelerate steadily, especially when pulling away from traffic lights or stop signs.
Maintain steady speeds. Constant speed changes burn more fuel. Cruise control on highways can help maintain a consistent pace and reduce unnecessary consumption.
Avoid hard braking. Anticipate traffic ahead and ease off the accelerator early rather than braking suddenly. This reduces fuel waste and wear on your brakes.
Keep tyres properly inflated. Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance and fuel consumption. Check tyre pressure regularly — it takes two minutes and can make a noticeable difference.
Service your vehicle regularly. A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently. Regular servicing, the right fuel grade and clean air filters all contribute to lower consumption.
Turn off the air conditioning. Air conditioning can increase fuel consumption by up to 10 percent. Where practical, use ventilation instead — especially at lower speeds or on cooler days.
Keep it light
Carrying excess equipment or clutter in your vehicle is another way you may be using more fuel than you realise. The heavier your vehicle, the harder the engine works — and the more fuel it burns.
+25%
extra fuel costs from a storage pod or roof rack on your car
Source: Drivingline.com
+2%
extra fuel costs just from driving with an empty roof rack
Source: Drivingline.com
For improved efficiency, remove all unneeded roof racks, storage pods and accessories before taking to the road. Clear out any clutter from your boot and back seat too — every kilogram counts when you're covering significant distances each week.
Frequently asked questions
Interested in a rewarding career in support work?
Are you eager to make a meaningful difference in your community? Just Better Care has opportunities across Australia for Support Workers and local office team members. Take a look at our careers page to find a great local role that suits you.
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