One group of Aussies to get $100 fuel vouchers - what you need to know

By MATT JONES, SENIOR NEWS REPORTER, AUSTRALIA Published: 23:28, 15 April 2026 | Updated: 23:54, 15 April 2026 Thousands of young workers will receive at least three $100 fuel vouchers during the next few months to help them survive the current fuel crisis. One of Australia's largest trade unions, the CFMEU, said on Thursday it would hand out the vouchers to eligible first and second-year apprentices every four weeks for the next three months. Oil prices have skyrocketed since the Middle East conflict began on February 28. The war has resulted in the closure of the Strait of Hormuz shipping lane, which is responsible for the transportation of 20 per cent of the world's oil supply. Before the war, crude oil prices were trading around US$65 a barrel but have since risen to as much as US$120 a barrel. The union felt the need to hand out the vouchers due to the immense pressure its lowest paid workers were facing due to the rise in fuel prices along with the cost-of-living crisis. Many apprentices have to drive long distances for work and the CFMEU is worried about them being able to complete their apprenticeships at a time when there's already a skilled worker shortage. CFMEU NSW Executive Secretary Michael Crosby said the fuel vouchers came in response to apprentices complaining that they couldn't afford to buy tools. Some first and second-year apprentices will receive at least three $100 fuel vouchers to help them survive the current fuel crisis Trade union, the CFMEU, has warned about the cost of living pressures facing young workers and is handing out fuel vouchers to some Young tradies aren't on big wages while training yet still have to drive long distances for work 'These fuel vouchers will provide some immediate relief for young workers feeling the pinch the hardest,' he said.   Apprenticeship completion rates in the construction industry are only 58 per cent nationwide. It's mainly due to the fact that apprentices earn as little as $18 per hour in their first year as they learn their trade. Mr Crosby and the CFMEU have called on the Albanese Government to help Australia's youngest skilled tradespeople, particularly given Australia is predicted to be about 300,000 skilled workers short in the construction industry by mid-2027. 'This is a national situation that requires a national response,' Mr Crosby said. The $100 fuel vouchers will be given to CFMEU apprentices in their first two years of training, both those on Enterprise Bargaining Agreements and those on awards.  Most cars now cost more than $100 to fill up, and for diesel drivers, it's even more, with prices above $3 per litre. The Albanese government halved the fuel excise on petrol and diesel by 26.3 cents per litre from April 1 for three months, to try and save Aussies at the bowser.  No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline. To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account. We’ll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook. You can choose on each post whether you would like it to be posted to Facebook. Your details from Facebook will be used to provide you with tailored content, marketing and ads in line with our Privacy Policy.