Kevin Rudd (Griffith, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

The government has directed the ACCC to monitor the prices, costs and profits relating to the supply of unleaded petrol products in the petroleum industry, including imports, refining, wholesaling and retailing. Furthermore, the commissioner will also be responsible for a renewed focus on the informal monitoring of LPG and diesel and will advise the government on whether any further powers for the ACCC are necessary in this area as well. The national FuelWatch scheme is to commence on 15 December 2008. FuelWatch will apply to unleaded petrol, premium unleaded petrol, LPG, diesel, 98 RON and biodiesel blends.

We believe that this is a positive step forward. It does not represent a silver bullet when it comes to petrol prices; it does, however, represent a government which (a) recognised that petrol prices were hurting working families and (b), rather than sitting on its hands, directed the competition policy regulator to act in this area. Therefore, we believe long term that this will assist overall in dealing with the challenges of higher fuel prices faced by Australian motorists. I contrast that with a statement by one of those opposite. Peter Dutton is the shadow minister for what?

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