Warren Entsch (Leichhardt, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I recently heard about Brisbane's call for the ACCC to do a deep-dive investigation into a perceived petrol cartel in the western suburbs of Brisbane. Given that motorists can drive 10 minutes and save 20c per litre and have an otherwise competitive market, I think that resources need to be directed to communities like Cairns where we recently recorded the highest fuel prices on the eastern seaboard. Motorists are paying 130.2c per litre on average for unleaded in September making it the third most expensive place in Queensland to fill up behind Blackall and Cunnamulla.

The ACCC is carrying out an investigation into fuel prices in Cairns and have sought submissions from stakeholders and have met with local retailers in Cairns. They have sent out requests for data on petrol prices to retailers at every level in the supply chain leading into Cairns, and analysing this information will take some time. I certainly hope that their study will be released sooner rather than later.

It is amazing how the prices are just locked in right across the CBD area, and the RACQ say retailers should be already dropping prices. It is certainly not happening in my community. This is an ongoing issue and it is one that I will continue to monitor. It is a disgrace—the price of fuel—and the fact that there appears to be no competition and ridiculously high prices are having a huge impact on my community.

Russell Broadbent (McMillan, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In accordance with standing order 43, the time for members' statements has concluded.