Andrew Wilkie (Denison, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I recently asked the Prime Minister in question time to intervene on the price of petrol and LPG in Tasmania because prices are absurdly high compared to the mainland. The difference is often in the tens of cents per litre. Yes, it was good I was able to put the issue on the PM's radar, and the measures he outlined, like asking the ACCC to monitor prices, introducing an effects test and boosting the Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme, are a start, but, regrettably, these measures do not go far enough to protect Tasmanian consumers.

It was very disappointing the PM did not commit to intervene, especially because the PM has intervened in other areas of energy policy. For instance, he has intervened in the gas market, directed ASIC to look at electricity prices and announced an expansion of the Snowy Hydro scheme. So there is simply no good reason why he would not intervene in this case as well and do something about the absurd prices that Tasmanians are being slugged for petrol and LPG. This is an issue that many constituents have approached me about, and I will continue to pursue the matter. Quite frankly, energy security and affordability is too important to leave to the market, and the federal government's hands-off approach does little to help ordinary Tasmanians who are struggling.