Anne Ruston (SA, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for International Development and the Pacific) Share this | Hansard source

The coalition recognises the cost-of-living pressures on households. That's why the coalition has legislated tax cuts for individuals and small businesses. There are a number of factors behind the rise in petrol prices, including higher global oil prices and a lower Australian-to-US dollar exchange rate. In December 2017 the coalition government directed the ACCC to monitor the prices, costs and profits relating to the supply of fuel products in Australia until December 2019. As a result the ACCC is now monitoring petrol prices on a daily basis. Where it sees issues of concern, it investigates. When it finds sufficient evidence, it will take action to protect consumers against misleading and anticompetitive conduct by fuel retailers. Government does not make taxation policy through Senate motions.