Thursday 15 September 2016
Lib-Nats fuel price inquiry for regional Victoria
Liberal and Nationals MPs have successfully moved for Victoria’s Parliament to conduct an inquiry into regional fuel prices today.
Fuel comes at a high price for regional Victorians – many hours are spent each week travelling to work into town for services and taking the kids to school or weekend sports putting further pressure on already high cost-of-living.
The inquiry will look at the impacts of pricing on country families businesses and communities and examine discrepancies between regional communities.
“The discrepancy is visible in my own electorate particularly in the larger centres of Swan Hill Echuca and Kyabram and other smaller centres ” Member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh said.
“Country people have to dig deep every time they fill up at the bowser and then face the prospect of more travel – it is just unavoidable.
“The Liberal-Nationals have listened to community concerns and hope this inquiry can lift the lid on country fuel prices.”
The inquiry will look into pricing of unleaded diesel and LPG fuels and:
ï‚· Examine the methodology behind pricing particularly the divide between metropolitan and regional communities
ï‚· Consider approaches and initiatives elsewhere in Australia with a view to reducing fuel prices
ï‚· Look at fuel price comparison technology
ï‚· Investigate the impact of pricing on families businesses and industry
ï‚· Assess the influence of regulations and legislation on fuel pricing
Shadow Minister for Consumer Affairs Russell Northe said long-distance travel is unavoidable for many country people.
“Regional Victorian MPs understand that getting from A to B isn’t as simple as jumping on a tram or flagging a taxi when you live in the country ” Mr Northe said.
“I am pleased to see this Liberal-Nationals proposal receive widespread support and look forward to the results.”
Fuel prices are just one of the cost-of-living pressures Victorians can share with the Liberal-Nationals Coalition’s CostWatch website www.costwatch.com.au
The CostWatch campaign is committed to driving down costs and making your dollar stretch further.
