Fri, 4th July 2008
No fuel discounts under Kevin Rudd's FuelWatch scheme
Luke Hartsuyker MP
Shadow Minister for Business Development, Independent Contractors and Consumer Affairs
Australian motorists will be denied the substantial fuel discounts currently being offered by some service stations if Kevin Rudd’s FuelWatch scheme is introduced, Shadow Minister for Business Development, Independent Contractors and Consumer Affairs, Luke Hartsuyker, said today.
Mr Hartsuyker said the response by Victorian motorists in recent days to 10 cents a litre discounts showed Australians will purchase their fuel at service stations which offer cheaper fuel.
“This week we have seen hundreds of motorists lining up at service stations which are offering substantial discounts.
“Motorists will be denied the opportunity to purchase such discounted petrol under Kevin Rudd’s fraudulent FuelWatch scheme.
“FuelWatch locks service stations in to one price for a 24 hour period. This prevents them from reducing their price during the day and offering petrol and diesel at a cheaper price.
“Australian motorists are clearly showing they want the opportunity to purchase cheaper fuel, whether it is a five cent cut in the excise or a discount offer by an individual service station.
“As world oil prices reach a record $146 a barrel, this sends a clear message to Kevin Rudd. No more stunts, no more hollow rhetoric. Australians are seeking leadership on fuel prices and FuelWatch is not going to ease the pressure on household budgets.”
Mr Hartsuyker said additional concerns about FuelWatch had recently been expressed by motoring groups.
“The RACQ in Queensland and the RACV in Victoria have recently repeated their doubts about FuelWatch claiming independent evidence revealed it would not reduce fuel prices.
“Both these organisations noted the impact of the FuelWatch scheme in Western Australia had seen the weekly price cycle change to a fortnightly cycle, therefore denying motorists the opportunity to buy cheap fuel each week.
“The RACQ was also very concerned that FuelWatch will severely impact the viability of independent service stations that are competing against the larger chains.”