Not yet registered?Sign upLogin

Let’s Not Write Off Fuelwatch Yet, But Trial It In NSW

Press Releases August 22 2008

» Download press release

Family First will not oppose a cautious approach to introducing FuelWatch, to make sure it helps families save money and does not drive independent petrol retailers out of the market.

“Family First is not saying ‘no’ to FuelWatch – we don’t want to frustrate the government – but we want a sensible approach to test and implement the scheme,” Family First Leader Senator Steve Fielding said today.

Senator Fielding met with Consumer Minister Chris Bowen today in Melbourne to discuss FuelWatch, to follow up on a meeting with the minister last month.

“The government is absolutely certain that FuelWatch will help families cut their petrol bills, but Family First is yet to be convinced. There’s been no guarantee that FuelWatch will lower petrol prices. But there is real concern under FuelWatch that independent petrol retailers, who promote price competition, might be disadvantaged and squeezed out of the market,” Senator Fielding said.

“If the government is so sure FuelWatch is good for motorists, we should let the Rudd Government test the benefits of FuelWatch in New South Wales, where the local motoring body the NRMA is supportive, and have the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission produce a detailed report on the first year of operation. 

“The government should also convene a panel of independent economists to review the ACCC’s modelling of FuelWatch and give public comment on their analysis.

“If the ACCC’s modelling and its report on the trial answers concerns raised about FuelWatch, we can then consider rolling it out across the country.

“When FuelWatch was originally proposed the government argued it would save families on average 1.9 cents a litre at the bowser. The government has since backed away from that claim, saying instead the real benefit of the scheme is to help families compare prices between petrol stations. That lack of commitment concerns Family First.”