been calling for fuel cost action for years
refused to act until now
pandemic for the government to respond to unfair petrol pricing
Labor today cautiously
welcomed the government’s long belated announcement of mandatory real-time fuel
price reporting but called for more detail.
Shadow
Minister for Consumer Affairs Jen Butler said Labor has been calling for action
on petrol prices for four years, to no avail.
“Tasmanian
motorists have been ripped off at the bowser for years,” Ms Butler said.
“Labor
began calling for greater transparency from petrol retailers four years ago
and, as recently as two weeks ago, the government was refusing to act and simply
urging motorists to shop around.
“While
it’s pleasing to see the Liberals finally taking Labor’s calls on board, they
need to explain why it has taken so long.
“Other
jurisdictions have acted to reduce prices and the lack of government action in
Tasmania has left motorists struggling needlessly even though global oil prices
have plummeted.
“To
wait until the state was in the grip of a financially crippling global pandemic
before acting is unacceptable and Tasmanians deserve an explanation.
“The
real-time price reporting scheme will help Tasmanian motorists see which
service stations are ripping them off at the bowser and shop accordingly.
“I
would also urge the government to clarify whether the wholesale price of fuel
per litre will also be made readily available to motorists so they can make a
properly informed decision about where they shop.
“Tasmanian
motorists have been paying too much for their petrol for far too long.
“The government must do everything it can to ensure petrol savings are being passed on to customers for the sake of all Tasmanian motorists.
Jen Butler MP
Shadow Minister for Consumer Affairs
