Mr HIGGINS - 2014-10-22
Could you update the Assembly on recent movements in fuel prices across Darwin petrol stations since the government’s fuel price summit?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, that is a question relevant to all Territorians. It is not a dog whistling question; it is about what the government is doing about the price of fuel. Fuel prices are now lower than before the Opposition Leader, then Treasurer, was in her job. When prices went up in 2011, nothing was done. We do not only clean up your debt and crime issues, we do not only try to create development in places like the Tiwi Islands, we have also started to fix the fuel issue, something you did nothing about. I thank the member for his question. He has been working hard on the fuel issue, and he understands the importance of petrol to all Territorians
As you are aware, the government convened a fuel price summit earlier this month to try to get answers from fuel companies about their price structures. Many companies were not forthcoming, and the government has drafted a Fuel Price Disclosure Bill, aimed at forcing them to be transparent about their profits. Last week, we also opened an expression of interest process for prime land on Tiger Brennan Drive for a fuel stop with discounted prices. These levers have sent a clear message to fuel companies that we mean business and we will not mess around on this issue. We have given them a warning.
Together these measures have combined to put pressure on fuel prices, and I am pleased to report they are now on their way down from recent high levels at $1.74 and $1.75 to where they are this morning.
On the way in this morning you may have seen that United on Bagot Road has dropped its plus unleaded fuel to $1.57.9 regular unleaded. Regular unleaded is also at $1.64.9. At BP on Bagot Road and in the city, unleaded is $1.66.9. Coles Express on Daly Street is selling unleaded for $1.64.9, down to $1.60.9 with a discount voucher.
I am optimistic we are seeing the early seeds of a more competitive fuel market. United has even suggested this could be the start of a fuel price war; I thank David for his hard work with United. I hope he and they are right. Importantly, I encourage motorists to vote with their feet, but more importantly, vote with their cars. Support those trying to lead the price in the Northern Territory – those people who are now cutting prices to $1.57.9 for E10, a premium ethanol blend with a RON of 95. Support the price leaders, because if you do not support them you will not see competition. I thank United for doing that.
The number of levers pulled to date is starting to drive change and competition. We ask the community to support that change and competition, because that is when we will start to get the price war we need. That is when we will see higher turnover at some of those price-leading organisations and retailers, as well as longer-term support into the future.
I note these prices are the lowest we have seen since well before Delia became Treasurer all those years ago.
Ms Lawrie: No, they are not, they are higher. Misleading again.
Madam SPEAKER: Chief Minister, your time has expired.
Mr ELFERINK: A point of order, Madam Speaker! The Leader of the Opposition accused the Chief Minister of misleading the House. She knows she needs to do that by way of substantive motion or withdraw.
Madam SPEAKER: Opposition Leader, if that is what you said, please withdraw.
Ms LAWRIE: I withdraw. You were wrong, they were 16 c a litre lower under Labor.
Madam SPEAKER: Thank you, sit down.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, that is a question relevant to all Territorians. It is not a dog whistling question; it is about what the government is doing about the price of fuel. Fuel prices are now lower than before the Opposition Leader, then Treasurer, was in her job. When prices went up in 2011, nothing was done. We do not only clean up your debt and crime issues, we do not only try to create development in places like the Tiwi Islands, we have also started to fix the fuel issue, something you did nothing about. I thank the member for his question. He has been working hard on the fuel issue, and he understands the importance of petrol to all Territorians
As you are aware, the government convened a fuel price summit earlier this month to try to get answers from fuel companies about their price structures. Many companies were not forthcoming, and the government has drafted a Fuel Price Disclosure Bill, aimed at forcing them to be transparent about their profits. Last week, we also opened an expression of interest process for prime land on Tiger Brennan Drive for a fuel stop with discounted prices. These levers have sent a clear message to fuel companies that we mean business and we will not mess around on this issue. We have given them a warning.
Together these measures have combined to put pressure on fuel prices, and I am pleased to report they are now on their way down from recent high levels at $1.74 and $1.75 to where they are this morning.
On the way in this morning you may have seen that United on Bagot Road has dropped its plus unleaded fuel to $1.57.9 regular unleaded. Regular unleaded is also at $1.64.9. At BP on Bagot Road and in the city, unleaded is $1.66.9. Coles Express on Daly Street is selling unleaded for $1.64.9, down to $1.60.9 with a discount voucher.
I am optimistic we are seeing the early seeds of a more competitive fuel market. United has even suggested this could be the start of a fuel price war; I thank David for his hard work with United. I hope he and they are right. Importantly, I encourage motorists to vote with their feet, but more importantly, vote with their cars. Support those trying to lead the price in the Northern Territory – those people who are now cutting prices to $1.57.9 for E10, a premium ethanol blend with a RON of 95. Support the price leaders, because if you do not support them you will not see competition. I thank United for doing that.
The number of levers pulled to date is starting to drive change and competition. We ask the community to support that change and competition, because that is when we will start to get the price war we need. That is when we will see higher turnover at some of those price-leading organisations and retailers, as well as longer-term support into the future.
I note these prices are the lowest we have seen since well before Delia became Treasurer all those years ago.
Ms Lawrie: No, they are not, they are higher. Misleading again.
Madam SPEAKER: Chief Minister, your time has expired.
Mr ELFERINK: A point of order, Madam Speaker! The Leader of the Opposition accused the Chief Minister of misleading the House. She knows she needs to do that by way of substantive motion or withdraw.
Madam SPEAKER: Opposition Leader, if that is what you said, please withdraw.
Ms LAWRIE: I withdraw. You were wrong, they were 16 c a litre lower under Labor.
Madam SPEAKER: Thank you, sit down.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016