Independent Federal Member for Calare, Andrew Gee, last week introduced his Fair Fuel Price Bill into Parliament which would give the Australian Government the power to set fuel prices across the nation.
In introducing the Bill Mr Gee said, “Our country communities are being devastated by these sky rocketing fuel prices. It’s smashing our local businesses and is stinging everyone from families to pensioners.”
“In the Second World War, the Parliament passed laws which gave the Australian Government the power set fuel prices for the duration of that conflict. It was aimed at preventing price gouging and proved effective.
“My Bill also gives the government the power to set fuel prices for the duration of the current conflict in the Middle East.
“People in the bush have been putting up with the price gouging of country motorists for years with enormous disparities between city and country fuel prices. This crisis has again brought the issue of price gouging into stark relief.
“The government needs a taskforce to tell it if there’s price gouging going on, but our communities do not. They’re tired of all talk, no action. Decisive leadership is required.
“Sky high fuel prices are throttling our community members and businesses. Our farmers can’t get the diesel they need to get their crops in the ground.
“Without action this fuel crisis could very quickly spiral into a food security crisis.
“It was extremely disappointing that none of the major parties supported the Bill. Sadly, once again, talk by the major parties has not been backed up by a vote in Parliament,” Mr Gee said.