Published Wednesday, 21 November, 2007 at 01:10 PM
Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh
Premier Welcomes Independent Fuel Report
Premier Anna Bligh today welcomed the independent report into Queensland’s Fuel Subsidy from former Federal Court judge, the Honourable Bill Pincus QC.
Ms Bligh said the report would be used to help a create a better and more efficient fuel subsidy scheme.
“Mr Pincus indicates evidence shows that Queensland motorists are better off but not necessarily to the full extent of the subsidy,” Ms Bligh said.
“He found a number of flaws in the regulation of the scheme and we need to fix them.
“Cabinet will need to consider the report in full, including the recommendation of benchmark pricing.
“However, I can guarantee that we will make whatever legislative changes are necessary to ensure retailers are passing the full subsidy on.
“I will not allow Queensland motorists to be ripped off.
“I am also putting fuel retailers on notice that any legislative changes will be retrospective and they will feel the full force of the law if they try and exploit the scheme over the Christmas/New Year period before it is amended.”
Ms Bligh said it was clear that the Fuel Subsidy Scheme was not working as intended when set up by the Borbidge Government or amended by the Beattie Government.
She said the Inquiry was prompted by the conclusions of the Queensland Treasury Fuel Task Force that the full 8.3 cents per litre subsidy was not reaching motorists.
“I set up this independent Inquiry to determine whether Queensland motorists were missing out on the full subsidy and whether it could be passed on in a better way,” she said.
“And now that the problems have been identified we can work to make sure they are addressed and Queensland motorists can enjoy the full benefits of the most generous subsidy scheme in the country.”
Treasurer Andrew Fraser said the report had identified that fuel prices were a national problem.
“Let’s not forget the subsidy is unique in Australia and indeed the world,” Mr Fraser said.
“Queenslanders are the only motorists who benefit from such a generous scheme internationally.
“The report highlights what we set out to find – that it is also a system that has its flaws and this report will go a long way to addressing and rectifying those flaws.”
Ms Bligh also said the specific case of alleged fraud identified by Mr Pincus would be referred to the Queensland Police Service.
Release of the Queensland Fuel Subsidy Commission of Inquiry Report follows almost two months of public hearings around Queensland in places like Mount Isa, Longreach and Brisbane.
The report can be viewed online at www.fuelsubsidycommission.qld.gov.au.
Further inquiries: Premiers Office (07) 3224 450
Ms Bligh said the report would be used to help a create a better and more efficient fuel subsidy scheme.
“Mr Pincus indicates evidence shows that Queensland motorists are better off but not necessarily to the full extent of the subsidy,” Ms Bligh said.
“He found a number of flaws in the regulation of the scheme and we need to fix them.
“Cabinet will need to consider the report in full, including the recommendation of benchmark pricing.
“However, I can guarantee that we will make whatever legislative changes are necessary to ensure retailers are passing the full subsidy on.
“I will not allow Queensland motorists to be ripped off.
“I am also putting fuel retailers on notice that any legislative changes will be retrospective and they will feel the full force of the law if they try and exploit the scheme over the Christmas/New Year period before it is amended.”
Ms Bligh said it was clear that the Fuel Subsidy Scheme was not working as intended when set up by the Borbidge Government or amended by the Beattie Government.
She said the Inquiry was prompted by the conclusions of the Queensland Treasury Fuel Task Force that the full 8.3 cents per litre subsidy was not reaching motorists.
“I set up this independent Inquiry to determine whether Queensland motorists were missing out on the full subsidy and whether it could be passed on in a better way,” she said.
“And now that the problems have been identified we can work to make sure they are addressed and Queensland motorists can enjoy the full benefits of the most generous subsidy scheme in the country.”
Treasurer Andrew Fraser said the report had identified that fuel prices were a national problem.
“Let’s not forget the subsidy is unique in Australia and indeed the world,” Mr Fraser said.
“Queenslanders are the only motorists who benefit from such a generous scheme internationally.
“The report highlights what we set out to find – that it is also a system that has its flaws and this report will go a long way to addressing and rectifying those flaws.”
Ms Bligh also said the specific case of alleged fraud identified by Mr Pincus would be referred to the Queensland Police Service.
Release of the Queensland Fuel Subsidy Commission of Inquiry Report follows almost two months of public hearings around Queensland in places like Mount Isa, Longreach and Brisbane.
The report can be viewed online at www.fuelsubsidycommission.qld.gov.au.
Further inquiries: Premiers Office (07) 3224 450