Qld: Beazley calls on federal government to pass on windfall

AAP General News (Australia)
08-24-2000
Qld: Beazley calls on federal government to pass on windfall

Opposition Leader KIM BEAZLEY has called on the federal government to pass on the windfall
from increased fuel prices to consumers.

Speaking in Townsville, Mr BEAZLEY's said it's time Prime Minister JOHN HOWARD delivered
on a promise to offset the impact of the GST on fuel.

He says Mr HOWARD's had a very substantial windfall, with OPEC raising the oil prices
around the country.

Mr BEAZLEY's also urged the federal government to back an opposition bill before parliament
aimed at bringing bush fuel prices down.

The bill would give petrol retailers the power to shop around outside a franchise for
the best priced fuel.

The federal government's $500 million fuel subsidy is under investigation by the Australian
Competition and Consumer Commission following claims that oil companies are failing to
pass it on.

Mr BEAZLEY says he accepts that OPEC set the world prices, but the federal government
has the power in the domestic market to bring costs down.

AAP RTV ap/sc/nf/rt c

KEYWORD: PETROL BEAZLEY (BRISBANE)

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