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NEWS
ACCC's petrol commissioner walks
Motorists' association claims appointment was 'political window dressing'Joe Dimasi, the ACCC's Petrol Commissioner first appointed to the role in 2008, announced earlier this week that he will not continue in the role beyond August.
His decision has been greeted with displeasure by the Australian Automobile Association (AAA), which stated in a press release that "effective and urgent action" was required from the federal government and the ACCC (Australian Competition and Consumer Commission).
“Australian motorists need an effective watchdog at a time when fuel prices are increasing,” AAA Executive Director Andrew McKellar was quoted saying in the press release.
“Regrettably the appointment of a dedicated ‘Petrol Commissioner’ appears to have been nothing more than an exercise in political window dressing - it has been a failed policy experiment. The AAA is calling for tougher action to increase the level of competition in the retail fuel industry and drive a better deal for motorists.”
“We are seeking urgent leadership on overhauling fuel price boards to ensure motorists are not misled and to clarify the long-term impact of ‘shopper-docket’ discount vouchers on competition in the marketplace.”
“It is essential that action is taken to ensure that major fuel retailers are not able to gouge motorists through the anti-competitive sharing of price information.”
Unfortunately for the AAA, their call to arms is likely to be overlooked in the lead-up to the next federal election – and with issues such as asylum seekers and even changes to the Fringe Benefits Tax gaining much more traction in the media.
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