❓ A parliamentary question regarding potential profiteering by LPG fuel system installers due to increased demand following government subsidies, and a query about honouring a past policy to cap LPG prices. The Minister acknowledges the issue, states an investigation is underway, and takes the pricing question on notice.
AnsweredQoN 468Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
MOTORING - LPG CONVERSION SUBSIDY
I preface my question by referring to the tremendous interest in liquefied petroleum gas vehicle conversions as a result of the Howard Liberal government’s decision to follow on from the initiative of the Court Liberal government in 2000 to introduce an LPG subsidy, for which members opposite are claiming credit. I refer to the fact that the price of LPG autogas has increased by about 50 per cent since July 2003 and also to concerns and reports of possible profiteering by installers as demand for conversions increases. (1) What action is the minister taking to protect consumers from profiteering by LPG fuel system installers, given that some installers are charging up to a staggering $4 850? (2) In relation to the price of LPG autogas, will the minister honour Labor’s policy from the 2001 election that it will cap the price of LPG in Western Australia? I have the policy in my hand. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS
I preface my question by referring to the tremendous interest in liquefied petroleum gas vehicle conversions as a result of the Howard Liberal government’s decision to follow on from the initiative of the Court Liberal government in 2000 to introduce an LPG subsidy, for which members opposite are claiming credit. I refer to the fact that the price of LPG autogas has increased by about 50 per cent since July 2003 and also to concerns and reports of possible profiteering by installers as demand for conversions increases. (1) What action is the minister taking to protect consumers from profiteering by LPG fuel system installers, given that some installers are charging up to a staggering $4 850? (2) In relation to the price of LPG autogas, will the minister honour Labor’s policy from the 2001 election that it will cap the price of LPG in Western Australia? I have the policy in my hand. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for the question. (1) Obviously, the federal Liberal government has seen merit in the proposal put forward by this state government to give a subsidy for LPG conversions. Again, Western Australia is leading the way around the nation and the Prime Minister has followed suit, although somewhat belatedly, on what was an excellent initiative by this government. I have seen the reports alleging that some people may be profiteering from the gas conversions. It concerns me, and I am assured that Department of Consumer and Employment Protection officers have been investigating that in recent days. They will be providing a report to me on any evidence of profiteering and what we can do to militate against that. Clearly, the community needs to be aware that a fair price for a fair service should be paid. There is now a significant rebate from both state and federal governments and it seems to me that people should be able to get the job done for well under the $3 000 subsidy that is available. There is now unprecedented demand, maybe because the sudden $2 000 injection by the federal government came out of nowhere. Two weeks ago the federal government was not interested in fuel prices. It was not until its members came back from the winter recess that it realised that it actually had a problem. From where did it take its lead? It took its lead from the state Labor government of Western Australia. Unlike the state government, the federal government did not do any groundwork. The federal government response is a knee-jerk reaction. It did not check whether the demand could be met in a short time. It will take time before the people responsible for installing the conversions are able to meet that demand. As the Minister for Consumer Protection, I do not want to see consumers ripped off in this process. I have been talking to the officers in my department and they are active in the field checking on the prices that are currently being requested. (2) I will take the question on the price of autogas on notice. Members opposite know that there has been an election between 2001 and now. I am not sure whether we can deliver on what was indicated in 2001, but I will certainly investigate it.
(1) What action is the minister taking to protect consumers from profiteering by LPG fuel system installers, given that some installers are charging up to a staggering $4 850? (2) In relation to the price of LPG autogas, will the minister honour Labor’s policy from the 2001 election that it will cap the price of LPG in Western Australia? I have the policy in my hand. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS replied: I thank the member for the question. (1) Obviously, the federal Liberal government has seen merit in the proposal put forward by this state government to give a subsidy for LPG conversions. Again, Western Australia is leading the way around the nation and the Prime Minister has followed suit, although somewhat belatedly, on what was an excellent initiative by this government. I have seen the reports alleging that some people may be profiteering from the gas conversions. It concerns me, and I am assured that Department of Consumer and Employment Protection officers have been investigating that in recent days. They will be providing a report to me on any evidence of profiteering and what we can do to militate against that. Clearly, the community needs to be aware that a fair price for a fair service should be paid. There is now a significant rebate from both state and federal governments and it seems to me that people should be able to get the job done for well under the $3 000 subsidy that is available. There is now unprecedented demand, maybe because the sudden $2 000 injection by the federal government came out of nowhere. Two weeks ago the federal government was not interested in fuel prices. It was not until its members came back from the winter recess that it realised that it actually had a problem. From where did it take its lead? It took its lead from the state Labor government of Western Australia. Unlike the state government, the federal government did not do any groundwork. The federal government response is a knee-jerk reaction. It did not check whether the demand could be met in a short time. It will take time before the people responsible for installing the conversions are able to meet that demand. As the Minister for Consumer Protection, I do not want to see consumers ripped off in this process. I have been talking to the officers in my department and they are active in the field checking on the prices that are currently being requested. (2) I will take the question on the price of autogas on notice. Members opposite know that there has been an election between 2001 and now. I am not sure whether we can deliver on what was indicated in 2001, but I will certainly investigate it.
(2) In relation to the price of LPG autogas, will the minister honour Labor’s policy from the 2001 election that it will cap the price of LPG in Western Australia? I have the policy in my hand. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS replied: I thank the member for the question. (1) Obviously, the federal Liberal government has seen merit in the proposal put forward by this state government to give a subsidy for LPG conversions. Again, Western Australia is leading the way around the nation and the Prime Minister has followed suit, although somewhat belatedly, on what was an excellent initiative by this government. I have seen the reports alleging that some people may be profiteering from the gas conversions. It concerns me, and I am assured that Department of Consumer and Employment Protection officers have been investigating that in recent days. They will be providing a report to me on any evidence of profiteering and what we can do to militate against that. Clearly, the community needs to be aware that a fair price for a fair service should be paid. There is now a significant rebate from both state and federal governments and it seems to me that people should be able to get the job done for well under the $3 000 subsidy that is available. There is now unprecedented demand, maybe because the sudden $2 000 injection by the federal government came out of nowhere. Two weeks ago the federal government was not interested in fuel prices. It was not until its members came back from the winter recess that it realised that it actually had a problem. From where did it take its lead? It took its lead from the state Labor government of Western Australia. Unlike the state government, the federal government did not do any groundwork. The federal government response is a knee-jerk reaction. It did not check whether the demand could be met in a short time. It will take time before the people responsible for installing the conversions are able to meet that demand. As the Minister for Consumer Protection, I do not want to see consumers ripped off in this process. I have been talking to the officers in my department and they are active in the field checking on the prices that are currently being requested. (2) I will take the question on the price of autogas on notice. Members opposite know that there has been an election between 2001 and now. I am not sure whether we can deliver on what was indicated in 2001, but I will certainly investigate it.
Mrs M.H. ROBERTS replied: I thank the member for the question. (1) Obviously, the federal Liberal government has seen merit in the proposal put forward by this state government to give a subsidy for LPG conversions. Again, Western Australia is leading the way around the nation and the Prime Minister has followed suit, although somewhat belatedly, on what was an excellent initiative by this government. I have seen the reports alleging that some people may be profiteering from the gas conversions. It concerns me, and I am assured that Department of Consumer and Employment Protection officers have been investigating that in recent days. They will be providing a report to me on any evidence of profiteering and what we can do to militate against that. Clearly, the community needs to be aware that a fair price for a fair service should be paid. There is now a significant rebate from both state and federal governments and it seems to me that people should be able to get the job done for well under the $3 000 subsidy that is available. There is now unprecedented demand, maybe because the sudden $2 000 injection by the federal government came out of nowhere. Two weeks ago the federal government was not interested in fuel prices. It was not until its members came back from the winter recess that it realised that it actually had a problem. From where did it take its lead? It took its lead from the state Labor government of Western Australia. Unlike the state government, the federal government did not do any groundwork. The federal government response is a knee-jerk reaction. It did not check whether the demand could be met in a short time. It will take time before the people responsible for installing the conversions are able to meet that demand. As the Minister for Consumer Protection, I do not want to see consumers ripped off in this process. I have been talking to the officers in my department and they are active in the field checking on the prices that are currently being requested. (2) I will take the question on the price of autogas on notice. Members opposite know that there has been an election between 2001 and now. I am not sure whether we can deliver on what was indicated in 2001, but I will certainly investigate it.
I thank the member for the question. (1) Obviously, the federal Liberal government has seen merit in the proposal put forward by this state government to give a subsidy for LPG conversions. Again, Western Australia is leading the way around the nation and the Prime Minister has followed suit, although somewhat belatedly, on what was an excellent initiative by this government. I have seen the reports alleging that some people may be profiteering from the gas conversions. It concerns me, and I am assured that Department of Consumer and Employment Protection officers have been investigating that in recent days. They will be providing a report to me on any evidence of profiteering and what we can do to militate against that. Clearly, the community needs to be aware that a fair price for a fair service should be paid. There is now a significant rebate from both state and federal governments and it seems to me that people should be able to get the job done for well under the $3 000 subsidy that is available. There is now unprecedented demand, maybe because the sudden $2 000 injection by the federal government came out of nowhere. Two weeks ago the federal government was not interested in fuel prices. It was not until its members came back from the winter recess that it realised that it actually had a problem. From where did it take its lead? It took its lead from the state Labor government of Western Australia. Unlike the state government, the federal government did not do any groundwork. The federal government response is a knee-jerk reaction. It did not check whether the demand could be met in a short time. It will take time before the people responsible for installing the conversions are able to meet that demand. As the Minister for Consumer Protection, I do not want to see consumers ripped off in this process. I have been talking to the officers in my department and they are active in the field checking on the prices that are currently being requested. (2) I will take the question on the price of autogas on notice. Members opposite know that there has been an election between 2001 and now. I am not sure whether we can deliver on what was indicated in 2001, but I will certainly investigate it.
(1) Obviously, the federal Liberal government has seen merit in the proposal put forward by this state government to give a subsidy for LPG conversions. Again, Western Australia is leading the way around the nation and the Prime Minister has followed suit, although somewhat belatedly, on what was an excellent initiative by this government. I have seen the reports alleging that some people may be profiteering from the gas conversions. It concerns me, and I am assured that Department of Consumer and Employment Protection officers have been investigating that in recent days. They will be providing a report to me on any evidence of profiteering and what we can do to militate against that. Clearly, the community needs to be aware that a fair price for a fair service should be paid. There is now a significant rebate from both state and federal governments and it seems to me that people should be able to get the job done for well under the $3 000 subsidy that is available. There is now unprecedented demand, maybe because the sudden $2 000 injection by the federal government came out of nowhere. Two weeks ago the federal government was not interested in fuel prices. It was not until its members came back from the winter recess that it realised that it actually had a problem. From where did it take its lead? It took its lead from the state Labor government of Western Australia. Unlike the state government, the federal government did not do any groundwork. The federal government response is a knee-jerk reaction. It did not check whether the demand could be met in a short time. It will take time before the people responsible for installing the conversions are able to meet that demand. As the Minister for Consumer Protection, I do not want to see consumers ripped off in this process. I have been talking to the officers in my department and they are active in the field checking on the prices that are currently being requested. (2) I will take the question on the price of autogas on notice. Members opposite know that there has been an election between 2001 and now. I am not sure whether we can deliver on what was indicated in 2001, but I will certainly investigate it.
(1) What action is the minister taking to protect consumers from profiteering by LPG fuel system installers, given that some installers are charging up to a staggering $4 850? (2) In relation to the price of LPG autogas, will the minister honour Labor’s policy from the 2001 election that it will cap the price of LPG in Western Australia? I have the policy in my hand. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS replied: I thank the member for the question. (1) Obviously, the federal Liberal government has seen merit in the proposal put forward by this state government to give a subsidy for LPG conversions. Again, Western Australia is leading the way around the nation and the Prime Minister has followed suit, although somewhat belatedly, on what was an excellent initiative by this government. I have seen the reports alleging that some people may be profiteering from the gas conversions. It concerns me, and I am assured that Department of Consumer and Employment Protection officers have been investigating that in recent days. They will be providing a report to me on any evidence of profiteering and what we can do to militate against that. Clearly, the community needs to be aware that a fair price for a fair service should be paid. There is now a significant rebate from both state and federal governments and it seems to me that people should be able to get the job done for well under the $3 000 subsidy that is available. There is now unprecedented demand, maybe because the sudden $2 000 injection by the federal government came out of nowhere. Two weeks ago the federal government was not interested in fuel prices. It was not until its members came back from the winter recess that it realised that it actually had a problem. From where did it take its lead? It took its lead from the state Labor government of Western Australia. Unlike the state government, the federal government did not do any groundwork. The federal government response is a knee-jerk reaction. It did not check whether the demand could be met in a short time. It will take time before the people responsible for installing the conversions are able to meet that demand. As the Minister for Consumer Protection, I do not want to see consumers ripped off in this process. I have been talking to the officers in my department and they are active in the field checking on the prices that are currently being requested. (2) I will take the question on the price of autogas on notice. Members opposite know that there has been an election between 2001 and now. I am not sure whether we can deliver on what was indicated in 2001, but I will certainly investigate it.
(2) In relation to the price of LPG autogas, will the minister honour Labor’s policy from the 2001 election that it will cap the price of LPG in Western Australia? I have the policy in my hand. Mrs M.H. ROBERTS replied: I thank the member for the question. (1) Obviously, the federal Liberal government has seen merit in the proposal put forward by this state government to give a subsidy for LPG conversions. Again, Western Australia is leading the way around the nation and the Prime Minister has followed suit, although somewhat belatedly, on what was an excellent initiative by this government. I have seen the reports alleging that some people may be profiteering from the gas conversions. It concerns me, and I am assured that Department of Consumer and Employment Protection officers have been investigating that in recent days. They will be providing a report to me on any evidence of profiteering and what we can do to militate against that. Clearly, the community needs to be aware that a fair price for a fair service should be paid. There is now a significant rebate from both state and federal governments and it seems to me that people should be able to get the job done for well under the $3 000 subsidy that is available. There is now unprecedented demand, maybe because the sudden $2 000 injection by the federal government came out of nowhere. Two weeks ago the federal government was not interested in fuel prices. It was not until its members came back from the winter recess that it realised that it actually had a problem. From where did it take its lead? It took its lead from the state Labor government of Western Australia. Unlike the state government, the federal government did not do any groundwork. The federal government response is a knee-jerk reaction. It did not check whether the demand could be met in a short time. It will take time before the people responsible for installing the conversions are able to meet that demand. As the Minister for Consumer Protection, I do not want to see consumers ripped off in this process. I have been talking to the officers in my department and they are active in the field checking on the prices that are currently being requested. (2) I will take the question on the price of autogas on notice. Members opposite know that there has been an election between 2001 and now. I am not sure whether we can deliver on what was indicated in 2001, but I will certainly investigate it.
Mrs M.H. ROBERTS replied: I thank the member for the question. (1) Obviously, the federal Liberal government has seen merit in the proposal put forward by this state government to give a subsidy for LPG conversions. Again, Western Australia is leading the way around the nation and the Prime Minister has followed suit, although somewhat belatedly, on what was an excellent initiative by this government. I have seen the reports alleging that some people may be profiteering from the gas conversions. It concerns me, and I am assured that Department of Consumer and Employment Protection officers have been investigating that in recent days. They will be providing a report to me on any evidence of profiteering and what we can do to militate against that. Clearly, the community needs to be aware that a fair price for a fair service should be paid. There is now a significant rebate from both state and federal governments and it seems to me that people should be able to get the job done for well under the $3 000 subsidy that is available. There is now unprecedented demand, maybe because the sudden $2 000 injection by the federal government came out of nowhere. Two weeks ago the federal government was not interested in fuel prices. It was not until its members came back from the winter recess that it realised that it actually had a problem. From where did it take its lead? It took its lead from the state Labor government of Western Australia. Unlike the state government, the federal government did not do any groundwork. The federal government response is a knee-jerk reaction. It did not check whether the demand could be met in a short time. It will take time before the people responsible for installing the conversions are able to meet that demand. As the Minister for Consumer Protection, I do not want to see consumers ripped off in this process. I have been talking to the officers in my department and they are active in the field checking on the prices that are currently being requested. (2) I will take the question on the price of autogas on notice. Members opposite know that there has been an election between 2001 and now. I am not sure whether we can deliver on what was indicated in 2001, but I will certainly investigate it.
I thank the member for the question. (1) Obviously, the federal Liberal government has seen merit in the proposal put forward by this state government to give a subsidy for LPG conversions. Again, Western Australia is leading the way around the nation and the Prime Minister has followed suit, although somewhat belatedly, on what was an excellent initiative by this government. I have seen the reports alleging that some people may be profiteering from the gas conversions. It concerns me, and I am assured that Department of Consumer and Employment Protection officers have been investigating that in recent days. They will be providing a report to me on any evidence of profiteering and what we can do to militate against that. Clearly, the community needs to be aware that a fair price for a fair service should be paid. There is now a significant rebate from both state and federal governments and it seems to me that people should be able to get the job done for well under the $3 000 subsidy that is available. There is now unprecedented demand, maybe because the sudden $2 000 injection by the federal government came out of nowhere. Two weeks ago the federal government was not interested in fuel prices. It was not until its members came back from the winter recess that it realised that it actually had a problem. From where did it take its lead? It took its lead from the state Labor government of Western Australia. Unlike the state government, the federal government did not do any groundwork. The federal government response is a knee-jerk reaction. It did not check whether the demand could be met in a short time. It will take time before the people responsible for installing the conversions are able to meet that demand. As the Minister for Consumer Protection, I do not want to see consumers ripped off in this process. I have been talking to the officers in my department and they are active in the field checking on the prices that are currently being requested. (2) I will take the question on the price of autogas on notice. Members opposite know that there has been an election between 2001 and now. I am not sure whether we can deliver on what was indicated in 2001, but I will certainly investigate it.
(1) Obviously, the federal Liberal government has seen merit in the proposal put forward by this state government to give a subsidy for LPG conversions. Again, Western Australia is leading the way around the nation and the Prime Minister has followed suit, although somewhat belatedly, on what was an excellent initiative by this government. I have seen the reports alleging that some people may be profiteering from the gas conversions. It concerns me, and I am assured that Department of Consumer and Employment Protection officers have been investigating that in recent days. They will be providing a report to me on any evidence of profiteering and what we can do to militate against that. Clearly, the community needs to be aware that a fair price for a fair service should be paid. There is now a significant rebate from both state and federal governments and it seems to me that people should be able to get the job done for well under the $3 000 subsidy that is available. There is now unprecedented demand, maybe because the sudden $2 000 injection by the federal government came out of nowhere. Two weeks ago the federal government was not interested in fuel prices. It was not until its members came back from the winter recess that it realised that it actually had a problem. From where did it take its lead? It took its lead from the state Labor government of Western Australia. Unlike the state government, the federal government did not do any groundwork. The federal government response is a knee-jerk reaction. It did not check whether the demand could be met in a short time. It will take time before the people responsible for installing the conversions are able to meet that demand. As the Minister for Consumer Protection, I do not want to see consumers ripped off in this process. I have been talking to the officers in my department and they are active in the field checking on the prices that are currently being requested. (2) I will take the question on the price of autogas on notice. Members opposite know that there has been an election between 2001 and now. I am not sure whether we can deliver on what was indicated in 2001, but I will certainly investigate it.
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