Fair Trading (Fuel Pricing Information Penalties) Amendment Bill
The Hon. H.J. GUMBYS (16:38): I rise to speak to the Fair Trading (Fuel Pricing Information Penalties) Amendment Bill on fuel pricing information and penalties. As you may recall, during the recent state election we saw petrol prices soar, an issue that was raised with me constantly by constituents across the state during the campaign. Regional communities such as Murray Bridge, Whyalla and Mount Gambier were amongst the hardest hit by these price increases, despite being communities most reliant on their vehicles. If you live in a regional area, you understand the necessity of planning ahead, ensuring you have enough fuel for long distances, and knowing when and where your next stop will be. Traditionally, when you pull into a service station, you expect that fuel will be available; however, earlier this year, that expectation was not always met.
As fuel prices rose sharply, we saw a rush to secure fuel at the lowest possible price. This behaviour, while understandable, led to panic buying reminiscent of the well-known toilet paper wars in 2020. Across South Australia, many petrol stations, particularly in regional areas, began running out of fuel. This initial shortage was further compounded by disruptions in the supply chain, meaning that supply was simply not keeping pace with demand. While I do not condone panic buying, I do understand the instinct to secure access to essential resources like fuel, particularly in communities where alternatives are limited.
In South Australia we are supported by the fuel pricing information scheme. This scheme requires fuel retailers to report their prices and fuel availability as soon as possible. This information is then used by apps such as RAA, Petrol Spy and Fuel Radar to provide real time updates to consumers. Importantly, these platforms also allow users to report discrepancies to Consumer and Business Services (CBS), the body responsible for enforcement. Since the scheme's establishment, CBS has investigated more than 4,000 reports across the state, issued 70 expiation notices and conducted over 450 enforcement actions. This work plays a vital role in ensuring motorists can access reliable information on pricing and supply.
However, during recent fuel shortages, it was not uncommon to hear of motorists arriving at service stations only to find that fuel was unavailable, despite apps indicating otherwise. This undermines consumer confidence and highlights the need for stronger compliance measures. No matter where you live, you should have the certainty that the information you rely on is accurate and that fuel will be available when indicated. That is why I am proud to support this amendment bill.
This bill will provide an additional $1.2 million over the next four years to ensure the CBS can continue and expand its compliance efforts. This funding will enable the recruitment of additional staff, increasing inspections by approximately 100 per month, or 1,200 each year. These reforms are focused on protecting consumers and ensuring they can make informed purchasing decisions with confidence.
Improving the accuracy of pricing and availability of information benefits not only motorists but also those working within certain service stations. In times of heightened frustration towards large fuel companies, it is often the frontline workers, many of them young people, who bear the brunt of customer dissatisfaction. I would like to take this opportunity to thank those workers who continue to show up and serve their communities under challenging circumstances like earlier this year.
Ultimately, these reforms will deliver both confidence and financial benefit to South Australians. By reducing instances of inaccurate pricing, they aim to ensure that drivers are not paying more than what is expected when they pull in to the bowser. It is anticipated that these changes could save motorists on average $117 per driver, equating to around $58 million in savings across the state.
This amendment bill is about fairness. It is about transparency and it is about trust. It is about ensuring that, whether you are in the heart of Adelaide or in our regional towns, you have access to accurate information and essential services. It about restoring confidence in the system and protecting South Australian consumers.