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Mr Speaker, I conclude by saying that it is extremely important that we carry the spirit of what is being done here today clearly to the community, and particularly to the oil industry. Let them understand what it is that we are saying to the people of Canberra. We do not support actions which would see the collapse of one entire tier, or at least the partial collapse of one entire tier, of the petrol industry. The reduction in the number of players in the retail industry through the collapse of franchise agreements - - -

Mr Connolly: “We made a promise and we dumped on it, so we had better look as though we are doing something”.

MR HUMPHRIES: I am very sad that the Opposition does not believe that this is an important principle. It is an important principle. The loss of those players in our industry and our small business in the Territory - - -

Mr Berry: You should be ashamed. There is not a sign of a blush.

MR HUMPHRIES: Mr Berry does not think that is important. Mr Berry is not concerned about small businesses in the Territory. I am concerned about them. They deserve to be protected and this legislation is about doing that. I would urge members to support the principle of what we are trying to do here. We do not want to see those small players, those franchisees, forced out of this marketplace. They have a role there. They exercise some influence - not necessarily great influence, but some influence - on petrol prices, and we should fight very hard to make sure that that influence, for what it is worth, stays in the retail market.

Question resolved in the affirmative.

Bill agreed to in principle.

Detail Stage

Clause 1

Debate (on motion by Mr Connolly) adjourned.

Sitting suspended from 12.22 pm to 2.30 pm

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