Page 164 - Week 01 - Wednesday, 12 February 2020
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MR BARR: I thank Ms Cheyne for the question. As she would be aware, the Select Committee on Fuel Pricing found there to be a lack of competition in the ACT market and a much lower percentage of independent operators so the government is undertaking a series of measures to encourage more competition in the market. As Ms Cheyne has outlined in her question, I have written to eight discount fuel retailers to encourage expansion into the ACT. I am pleased to report to the Assembly that we have had some keen interest. Discussions are now underway with the Planning Directorate to assist in identifying a number of suitable sites.
Already we have a new independent operator in Mitchell, on the north side of Canberra, who opened just a few weeks ago. Mr Gupta joined me at the opening. New stations are providing very competitive pricing. They are about 20c a litre cheaper than some of the majors in the north Canberra area. Further to this work to attract independent operators, the government will commission the ICRC to undertake regular monitoring and analysis of the Canberra fuel market, as the evidence from last year shows that this type of scrutiny has brought down prices for consumers. I have also written to the New South Wales premier to ask her to consider coverage of the territory in the New South Wales FuelCheck scheme, which would allow real-time information to be available for motorists to shop around for the best price. This reflects the government implementing the recommendations of the select committee.
MS CHEYNE: Chief Minister, in what other ways is the ACT government helping to cut costs for Canberra motorists?
MR BARR: This month saw the commencement of the ACT’s new motor accident injuries scheme, which delivers fairer, faster and more comprehensive support, protecting Canberrans if they are injured in a motor accident. The changes in legislation also mean that injured people will no longer go through a long legal process of proving fault or suffer the associated costs.
Under the old scheme, premiums set by private sector insurers have been as high as $644 for the average passenger vehicle in 2020 dollars. I am pleased to see that with the new motor accident injuries scheme the average passenger vehicle premiums will be $458, and they continue to fall—nearly $200 cheaper than they would have been if the old system remained in place.
MR GUPTA: Chief Minister, are there any other new initiatives to help reduce costs?
MR BARR: Of course members would be aware that we have now achieved 100 per cent renewable electricity for the territory. This will lead to a reduction in power bills in the ACT. The ICRC has predicted that average electricity costs could shrink by nearly seven per cent in the next financial year for a typical ActewAGL customer. The average household will save around $113 on their annual bill. ACT consumers will continue to pay amongst the lowest standing offer electricity prices in the nation.
Picking up on the theme of transition, this electricity price reduction will also save the increasing number of electric and hybrid vehicle owners money as well. The
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