Fielding flags changes to Fuel Watch

A key senator wants state premiers and motoring bodies to give their approval before a national Fuel Watch scheme is established.

The federal government is hoping the seven balance-of-power senators give their support to the scheme when the upper house debates enabling legislation on Tuesday.
One of the senators, Family First's Steve Fielding, intends tabling an amendment to the government's bill.
If accepted by the Senate, it would require each premier and motoring body to sign-off on Fuel Watch before a one-year trial was introduced in each state.
"The Rudd government initially told us Fuel Watch would put downward pressure on petrol prices and save motorists 1.9 cents per litre at the bowser," Senator Fielding said in a statement.
"The government has since backed away from that claim, saying instead the real benefit of the scheme is to help motorists compare prices between petrol stations.
"That backflip concerns Family First."

aap 13 Oct 2008

The Fuel Watch Scheme is nothing more than a farce as it will NOT reduce the price to any significant extent at the pump.

EVEN if it does motorists WILL pay for it in another way.

The government HAS to been seen as if it is doing something, BUT the people at the top know it's implications are meaningless.

The Petro-Chemical industry is BEYOND the reach of any Australian inquiry.