Katy Gallagher (ACT, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Public Service) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Dowling for that question. It's an important one. The Treasurer has tasked the ACCC to ramp up fuel price monitoring, reporting weekly, with a focus on unusual price spikes. We've also empowered the ACCC by doubling penalties for false and misleading conduct and cartel behaviour, with legislation that passed last week.

The ACCC itself has been very clear about targeting misconduct in the fuel sector. They've also announced they're investigating major fuel companies over allegations of market misconduct. Indeed, last month, before the crisis began, they secured a $16 million fine against Mobil for making false or misleading representations around fuel. The ACCC also brought in the fuel companies, into an urgent meeting, to explain their pricing conduct. This focus is really important, and we'll continue to make sure that the decisions we've taken will flow on to motorists, when they go and fill up their car, once that excise comes off.