David Leyonhjelm (NSW, Liberal Democratic Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That the Senate—

(a) recognises that:

  (i) ordinary Australians are struggling financially – the cost of living is too high,

  (ii) the price of petrol is the highest that it has ever been and is a burden on ordinary Australians, and

  (iii) there are calls for a national fuel strike; and

(b) calls on the Federal Government to immediately remove fuel excise to lower the cost of living burden for ordinary Australians.

Anne Ruston (SA, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for International Development and the Pacific) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Anne Ruston (SA, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for International Development and the Pacific) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The coalition recognises the cost-of-living pressures on households. That's why the coalition has legislated tax cuts for individuals and small businesses. There are a number of factors behind the rise in petrol prices, including higher global oil prices and a lower Australian-to-US dollar exchange rate. In December 2017 the coalition government directed the ACCC to monitor the prices, costs and profits relating to the supply of fuel products in Australia until December 2019. As a result the ACCC is now monitoring petrol prices on a daily basis. Where it sees issues of concern, it investigates. When it finds sufficient evidence, it will take action to protect consumers against misleading and anticompetitive conduct by fuel retailers. Government does not make taxation policy through Senate motions.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The question is that motion No. 1130 be agreed to.