Boost ACCC powers on oil giants: Beazley

THE consumer watchdog should have the power to monitor the activities of oil companies to ensure Australian motorists are not being ripped off, Opposition Leader Kim Beazley said today.His call comes as Prime Minister John Howard reportedly prepares to deliver a detailed energy statement on Monday that will unveil a detailed response aimed at cutting the cost of petrol.
Mr Beazley said the plan must include giving additional powers to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).
"It is vitally important in the prime minister's statement that he gives the ACCC the powers to permanently monitor the activity of the oil companies ... so that ordinary motorists are not being routinely ripped off," Mr Beazley said.
"Ordinary motorists are now being routinely ripped off."
Mr Beazley said the Howard government should move to ensure that Australia does not remain dependent on oil from the Middle East.
"Now, that can be done with proper attention given to measures like ethanol, bio-diesel and gas-to-liquid conversion," Mr Beazley said.
"It has to be a long-term plan, but the plan must be there.
"We can no longer be dependant."