MTAA Welcomes the Appointment of the Petrol Commissioner

The Government’s appointment of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s Petrol Commissioner, Mr Patrick Walker, is welcomed by the Motor Trades Association of Australia (MTAA).

MTAA is pleased by the Government’s announcement that Commissioner Walker will examine the petroleum wholesale sector, as the Association has long identified the existing structure of that sector as a significant contributor to reduced competition in the marketplace.

Commissioner Walker’s examination of buy-sell arrangements and audit of import terminals is important and timely, given the findings of the recent Inquiry into unleaded petrol in Australian and the continuing high prices.

In the interest of ensuring effective wholesale competition, MTAA will of course be willing to provide the Commissioner with any assistance and information he might require on the existing structure of the wholesale and retail petrol markets and how competition may be enhanced.

END

18 February 2007

For further information please contact Michael Delaney, Executive Director of MTAA on
(02) 6273 4333.