Senator Joyce welcomes the Government's announcement into fuel pricing and said the public lobbying by the Nationals and others on this issue has paid off.

“It is good to see the government reacting to the community disquiet on why fuel becomes dearer on long weekends amongst all the major oil companies by approximately the same rate. I understand why when the price of oil goes up the price of fuel goes up, but why when the price of oil goes down does the price of fuel still stay up at the bowser?

It will also be interesting to ask why ethanol, which is cheaper than petrol, when blended brings the cost of fuel down, is generally sold at the same price and, in some instances, at a premium? I congratulate Mark Vaile on driving to have this issue monitored by the ACCC.

I would like to know also why the oil companies are so reticent to blend a bio-renewable component and deliver a price reduction in fuel to the Australian people as is happening from the USA to Denmark. I think the Australian motorist is becoming ever more cynical about the train of pathetic platitudes as to why ethanol blends are not happening, apart from the barely perceptible trickles attributed largely to the independents.

The Nationals understand the price of overheads such as fuel on small business and families and so are robust advocates in delivering alternatives to reduce this cost. We know that if we get ethanol out onto the market that Australian families will be keeping the savings in their pocket.

This inquiry is the result of a public campaign and I would like to thank all who have been part of that process.”