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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1996 Week 7 Hansard (20 June) . . Page.. 1991 ..

MR HUMPHRIES (continuing):

copyright laws and has won, I understand, in those cases. So, my advice to Mr Osborne's constituent is, unfortunately, that he should discuss the situation with a legal adviser and get independent legal advice on the subject; that technically there is an entitlement by bodies like APRA to demand some compensation or some copyright fees; and that legal advice will ascertain the extent to which that obligation should be met through a payment of some kind.

MS McRAE: My question is to Mr Humphries in his capacity as Minister for Consumer Affairs. The report released last month by Charles Sturt University on rural petrol pricing states:

The experience of the ACT in introducing Burmah as an independent retailer demonstrates the effectiveness of independent retailers in lowering retail petrol prices in regional areas.

So, contrary to your claims, Mr Humphries, it does seem that Burmah had a positive effect on the market. My question is: Why have you taken no action whatsoever and, indeed, undone much of Labor's efforts to introduce independent petrol retailers - - -

Mr Humphries: How have we done that?

MS McRAE: This is the question I am asking you. Why have you taken no action whatsoever and, indeed, undone much of Labor's efforts to introduce independent petrol retailers, ensuring that oil companies can rip off Canberra consumers to their hearts' content? In fact, what is it that you have done to facilitate the introduction of an independent retailer in Belconnen, to the site that was allocated to an independent retailer?

MR HUMPHRIES: Mr Speaker, those people opposite perpetuate these untruths about the Government's policy on petrol. Ms McRae, I would invite you in your supplementary question to tell me how it is that we have undone anything at all of the former Government's policy? Interject, if you like. What have we undone? What was in place before that we have taken away? She talks to Mr Berry, rather than answering the question, because, Mr Speaker, the answer is - - -

Ms McRae: I am happy to answer the question, Mr Speaker, but I did think I was the shadow Minister, not the Minister.

MR HUMPHRIES: No; please. I would be very grateful if she did. I pose the question. Mr Speaker, there is no answer to the question, because the Government has not undone any features or elements.

Ms McRae: You are the Minister.

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