MR HORAN ASKED THE MINISTER FOR TOURISM AND FAIR TRADING (MR LAWLOR)—
QUESTION:
With reference to the Bligh Government’s privatisation of the government gas corporation and Toowoomba consumers who face huge increases in gas bills due to access fee charges (with a typical bill for $16.90 of gas costing $92.70 in total)—
What action will the Minister take to protect consumers on low incomes from these charges?
ANSWER:
The Office of Fair Trading has no legislative authority over gas or electricity prices in Queensland.
This question would more appropriately be directed to the Honourable Stephen Robertson MP, Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy and Minister for Trade.
The Queensland Government provides a rebate on the cost of reticulated natural gas supplied to the home of an eligible concession cardholder. The rebate scheme is administered by the Department of Communities. The Honourable Karen Struthers, Minister for Community Services and Housing and Minister for Women can provide further information on the rebate scheme.
