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small business Community facilities | July 11, 2016

Kealy continues to push for fair gas pricing and competition

The Nationals Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy MP has again called for the Minister for Energy to take immediate action against excessive gas pricing in the Wimmera.

“For over 18 months the Minister for Energy and Resources, Hon. Lily D’Ambrosio has sat on her hands and done absolutely nothing about the gas supply monopoly in the Wimmera,” Ms Kealy said.

“The Minister made a commitment to monitor the development of competition in the Wimmera area to ensure that the interests of consumers are protected and I will continue to hold the Minster accountable.

“The fact that the Minister has not fulfilled her own commitment or intervened to ensure other providers are available to supply gas through the pipeline is appalling”, she said.

In 2015 gas prices in the Wimmera increased by 18.9 per cent and this year it went up again by a further 20 per cent.

“The cost of living is an enormous issue for people in Western Victoria and it looks like we are again being left to pay increased and inflated prices,” Ms Kealy said.

“To see gas prices and the cost of living continuing to increase in the Wimmera under this Melbourne Labor Government is a real concern.

“The Minister must stand up and take action immediately so that local people can access a competitive gas market and lower their cost of living”, she said.