Tuesday, 31 March 2026

 Steve McGHIE (Melton) (19:08): (1612) My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Consumer Affairs, and the action I seek is for the minister to provide an update on how the fair fuel taskforce will operate in growth areas like Melton and to consider Melton as the first or an early location for taskforce activity so local residents can see these new protections in action. This issue is front of mind for many families in Melton – fuel prices and the pressure they place on household budgets. In a growing community like Melton people rely on their cars every day. Getting to work, school or appointments is not optional, it is essential. When fuel prices spike, families feel it immediately.

I welcome the Allan Labor government’s anti-price gouging laws and Servo Saver. These reforms give motorists transparency and the ability to plan ahead. I have long called for action on fuel pricing in Melton, and requiring retailers to set a 24-hour maximum price is a practical step that gives drivers certainty. Of course the success of these reforms depends on enforcement. Melton has had some of the highest fuel prices in Melbourne for years. Unfortunately, despite my repeated calls to the federal ACCC, they have refused to investigate price gouging of fuel in Melton.

Last week the minister updated the house on the establishment of the fair fuel taskforce. This is a strong step, and communities like Melton will be looking forward to seeing it implemented. There is strong interest in fuel pricing across Melton, and my constituents want to see these new laws in force. With many families feeling cost-of-living pressures, my community stands to benefit from strong oversight. This makes it important that communities like Melton are prioritized as these reforms are rolled out.