The legislation enabling the introduction of Phase 2 of Victoria’s Fair Fuel Plan last week passed through the Victorian Parliament without amendment.
The Fair Fuel Plan clauses were included in a broader Bill providing greater protections for renters. By not splitting the Bill, the government was signalling to the opposition and cross bench that if they voted against the Fair Fuel Plan, they would also be voting against greater protections for renters.
Under the Fair Fuel Plan Phase 2, fuel retailers must also set the next day’s maximum price (cap) between 8:30am and 2:00pm. The cap will be published on Servo Saver website by 4:00pm.
The cap will apply from 6:00am (or a prescribed time) the next day and remain in place for 24 hours. During the 24 hour period, prices may be lowered but once lowered, cannot be increased.
Retailers are also required to report any change in price of every grade of fuel within 30 minutes of the change on the price board.
If by 2pm a retailer does not submit a cap for the following day, the previous day’s cap will automatically roll over.
As you would have read on these pages previously, ACAPMA has been critical of the unnecessarily rushed implementation process. The important next step that hasn’t yet been determined is when Phase 2 will come into effect.
Initially, the government planned on starting Phase 2 in December, however following advocacy by ACAPMA and members, the government has now indicated implementation will be ‘towards the end of January’.
This is still not ideal for a range of reasons, including key technical staff being on leave for the Christmas and New Year break and into January. The government wants Phase 2 up and running as soon as possible, but they need to be informed of the practical difficulties of implementation during the peak trading period.
ACAPMA will be advocating for introduction of Phase 2 toward the end of February or beginning of March. The chances of success are slim given the political imperatives of the government, but it’s important we advocate for this outcome.
ACAPMA
