 |
Recently motorists across NSW and the ACT have seen petrol prices at levels which did not reflect the drop in the price of crude oil. Enter NRMA. Our extensive campaign through the media to shame the oil companies into doing the right thing led to the chairman of the ACCC, Graeme Samuels, putting out a warning - drop your prices or else! The ACCC finally acted and the results were instant - prices plummeted by as much as 15 cents per litre. Sydney has enjoyed some of the most reasonable petrol prices we have seen in two years. |
Not long after the price drop, Petrol Watch showed that prices in Sydney began to creep up again in time for the Australia Day long weekend, so we went on the offensive again.
This time sustained public pressure by NRMA led to the Prime Minister warning the oil companies to do the right thing - and prices dropped again.
It is clear that this will be an ongoing battle to make sure motorists are not getting ripped off at the bowser, but we know that our public campaign does work.
It was a big victory for Members living in Sydney but our Members in regional NSW have not been as lucky.
Prices in regional towns and cities have remained outrageously high. The plight of country motorists has been noted and NRMA is not going to stop the campaign for a fair deal just because Sydney prices have dropped.
The ongoing P-plate debate in NSW has also attracted a lot of attention, much of it not based on evidence, which is what we develop our policy positions on.
The overwhelming majority of young drivers do the right thing and that is why NRMA is looking at a special partnership with the Confederation of Australian Motorsports (CAMS) to develop a program that promotes safe, sensible driving among young people in a fun way. It is a positive approach to safer driving.
Finally, I would like to pass on my sincerest condolences to the family of James Millner, NRMA President from 1984 to 1992. James had an extensive career in pharmaceuticals and served on the board of numerous companies and sporting groups. He passed away, aged 87.
Alan Evans President
