Media release

Australian Protectionist Party National Chairman and South Australian Spokesman Mr. Andrew Phillips today expressed concern at the Rudd Government's willful neglect at addressing the true cause of our spiraling cost of living.

"For some reason both the Government and the Opposition seem to be focusing the debate on how much it costs to fill the family car, which of course is a major concern to Rudd's much touted 'working families', however the average Australian would be better served if some of this attention were redirected to the cost of diesel".

"Diesel is used in the transportation and production of most of our goods" Mr. Phillips continued "when the price of diesel goes up all Australians get hit in the hip pocket through rising prices, while the government gets an ever-increasing chunk of GST from the prices we are charged in the supermarket".

The Australian Protectionist Party believes the nation's resources should be utilized for the benefit of the Australian people. We produce enough oil to meet at least 70% of our own needs, yet the government allows price fixing of fuel by linking us to parity pricing based on Singapore's prices - a nation which imports all its fuel.

"Australians have a right to ask why their government sanctions price fixing for fuel when such behaviour in any other sector would result in legal action" Mr. Phillips continued "likewise, the government should also explain the reason for double-dipping with the GST by taxing the levy already imposed on fuel".

"If Rudd were honest with Australians, he could easily drop fuel prices by at least 8c per litre and bring spiraling prices at the checkout under some form of control" Mr. Phillips concluded.



Statement issued by Mr. Andrew Phillips
National Chairman and S.A. spokesman, Australian Protectionist Party
16th June 2008