Fwd from Mike Jureidini, Australian Farmers Fuel
Senator Lyn Allison
Australian Democrats Energy and Resources Spokesperson
MEDIA RELEASE 03/857
Government fails ethanol, again
Ethanol labelling will go ahead under the Fuel Quality Standards
Amendment Bill, passed in the Senate despite being misleading, unfair
and anti-competitive, the Australian Democrats said today.
Democrats' Energy and Resources spokesperson, Senator Lyn Allison,
said, "By singling out ethanol blended petrol for labelling and
ignoring harmful alternative additives such as toluene, benzene and
xylene, the Government is just feeding the paranoia that's been
created by the Labor Party.
"Labor's campaign against ethanol has had a hugely damaging effect on
the industry and consumer confidence and the Government has failed to
defend its many benefits or show any leadership on this issue.
"Ethanol acts as an oxygenate that makes fuel burn cleaner and more
efficiently; it reduces carbon monoxide and harmful greenhouse gases;
it is a renewable source of fuel; and it provides rural and regional
communities with job and wealth creation prospects."
Senator Allison said, "Democrat amendments to the bill would have
introduced a 'star rating' scheme for all automotive fuels sold in
Australia, similar to the efficiency rating on new cars.
"The Government had an opportunity to get a very important message
across about the relative effects of fuel emissions on public health
and the environment and the relevant fuel efficiency, giving
consumers the information they need to make informed decisions.
"The risk of car damage from ethanol blended petrol has not been
demonstrated and to go ahead with ethanol warning labels will further
contribute to this negative campaign."
The Democrats also reiterated their call for ethanol blended petrol
to be mandated, phased in over a realistic time frame and a
re-thinking of the wrong-headed push by Treasury to impose excise on
alternative fuels from 2008.
"It is time to show leadership; it is time to show the way," Senator
Allison concluded.
Contact: Vara Szajkowski 0408 056 167
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