The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission shortly will be distributing an Issues Paper on matters relevant to its inquiry into petrol pricing.
The inquiry will call for public submissions particularly to address issues raised in the paper.
On the basis of responses received, the ACCC will then hold a series of public hearings most probably in the capital cities and some regional centres.
The inquiry will be conducted by the Chairman of the ACCC, Mr Graeme Samuel, and Commissioners, Mr John Martin and Dr Stephen King.
This is a price inquiry under the prices surveillance provisions of the Trade Practices Act 1974. These provisions provide the ACCC with information-gathering powers and the ability to take evidence on oath from witnesses.
In accordance with the provisions in the Act the ACCC is required, as soon as practicable, to give notice that an inquiry is being held. Therefore, the attached notice is being published in the Gazette and in newspapers circulating in each State and Territory.
Information about the inquiry will be available on the ACCC website.
The inquiry is due to report to the Treasurer by 15 October 2007.
