Energy Minister Mr Francis Logan commissioned the inquiry into the affordability of bottled liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in Western Australia in July 2006 in response to concerns from consumers, particularly people in regional areas and on fixed incomes who are dependent on bottled LPG as a residential energy source.
The inquiry was commissioned to provide advice and recommendations to Government on the affordability of bottled LPG for households in Western Australia having regard to price, income, sustainability principles, other energy sources and gas supply alternatives.
The investigation was conducted by Collie MLA Mr Mick Murray and Avon MLA Mr Max Trenorden. Consultation included public hearings in selected regional towns and meetings with key industry, Government and community stakeholders.
The inquiry has delivered its report for consideration by Government. The Minister for Energy tabled the report in Parliament on 30 August 2007.
The Office of Energy released the report for a 6 week public consultation period and sought submissions from all interested parties on the findings and recommendations presented in the inquiry’s report.
The closing date for public submissions was Tuesday, 9 October 2007.
Taking into consideration any submissions, it is anticipated that the State Government will respond to the report’s findings and recommendations in early 2008.
For the full report, download: LPG Final Report July 2007.PDF
A copy of the report may also be obtained by request to:
Phone: (08) 9420 5600
Email: lpginquiry@energy.wa.gov.au
As part of the research and analysis for the inquiry, consultants were engaged to carry out specific studies.
Economic Research Associates was engaged to conduct a research study of the impact of LPG retail pricing on households in Western Australia and build an economic model of cost and affordability.
Data Analysis Australia Pty Ltd was engaged to carry out a telephone survey of pricing, usage and affordability of bottled LPG in households across Western Australia.
The consultants’ reports are available to download via the links below:
ERA Economic Modelling Report.PDF
DAA Survey Report.PDF
As part of the consultation process, public hearings were held in 17 country towns across the State to give members of the public, local businesses and community organisations the opportunity to discuss their concerns directly with the inquiry members.
Download the summary of the Public Hearings via the link below:
Public Hearings Summary.PDF
An Issues Paper was released in November 2006 and 26 written submissions were received.
The Issues Paper covers:
Download the Issues Paper via the link below:
LPG Inquiry Issues Paper November 2006 PDF
Written submissions on the Issues Paper can be viewed via the links below:
Jaye Radisich MLA, Member for Swan Hills
Western Australian Council of Social Service
Mrs Pam Batten, State President, Country Women’s Association of Western Australia
Mr Peter White, Dawesville Gas Group
Mr Peter Jacka, South Yunderup
Mr J Dicks, Busselton
Mr Michael Pearce, Bunbury
Mr Trevor Sharp, Kellerberrin
Mrs Frances Gould, Windy Ridge
Ian and Alison Pinches, Yanchep
Mr Roy Gay, Mundaring
Mr Link Harris, Greenough
Ms Alison Morris, Broome
Mr Stephen Jones, Karratha
Mr Murray Nixon, Country Regions Council of WA
Mr Martin Griffiths, Merriden
Australian LPG Association
Wesfarmers Kleenheat Gas Pty Ltd
Origin Energy
Great Southern Development Commission
Office of Seniors’ Interests and Volunteering
City of Mandurah
Wheatbelt Development Commission
Department of Consumer and Employment Protection
The Terms of Reference for the inquiry are available to download via the link below:
LPG Inquiry Terms of Reference PDF
General queries about making a submission or the inquiry can be sent to:
Office of Energy
Bottled LPG Inquiry
Level 9, Governor Stirling Tower
197 St Georges Terrace
Perth WA 6000
Or by email to: lpginquiry@energy.wa.gov.au. Electronic queries are encouraged.
