Mr Andren asked the Prime Minister, upon notice, on 9 August 1999:

(1) Did he state in his "Safeguarding the future: Australia's response to climate change" ministerial statement on 20 November 1997 that the Government will be bringing forward the phase out of leaded petrol ahead of 2010, with details of implementation to address social equity issues; if so, what are the details.

(2) What is the new date for the phase out of leaded petrol.

(3) Has the Government consulted motoring organisations and the petroleum industry to develop options for meeting the adjustment needs of owners of leaded petrol vehicles; if so, what are the options; if not, why not.

Mr Howard (Prime Minister) —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows:

(1) Yes. The statement "Safeguarding the future: Australia's response to climate change" (20 November 1997) included a commitment to bring forward the phase out of leaded petrol, taking equity considerations into account.

In response, I am advised that Environment Australia circulated a discussion paper (December 1998) designed to identify the issues resulting from the complete withdrawal from sale of leaded petrol, encourage stakeholders to raise additional issues they considered relevant, and assist in the development of a national strategy to phase out leaded petrol.

Environment Australia is now reviewing stakeholder comments, and will prepare a strategy for the phase out of leaded petrol for consideration by the Minister for the Environment and Heritage in late 1999. This strategy will include implementation details that address social equity issues.

(2) A national phase out date has not yet been set. It is intended to specify a date in the national leaded petrol phase out strategy.

I am advised that Western Australia announced on 2 August 1999 that leaded petrol will be phased out in WA by 1 January 2000. Shell Australia Limited has announced that it intends to introduce a lead replacement petrol (LRP) in Victoria in late 2000. Shell has already introduced a LRP at two sites in Perth.

(3) Yes. Motoring organisations and the petroleum industry have been consulted to ensure the availability of a suitable replacement fuel for use in those pre-1986 vehicles that require leaded petrol.

This can be achieved by either pre-blending an anti-valve seat recession additive (ASRA) to high octane unleaded fuel at the refinery; or through the sale of customer-added ASRAs at service station forecourts.