Mr JOHNSON (4:12 PM) —I am pleased to speak on the motion on petrol prices moved by the member for Richmond, because it is another example of the opposition and, in this case, the member for Richmond gilding the lily. The presentation by the member for Cunningham, who has just spoken, is another example of an incomplete contribution in every sense of the word. This is another motion that tries to challenge the credibility of the Howard government, and it fails miserably.

The motion fails to take into account, as my colleagues have already suggested, that a former shadow minister of the Labor Party, the opposition, has written an article in the Canberra Times about all the factors that contribute to the increase in petrol prices and all the dynamics that are involved with rising prices where that occurs. I want to quote from that article because it is very instructive. The member for Rankin says:

Anyone listening to this address or watching it here in the parliament would be very interested to know what this motion is about. I want to read the motion by the member for Richmond. She asks:

The sum of $1.20 per litre is the essence of the motion. I actually took the opportunity today to have a look at what petrol prices were in the electorate of the member for Richmond. Lo and behold, what do I discover? Remarkable prices that stand well below the price of $1.20 per litre, as suggested by the member for Richmond. That is another superb example of a federal Labor opposition member gilding the lily and failing to be complete in the entire story. In Murwillumbah, the price of petrol is $1.10.9; in Kingscliff—in the electorate of Richmond—it is $1.17; in Brunswick Heads, it is $1.14.9; in Alstonville, it is $1.15; in Hastings Point, it is $1.08.5; in Tweed Heads, it is $1.09.9; in Bangalow, it is $1.14.9; in Uki, it is $1.15.9; and, in Tyalgum, it is $1.15.9. That is in sharp contrast to the motion that says that regional petrol prices are $1.20 per litre. It is very important for members of the coalition to remember—and I am sure they do not need any reminding—to always be careful regarding what members opposite say. It is very important because they quite often fail to be complete and accurate in what they allege.

When we compare petrol prices in this country to international prices, such comparisons reveal that we are better placed than many of our international competitors. This country enjoys more competitive prices than most places in the world. We rank fourth lowest among OECD countries for petrol prices, according to the International Energy Agency. Only the USA, Mexico and Canada have lower petrol prices. I am highly disappointed that someone who is so concerned about petrol prices and has moved in this House a motion on petrol prices fails to sit in the chamber whilst this motion is being discussed.

The motion also refers to jobs. As the Treasurer mentioned in question time today, the Howard government has created over 1.7 million jobs since its election in 1996. (Time expired)

The DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr Jenkins)—Order! The time allotted for this debate has expired. The debate is adjourned. The resumption of the debate will be made an order of the day for the next sitting. The member for Ryan will have leave to continue speaking when and if the debate is resumed.