VIC: Opposition calls for gas cheats to be named in parliament

AAP General News (Australia)
04-04-1999
VIC: Opposition calls for gas cheats to be named in parliament

The Victorian opposition says hundreds of people who ignored restrictions during last
year's gas crisis should be named in state parliament if they can't be prosecuted under
existing laws.

Opposition energy spokesman PETER LONEY says 450 people believed to have flouted
restrictions during the two-week gas shutdown appear unlikely to be prosecuted under current
laws, which are unclear and flawed.

He says those who ignored the restrictions -- which followed a fatal explosion and fire at
Esso's Longford gas plant -- should be tabled in parliament to embarrass them.

Those who used gas when meters were supposed to be turned off during the crisis were
threatened with fines of $10,000 for individuals and $100,000 for businesses.

Mr LONEY says the government originally estimated about 450 people would be prosecuted for
flouting the restrictions but he says this number is now down to a couple of cases.

He says the government has to act immediately to restore community confidence.

The government says the matter is in the hands of the Office of Gas Safety.

AAP RTV ba/imc/am

KEYWORD: GAS (MELBOURNE)

1999 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.