Premier commends Penn, takes aim at Turnbull

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley recently praised Opposition Leader Marlon Penn for what he described as a “reasonable” approach to scrutinising the Consumer Protection Amendment Bill, while sharply criticising Melvin ‘Mitch’ Turnbull, for what he said was emotional and politically charged opposition lacking substance.  

Defending the controversial legislation in the House of Assembly, Dr Wheatley drew a clear distinction between the two opposition lawmakers as the government fought back against criticism that the bill does little to address the territory’s worsening cost-of-living crisis.

“I thought that the Leader of the Opposition took a reasonable approach in scrutinising this amendment Act,” Premier Wheatley said.

But his tone shifted quickly when addressing Turnbull.

“His colleague and newly appointed deputy (of the NDP), however, took a different approach,” the Premier said, adding that Turnbull had “opposed for opposing sake.”

Dr Wheatley went further, accusing the Second District representative of offering a contribution with “not much substance” and making “a lot of emotional appeals” aimed at the public. He later withdrew and apologised after Deputy Speaker Karl Dawson cautioned him against implying improper motives.

The clash comes after both opposition members criticised the Consumer Protection Amendment Bill, though from somewhat different angles.

Weakening accountability

Penn argued the legislation weakens accountability by scrapping the long-proposed Trade Commission in favour of a minister-led model, raising concerns about insufficient independent oversight and whether the government could genuinely ensure that savings from duty relief are passed on to consumers.

Turnbull, meanwhile, delivered a more assertive broadside, arguing the bill “doesn’t go far enough” to help struggling Virgin Islanders, claiming it focused too heavily on administrative systems instead of direct relief from soaring grocery and fuel costs.

Premier Wheatley rejected those criticisms, insisting Turnbull had misstated key facts. He said the legislation is far more than an administrative exercise, arguing it finally activates meaningful consumer protections that currently do not exist in law.

“Consumers don’t really have rights, right now. They’re not protected in law,” Wheatley argued.

The Premier also pushed back strongly against suggestions that the legislation could immediately lower fuel prices, saying such claims were misleading because global oil markets — not local legislation — dictate fuel costs.

“We’re in a market economy,” Dr Wheatley said, pointing to international supply disruptions and geopolitical tensions as the real drivers of high petroleum prices.

Still, Premier Wheatley did concede one point raised by Turnbull, saying the government may need to strengthen anti-price gouging protections.

“One thing that the member said that I do agree with … we have to look more closely at anti-price gouging,” the Premier admitted.