Question Time AU

Matter of Public Importance

Energy

House of Representatives · Tuesday 10 March 2026

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

The debate centred on allegations that the government was failing to address fuel supply issues affecting regional Australia and the agricultural sector. Opposition members argued that diesel shortages were threatening food security and that the minister was unaware of local conditions, while government members maintained that national stockpiles were sufficient and that localised issues stemmed from demand spikes and panic buying rather than systemic supply failures. The discussion also covered broader economic policies, including tax cuts, energy transition modelling, and fuel efficiency standards. Government speakers emphasised their record on economic security and fuel reserves, whereas opposition members criticised the government's climate policies and handling of the crisis.

Outcome

The matter of public importance was debated without a vote being taken.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Hogan argued that there was a genuine fuel supply crisis affecting wholesalers, retailers, and the transport sector, which threatened national food security. Hogan criticised the Minister for Climate Change and Energy for failing to communicate specific actions taken to resolve the issue or to address community fears. Hogan contended that the government's net zero 2050 plan was reckless and economically damaging, proposing instead that Australia match OECD average emission reductions. Hogan also highlighted rising inflation figures compared to the US and Europe, and accused the government of failing to deliver on the promised $275 electricity bill rebate.

Government response

Mulino stated that Australia's national fuel supply was secure, with stockpiles for petrol, jet fuel, and diesel meeting or exceeding minimum obligations. Mulino acknowledged localised difficulties in obtaining diesel but attributed these to demand spikes rather than national supply shortages, noting that the government had convened emergency committees and industry roundtables. Mulino argued that an orderly energy transition was economically superior to a disorderly one or no transition, citing Treasury modelling. Mulino also outlined government achievements in economic security, including tax cuts, housing support, healthcare access, and superannuation reforms, contrasting these with opposition policies.

Opposition response

Hamilton criticised the energy minister for being unaware of specific regions experiencing fuel shortages and for taking a hands-off approach to the crisis. Hamilton referenced the 2021 AdBlue shortage, arguing that the government should have used ACCC powers to facilitate distributor cooperation as the previous coalition government had done. Hamilton asserted that the minister had access to real-time data on fuel stocks but was failing to act on uneven distribution issues. Hamilton concluded that the minister's disconnect from reality was detrimental to Australians facing higher fuel costs and closed service stations.