Matter of Public Importance

Fuel Security

House of Representatives · Wednesday 11 March 2026

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

At a glance

The debate centred on concerns regarding fuel distribution, rising prices, and potential shortages affecting farmers and businesses. Opposition members argued that the government was failing to manage supply chains and was ignoring the impact on regional communities and primary producers. Government members countered that Australia was fuel secure, with adequate reserves and ongoing imports, attributing issues to demand spikes rather than supply failures. They highlighted regulatory actions to prevent price gouging and long-term strategies to reduce energy costs through competition reform and renewable energy adoption.

Outcome

No vote was taken as this was a Matter of Public Importance.

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

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Dan Tehan (Wannon) (Liberal Party) Liberal

Tehan criticised the Minister for Climate Change and Energy for poor management of fuel distribution and rising costs. Tehan argued that the minister was distracted by international roles and failing to address constituent concerns about diesel shortages. Tehan claimed that fuel price increases of up to 40 per cent were exacerbating the cost-of-living crisis and threatening food security by hindering farming operations. Tehan asserted that the government's economic mismanagement was leading to higher mortgage repayments and supermarket prices.

Government response

Andrew Leigh (Fenner) (Australian Labor Party) ALP

Leigh stated that Australia was not experiencing a fuel shortage but rather localised disruptions due to demand spikes. Leigh highlighted that fuel reserves were at their highest level in 15 years and that ships were arriving regularly. Leigh announced that penalties for anticompetitive conduct would be doubled to $100 million and that the ACCC would ramp up fuel price monitoring. Leigh argued that the government's competition reforms and support for electric vehicles were reducing pressure on fuel supplies and improving consumer protection.

Opposition response

Melissa McIntosh (Lindsay) (Liberal Party) Liberal

McIntosh argued that fuel price spikes and supply uncertainty were severely impacting small businesses and tradies in Western Sydney. McIntosh cited examples of transport operators facing rationing and increased operating costs, which were being passed on to consumers. McIntosh claimed that the government's failure to ensure stable fuel supply was crushing business margins and threatening jobs. McIntosh asserted that the government's leadership was missing and that the situation was causing unnecessary hardship for families and businesses.

Matt Smith (Leichhardt) (Australian Labor Party) ALP support

Smith reassured constituents that fuel supplies were secure, citing specific reserve volumes for diesel, petrol, and jet fuel. Smith condemned the opposition for using fear for political gain and spreading misinformation about supply shortages. Smith emphasised that the government was working with suppliers to resolve supply-chain issues and prevent profiteering.
Rick Wilson (O'Connor) (Liberal Party) Liberal oppose

Wilson highlighted concerns from potato farmers and wheat belt growers in Western Australia who were facing fuel supply uncertainties. Wilson argued that the minister failed to provide guarantees that farmers would receive necessary fuel for harvesting and sowing. Wilson expressed concern that global conflicts could impact fuel imports and that the government was not taking the issue seriously enough.
Tania Lawrence (Hasluck) (Australian Labor Party) ALP support

Lawrence stated that Australia was fuel secure and above minimum stockholding obligations despite global volatility. Lawrence encouraged constituents to use WA FuelWatch to find competitive prices and noted that the government had increased ACCC penalties to deter price gouging. Lawrence highlighted the Cheaper Home Batteries Program as a long-term solution to reduce energy costs and reliance on the grid.
Michael McCormack (Riverina) (National Party) Nationals oppose

McCormack raised concerns from trucking operators and farmers in regional Australia who were struggling to access fuel supplies. McCormack argued that the government was not providing convincing answers or solutions to distribution issues. McCormack warned that if trucking companies could not get fuel, it would disrupt food distribution and lead to higher prices at checkout.
Jo Briskey (Maribyrnong) (Australian Labor Party) ALP support

Briskey criticised the opposition for fearmongering and amplifying anxiety during a global crisis. Briskey reiterated that Australia was fuel secure and that the government had taken practical steps to strengthen fuel security. Briskey highlighted the government's cost-of-living measures, including tax cuts and cheaper medicines, as evidence of responsible management.
Tom Venning (Grey) (Liberal Party) Liberal oppose

Venning argued that surging fuel prices and rationing were exacerbating the cost-of-living crisis and threatening primary producers. Venning cited constituents who were facing difficulties accessing fuel and rising costs for transport and fertiliser. Venning claimed that the government's lack of trustworthiness was leading to panic buying and that action was needed to move fuel around the country.
Julie-Ann Campbell (Moreton) (Australian Labor Party) ALP support

Campbell accused the opposition of exploiting an international crisis for political gain and driving fear among Australians. Campbell highlighted the government's actions to secure domestic fuel reserves and bolster ACCC powers to stop price gouging. Campbell argued that the government was working with stakeholders to ensure responsible communication and maintain fuel security.

Opened by

Dan Tehan (Wannon) (Liberal Party)

Liberal

Speeches

10 speeches, 7 other contributors

Topics

Agriculture Climate & Energy Fuel Security Regional Australia Trade

Debate Universities Accord (Opening the Doors of Opportunity) Bill 2026; Second Reading Bill Debate, 16 Sep 2026 · Shared topic: Regional Australia
Debate Red Lines Package Omnibus Bill 2026; Second Reading Bill Debate, 15 Sep 2026 · Shared topic: Trade
Question Time House Question Time 11 Aug 2026 · Shared topics: Agriculture, Climate & Energy
Question Time House Question Time 14 Sep 2026 · Shared topics: Climate & Energy, Fuel Security

About House of Representatives debates

The House of Representatives debates bills, motions and matters of public importance in its main chamber. Members from all parties can take part, and the responsible minister usually replies for the government. Summaries are in reported speech, not transcripts; always check the official record before quoting.