Question Time AU

Bill Debate · Second Reading

Export Finance and Insurance Corporation Amendment) Strategic Reserve) Bill 2026; Second Reading

House of Representatives · Monday 30 March 2026

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

At a glance

The debate concerned the introduction of a strategic reserve for fuel and critical minerals to protect Australia from supply chain disruptions caused by global conflicts and market volatility. Chris Bowen argued that the bill was urgent and necessary to insulate Australians from rising costs and risks associated with securing fuel and minerals. He detailed government actions taken to boost fuel supplies and outlined the new powers granted to Export Finance Australia to acquire and stockpile strategic materials. The bill also implemented a commitment to establish a critical minerals reserve focusing on antimony, gallium, and rare earth elements. The debate concluded with the adjournment of discussion.

Outcome

Debate adjourned.

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

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Chris Bowen (McMahon) (Australian Labor Party) ALP

Bowen argued that the bill was essential for national security and economic resilience in the face of global instability and conflict. Bowen stated that the legislation would create a strategic reserve to secure supplies of fuel, critical minerals, and other vital goods. Bowen explained that Export Finance Australia would be given new powers to use financial tools such as insurance, loans, and derivatives to purchase and stockpile these materials. Bowen emphasized that the measure would address immediate fuel security concerns while also fulfilling a commitment to develop a critical minerals reserve. Bowen asserted that these actions would shield Australians from future supply chain disruptions and support high-value jobs.