Question Time AU

General Debate

Fuel

House of Representatives · Monday 30 March 2026

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

At a glance

The debate centred on a motion moved by the Liberal Party condemning the government's handling of fuel rationing and supply shortages. The government defended its multi-stage plan, which included halving the fuel excise, releasing strategic reserves, and establishing a taskforce. Opposition members argued the government lacked urgency and failed to protect regional supply chains, citing specific outages and reliance on imports. Government speakers highlighted immediate cost-of-living relief and coordinated management of global market instability.

Outcome

The motion was debated but the transcript does not state the final vote result.

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

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Tom Venning (Grey) (Liberal Party) Liberal

Venning moved the motion, arguing that wholesalers were rationing fuel and the government had failed to provide a clear security plan. Venning highlighted that 52 per cent of energy consumption relied on liquid fuels and noted significant outages in New South Wales and his electorate. Venning criticised the Prime Minister's suggestion to purchase electric vehicles as unrealistic for heavy industry and agriculture, citing battery limitations. Venning called for an immediate distribution plan and long-term strategy, warning that delays in urea imports threatened food security.

Opposition response

David Littleproud (Maranoa) (National Party) Nationals

Littleproud seconded the motion, asserting that over 500 fuel stations were empty due to a lack of government planning. Littleproud argued that the government ignored advice regarding geopolitical risks and failed to utilise monitoring powers to track fuel distribution. Littleproud claimed the government prioritised capital cities while regional areas like Dalby and Allora faced shortages. Littleproud expressed no confidence in the ACCC's ability to hold major fuel companies accountable despite increased penalties.