Fuel Security

Holzberger argued that the opposition's approach had led to the closure of four out of six refineries during their time in government. Holzberger cited ministerial figures indicating 39 days of petrol and 30 days of diesel and jet fuel reserves, stating that supply chains remained secure. Holzberger claimed the opposition was making political points rather than addressing the economy and criticised their ideological stance against renewable energy schemes.

Small argued that net-zero policies and bank defunding of oil developments had left Australia dependent on imports for over 90 per cent of liquid fuels. Small called for banning banks from defunding hydrocarbon exploitation and limiting shareholder activism that distracted from drilling. Small proposed using AI to expedite project approvals, which he claimed took up to a decade, and suggested UK-style tax exemptions for seafarers to build sovereign shipping capability.

Campbell defended the government's actions, noting the temporary amendment of fuel standards and the release of 20 per cent of baseline stockholding. Campbell highlighted legislation to ensure fair treatment of truck drivers and the establishment of a coordination taskforce. Campbell argued that the opposition oversaw the closure of two-thirds of refineries and stored reserves overseas, contrasting this with the government's current decisive actions.

Rebello stated that Australia was dangerously exposed with low OECD reserves and over 90 per cent import reliance. Rebello criticised the government for mixed messaging, shifting from denying a crisis to advising work-from-home arrangements. Rebello argued that the coalition had previously legislated the Fuel Security Act and increased diesel reserves by 40 per cent during the COVID pandemic. Rebello called for halving the fuel excise to provide immediate relief to Australians.

Mascarenhas attributed the disruption to global events, specifically the war in the Middle East blocking the Strait of Hormuz. Mascarenhas detailed government actions including releasing 762 million litres from strategic reserves, amending fuel quality standards, and convening the National Oil Supplies Emergency Committee. Mascarenhas noted that the opposition had closed refineries and stored fuel in Texas, while the government had empowered the ACCC to penalise price gouging and delivered tax cuts.

Pasin argued that the government had initially denied the existence of a crisis, delaying critical decisions. Pasin shared personal experiences of empty fuel stations and cited a business owner whose fuel costs had doubled from $5 million to $10 million annually. Pasin highlighted the impact on dairy farmers relying on diesel for electricity and called for the acceptance of the opposition's proposal to reduce fuel taxes.

Templeman emphasised the need to manage both supply and distribution, particularly for peri-urban areas and sectors like turf growers. Templeman noted the doubling of penalties for unfair pricing and the work of the National Fuel Supply Taskforce coordinator. Templeman stated that the government had released 20 per cent of fuel reserves, changed petrol and diesel standards, and supported refineries to ensure continued production.