Question Time AU

Matter of Public Importance

Fuel Security

Senate · Tuesday 10 March 2026

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

At a glance

The debate centred on whether the government had adequately prepared Australia for fuel supply disruptions caused by escalating conflict in the Middle East. Opposition members argued that rising prices and regional shortages demonstrated a failure of government planning and reliance on inadequate reserves. Government ministers countered that national fuel stocks were secure, exceeding minimum obligations, and that current market pressures were due to global factors rather than domestic supply failures. The discussion highlighted divergent views on the role of renewable energy, strategic reserves, and the effectiveness of government interventions.

Outcome

The matter of public importance was debated without a vote.

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

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Dean Smith (WA) (Liberal Party) Liberal

Smith argued that the government had failed to prepare for geopolitical risks despite warnings from the Reserve Bank of Australia. Smith noted that Australia imports 80 to 90 per cent of its liquid fuels and relies on contested maritime routes, making the nation vulnerable to price shocks. Smith claimed that rising petrol prices were fueling inflation and interest rates, contradicting government assurances that inflation was under control. Smith asserted that the coalition was committed to protecting living standards and that the government's lack of a clear plan was causing community anxiety.

Government response

Glenn Sterle (WA) (Australian Labor Party) ALP

Sterle assured the Senate that Australia was fuel secure, with stocks above minimum obligations, including 36 days of petrol and 32 days of diesel. Sterle stated that the National Oil Supplies Emergency Committee had met to share information and found no evidence of a national shortage. Sterle attributed supply chain impacts to global market pressures rather than domestic failures and criticised the opposition for stirring fear. Sterle highlighted government actions, including keeping the Kwinana refinery open and implementing minimum stockholding obligations, contrasting these with the previous government's policies.

Opposition response

Jacinta Nampijinpa Price (NT) (Country Liberal Party) Country Liberal Party

Price argued that Australia is a diesel economy heavily reliant on hydrocarbons and exposed to Middle Eastern conflicts. Price claimed that Minister Bowen was procrastinating and failing to use available powers to address supply shortages and keep prices down. Price cited national security experts who recommended building onshore national fuel reserves and criticised the government's focus on green energy as a dangerous delusion. Price urged the government to develop sovereign energy sources to ensure self-reliance rather than depending on overseas suppliers.