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Senate · Monday 23 March 2026

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

At a glance

Senators debated the government's handling of a national fuel supply crisis, with opposition members arguing that the government had initially denied the severity of the issue and failed to address logistical failures affecting farmers and construction. Government senators defended their actions, citing the release of fuel reserves, the appointment of a taskforce coordinator, and long-term investments in domestic fuel production, while accusing the opposition of fearmongering. The debate highlighted concerns over rising fuel prices, shortages of diesel and urea, and the impact on regional communities and the broader economy.

Outcome

Question agreed to.

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

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Ross Cadell (NSW) (National Party) Nationals

Cadell argued that the government had evolved from denial to acceptance of a national fuel crisis but lacked understanding of logistical realities. Cadell criticised the appointment of a water expert to manage fuel supplies and disputed the government's claim that high-sulphur petrol could substitute for diesel, noting that agricultural machinery requires diesel. Cadell warned that shortages of diesel and urea would prevent planting and harvesting, leading to future food insecurity and higher costs. Cadell also highlighted impacts on the construction industry, noting that urea is essential for glue used in housing materials, and argued that reliance on the ACCC was insufficient to resolve supply chain failures.

Government response

Dorinda Cox (WA) (Australian Labor Party) ALP

Cox stated that the government was implementing practical measures to shield Australians from global economic uncertainty caused by conflict in the Middle East. Cox defended allowing a 20 per cent reduction in the minimum stockholding requirement for petrol and diesel, rejecting claims that this was misleading. Cox announced the appointment of Anthea Harris as Fuel Supply Taskforce Coordinator to lead coordination between Commonwealth and state governments on fuel security and supply-chain resilience. Cox emphasised that the government was working with industry and state partners to ensure fuel reached regional communities and that they would continue to explore all practical options to protect households and businesses.

Opposition response

Jessica Collins (NSW) (Liberal Party) Liberal

Collins criticised the government for initially dismissing concerns as demand-driven and blaming Australians for filling jerry cans, rather than acknowledging a supply crisis. Collins reported that over 100 diesel bowsers in New South Wales had run out, with 35 stations out of all fuel, and noted that farmers were sleeping beside machinery to protect their supplies. Collins highlighted rising costs in the construction sector, with PVC pipes increasing by 30 per cent and HDP rising by 36 per cent, and mentioned that local councils were forced to use fuel cards due to bulk storage restrictions. Collins argued that the government needed to be upfront about protecting fuel supplies rather than offering vague assurances or appointing coordinators instead of acting through the energy minister.