Take Note Debate

Fuel

Senate · Wednesday 1 April 2026

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

At a glance

Senators debated the government's handling of a fuel supply shortage, with opposition members criticising the administration for delaying crisis acknowledgment and avoiding parliamentary scrutiny. Government senators defended their response by outlining the National Fuel Security Plan and various economic measures implemented to stabilise supplies and costs. The debate highlighted concerns over consumer confidence and the timing of the Prime Minister's national address. Opposition speakers argued that the government's actions had exacerbated public anxiety and failed to address underlying supply chain issues. The motion to take note of the answers was agreed to without a recorded vote.

Outcome

The motion to take note of the answers given by the Minister for Foreign Affairs was 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

Richard Colbeck (TAS) (Liberal Party) Liberal

Colbeck argued that the government had denied the existence of a fuel crisis for two weeks before acknowledging it after parliament adjourned. Colbeck claimed that over 800 fuel stations were currently out of diesel or unleaded petrol due to supply chain failures. Colbeck criticised the Prime Minister for choosing to address the nation via a pre-recorded statement rather than facing parliamentary questions. Colbeck asserted that the government lacked understanding of domestic fuel logistics and was attempting to deflect responsibility for the situation.

Opposition response

Maria Kovacic (NSW) (Liberal Party) Liberal

Kovacic contended that the government had previously dismissed opposition warnings as scaremongering before admitting to a crisis. Kovacic questioned the transparency of the administration, noting that answers to parliamentary inquiries appeared to rely on prepared talking points. Kovacic raised concerns that the Prime Minister's national address was prerecorded, suggesting this prevented senators from holding the executive to account. Kovacic argued that Australians deserved clear information regarding fuel stock levels and distribution strategies.

Glenn Sterle (WA) (Australian Labor Party) ALP support

Sterle referenced a 2015 inquiry into fuel supplies, noting that historical data on reserve days was often inaccurate and included unfilled orders. Sterle acknowledged that while major truck stops remained supplied, some regional outlets had run dry despite increased overall fuel availability. Sterle emphasised his understanding of supply chains through his background in the trucking industry and noted the government's improved visibility of incoming shipments.
Jana Stewart (VIC) (Australian Labor Party) ALP support

Stewart argued that the government was actively shielding Australians from global shocks caused by conflict in Iran. Stewart outlined the four-level National Fuel Security Plan and listed measures including halving the fuel excise, pausing road user charges, and increasing penalties for cartel behaviour. Stewart detailed the release of fuel reserves, changes to fuel standards, and the establishment of a $2 billion emergency pool. Stewart stated that these actions demonstrated urgency and a commitment to protecting critical services and industry.
Paul Scarr (QLD) (Liberal Party) Liberal oppose

Scarr cited consumer confidence data, stating it had reached its lowest level in 50 years, which he attributed to the government's crisis management. Scarr questioned why the Prime Minister delivered a prerecorded address instead of speaking in parliament while it was sitting. Scarr highlighted economic forecasts predicting headline inflation would peak at 5.4 per cent and the cash rate at 4.85 per cent. Scarr argued that these economic pressures were devastating for homeowners and indicated a failure to protect national interests.

Opened by

Richard Colbeck (TAS) (Liberal Party)

Liberal

Speeches

6 speeches, 3 other contributors

Topics

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About Senate debates

The Senate debates bills, motions, matters of public importance and the answers given in Question Time. Senators from all parties and the crossbench take part, and a minister or the minister representing them usually replies for the government. Summaries are in reported speech, not transcripts; always check the official record before quoting.