House of Representatives

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that Australia was currently fuel secure, with fuel imports at ports matching pre-conflict levels. He attributed the closure of four out of six refineries to the previous government and warned retailers against price-gouging or making misleading statements, noting that the ACCC had been given new powers and penalties increased fivefold to $50 million. He emphasized that the government was working to protect families and primary producers.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister announced the deployment of an E-7A Wedgetail aircraft and long-range air-to-air weapons to the UAE for collective defence. He noted that over 2,600 Australians had returned from the region since 4 March via 18 flights, with four more scheduled. He confirmed the granting of five humanitarian visas to players on the Iranian women's soccer team and stated he had spoken with President Trump regarding the matter.

Answer from The Prime Minister (Anthony Albanese)

The Prime Minister did not provide a substantive answer, as the question was a statement of association rather than a request for information.

Answer from Chris Bowen

The minister acknowledged difficulties in obtaining diesel in rural and regional areas, citing demand increases of 100 per cent in Mildura and 280 per cent in the Adelaide Hills and Barossa. He stated that national fuel security remained strong due to minimum stock obligations and that the National Oil Supplies Emergency Committee had met three times in the previous week. He criticized the Deputy Premier of Queensland for allegedly encouraging panic buying by misrepresenting stock levels.

Answer from Richard Marles

The minister confirmed the deployment of an E-7A Wedgetail aircraft and 85 personnel to the Gulf for an initial four-week period to assist the UAE and other nations. He noted the aircraft would be operational by the end of the week and that advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles were also being provided. He emphasized that these were defensive measures to protect Australians and allies in the region.

Answer from Chris Bowen

The minister stated that ensuring fuel security for liquid fuels was the government's priority. He highlighted a $1.1 billion fund for low-carbon liquid fuel manufacturing and noted a reduction in gas usage in the energy grid from 2.7 terawatt-hours to 1.5 terawatt-hours compared to the previous summer. He affirmed that the diesel fuel rebate policy remained unchanged to support farmers.

Answer from Tony Burke

The minister confirmed that five members of the team had been granted humanitarian visas after being moved to a safe location by the Australian Federal Police. He stated that security checks were conducted by ASIO and the AFP before the visas were signed off. He welcomed the women to Australia and indicated that other team members could also seek support if they wished.

Answer from Chris Bowen

The minister acknowledged supply chain pressures in regional Australia and stated that the National Oil Supplies Emergency Committee had met three times. He noted that peak industry groups requested public reassurance to prevent panic buying. He announced that minimum stock obligation figures would now be reported weekly instead of quarterly.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer noted significant market volatility, with oil prices rising from $73 to nearly $120 a barrel. He stated that Australia was well-placed due to strong economic growth, low unemployment, and robust financial systems. He highlighted large fuel stockpiles and empowered ACCC penalties of up to $50 million for price-gouging.

Answer from Chris Bowen

The minister reiterated that diesel shortages in rural areas were driven by panic buying and demand spikes, not a lack of national supply. He stated that industry groups requested public reassurance as the primary government action. He invited members to raise specific concerns with him for resolution with industry.

Answer from Julie Collins

The minister stated that the government was monitoring impacts and working with exporters to ensure safe return of disrupted products. She highlighted a roundtable with industry groups and noted that most fertilizer for the upcoming planting season was already in the country or on the water. She emphasized that fuel and fertilizer supply chain resilience was a key priority of the national food security strategy.

Answer from Chris Bowen

The minister stated that national fuel security was strong and that ships were continuing to arrive. He attributed supply pressures to panic buying and excessive ordering. He confirmed that minimum stock obligation reporting had been increased to weekly and invited the member to provide constructive ideas for improvement.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister listed achievements including 132 urgent care clinics, increased bulk-billing rates, reduced PBS medicine costs, and tax cuts. He highlighted funding for schools and hospitals, paid practical training for students, and free TAFE for 750,000 Australians. He stated that the government was focused on delivery while the opposition was distracted.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer stated that the government was committed to robust legal and ethical frameworks for AI and was engaging internationally. He noted that the budget had not been finalized but assured the member that the government was attentive to AI risks and opportunities.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The minister highlighted the construction of 330 new homes in the member's electorate as part of a target to build 55,000 homes via the Housing Australia Future Fund. She shared a personal story of a resident benefiting from the program. She identified the opposition's opposition to the fund as the primary risk to housing delivery.

Answer from Chris Bowen

The minister reiterated that national fuel supplies were secure and that regional pressures were due to panic buying. He stated that the National Oil Supplies Emergency Committee would continue to meet weekly and that officials from all governments, including Queensland, were involved. He criticized the Deputy Premier of Queensland for allegedly misleading the public.

Answer from Mark Butler

The minister highlighted the opening of 132 urgent care clinics and expanded medical school places in Cairns, Launceston, and the Northern Territory. He noted a 50 per cent increase in newly registered doctors since pre-COVID levels and record enrolments in general practice, with 2,100 young doctors choosing the field this year.

Answer from Catherine King

The minister stated that reopening the highway was an operational matter for the NSW government due to complex geotechnical issues. She noted that the federal government had previously funded parts of the highway but that a $14 billion tunnel was not proposed. She indicated that future projects would be considered based on NSW government requests in the budget.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer announced that the Superannuation (Building a Stronger and Fairer Super System) Imposition Bill 2026 was likely to pass. He highlighted a boost to the low-income super tax offset for 1.3 million Australians, potentially benefiting them by $15,000 at retirement. He criticized the opposition for opposing these changes.

Answer from Chris Bowen

The minister stated that fuel supplies were secure, citing 2.97 billion litres of diesel and 1.56 billion litres of petrol in reserve. He emphasized that panic buying was the primary cause of supply issues and invited the opposition to provide constructive suggestions rather than demanding reserve releases.

Answer from Jason Clare

The minister reported increases in enrolments for science, engineering, pharmacy, dentistry, and medicine degrees. He highlighted the opening of new medical schools in Darwin and Launceston and announced 1,800 additional medical training places. He also noted that 20,000 nursing students were receiving paid practical training.