Senate

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister attributed high prices to the Middle East conflict, noting Iran's attacks on hydrocarbon infrastructure and threats to the Strait of Hormuz. She asserted that Australia's fuel holdings were secure and criticized the opposition for politicizing the crisis rather than focusing on national interest. In response to supplementary questions, she defended the government's spending record, challenged the opposition to specify cuts, and stated that ministers were monitoring fuel supplies and warning retailers against price gouging, with the ACCC prepared to enforce laws.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister reported that 2,600 Australians had returned on 18 commercial flights, with bus transport arranged for those stranded in Kuwait and Bahrain. She emphasized that commercial airlines remained the fastest repatriation method and urged Australians wishing to leave to do so immediately. Regarding defence, she confirmed the deployment of an E-7A Wedgetail aircraft to the Gulf for four weeks and the provision of missiles to the UAE for defensive purposes. She clarified that Australia was not taking offensive action against Iran nor deploying troops on the ground, and noted that three Australian personnel were present on a US submarine off Sri Lanka.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister stated that fuel imports into Australian ports remained at pre-conflict levels, characterizing the issue as a demand challenge rather than a supply problem. She attributed regional difficulties to panic buying and encouraged responsible behavior from the opposition. She confirmed that ministers were holding talks with suppliers and the farming sector regarding diesel and fertiliser issues. When asked about specific awareness timelines, she took the matter on notice, reiterating that the primary issue was changed demand patterns.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister asserted that the deployment was defensive, responding to requests from Gulf countries to protect civilians and infrastructure, including Australians. She emphasized that Australia was not taking offensive action against Iran. Regarding the visa restrictions, she deferred to the Minister for Immigration, stating that the government's view on the Iranian regime was clear. She criticized the Greens' narrative as inconsistent with the facts.

Answer from Katy Gallagher

The minister noted that oil prices had risen significantly but that Australia was fuel secure with stocks above minimum obligations. She highlighted strong economic growth, low unemployment, and high participation. To protect consumers, she stated the ACCC was monitoring prices with increased penalties up to $50 million for price gouging. She explained that previous government actions, such as keeping refineries open and storing emergency fuel domestically rather than in Texas, had improved resilience compared to the previous administration.

Answer from Tim Ayres

The minister confirmed that the government would not undermine copyright protections or introduce a text-and-data-mining exception. He outlined the National AI Plan's focus on capturing investment opportunities, spreading benefits, and managing risks through the AI Safety Institute. He argued that Australia was an attractive destination for AI investment due to its renewable energy reserves, space, proximity to digital markets, and secure governance, rather than focusing on specific domestic AI development funding figures.

Answer from Katy Gallagher

The minister stated that the majority of the $218.3 million would be provided to ACCOs to deliver community-led services, aligning with the plan's principles. Regarding the Canberra Rape Crisis Centre, she noted that funding decisions were largely a matter for the ACT government, though the Commonwealth was providing additional resources. She confirmed engagement with the ACT government to ensure funding for services like DVCS was maintained.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister defended the government's record, highlighting the establishment of domestic fuel reserves and minimum stockholding obligations, contrasting this with the previous government's decision to store reserves in Texas. She reiterated that fuel imports were unchanged and that regional issues were due to demand patterns. She criticized the One Nation party for being silent on previous failures and for voting against energy relief measures, labeling their complaints as hypocritical.

Answer from Tim Ayres

The minister provided specific stock figures: 36 days of petrol (1.56 billion litres), 29 days of jet fuel (802 million litres), and 32 days of diesel (2.97 billion litres), stating these had not materially changed since the conflict began. He attributed regional issues to consumer behavior, noting some were buying four to five times their normal amount. He emphasized that the minimum stockpile obligation and gas market reservation had made Australia more resilient than under the previous government, which he criticized for inaction.

Answer from Tim Ayres

The minister denied that the empty pump indicated a supply problem, reiterating the unchanged national stock levels. He stated that consumer behavior had changed, with some purchasing significantly more fuel than usual. He criticized the opposition for spreading misinformation and amplifying problems rather than providing calm leadership, asserting that the government was working with industry to manage the situation in the national interest.