House of Representatives

Answer from Julie Collins

The minister stated that the government strongly supports farmers and that the agreement provides significant opportunities for exporters. She noted that agricultural exports to the EU were valued at $4 billion in 2025 and would grow under the new terms. The deal eliminates most EU tariffs on agricultural products, including savings of approximately $17 million for the wine industry, and reduces testing requirements and export overheads. She highlighted that total agriculture, fisheries, and forestry exports reached over $82 billion in 2025, a 38 per cent increase since 2021.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister explained that the agreement secures market access for Australian beef, sheep meat, wine, dairy, and seafood. He noted that beef exports to the EU would increase from 4,000 tonnes to a guaranteed 35,000 tonnes, while sheep meat access would rise to nearly 31,000 tonnes. He also highlighted a new security and defence partnership enhancing collaboration in maritime security, cybersecurity, and countering terrorism. The Prime Minister emphasized that these measures support both economic prosperity and national security in a time of global uncertainty.

Answer from Chris Bowen

The minister stated that the legislation would be introduced the following day.

Answer from Richard Marles

The minister explained that the partnership enhances cooperation in cybersecurity, space, combating terrorism financing, and information sharing. He highlighted increased collaboration in the defence industry, noting that European companies like Navantia, Thales, and Rheinmetall are key suppliers to the Australian Defence Force. The agreement aims to create a seamless defence industrial base between Australia and Europe, leveraging shared democratic values and trust.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The treasurer clarified that the excise is a fixed amount per litre and does not rise with fuel prices. He stated that suspending the excise was not under consideration. Instead, the government was providing cost-of-living relief through tax cuts, cheaper medicines, and student debt relief. He also noted that the government was working to ensure fuel supply and empower the ACCC to penalize misconduct.

Answer from Madeleine King

The minister stated that the agreement removes $20 billion in trade impediments and lowers tariffs on imports, including grocery items, which helps ease cost-of-living pressures. She noted that farmers and businesses would benefit from cheaper machinery and equipment sourced from the EU. The agreement also protects the use of terms like 'parmesan' and 'prosecco' for Australian products, with long phase-out periods for other terms like 'feta'.

Answer from Chris Bowen

The minister provided figures for service stations without fuel: 164 without diesel and 289 without at least one fuel type in New South Wales; 55 without diesel and 35 without regular unleaded in Queensland; 162 with one or more grades unavailable in Victoria; 46 in South Australia; six in Western Australia; one without diesel and six without unleaded in Tasmania. He noted no shortages in the Northern Territory or ACT, though flooding affected access in the NT.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister attributed disruptions to Iranian actions closing the Strait of Hormuz, affecting 20 per cent of global oil supply. He stated that the government was engaging with international partners, including Singapore and the International Energy Agency, to shield the nation from uncertainty. Domestically, the government established a Fuel Supply Taskforce to coordinate with states and territories on distribution and supply resilience.

Answer from Chris Bowen

The minister stated that the government released 20 per cent of the minimum stock obligation, conditional on fuel flowing to regional areas. He also announced a temporary relaxation of sulphur rules for petrol, adding 100 million litres to the system monthly. The government was working with refiners and suppliers to ensure fuel reached areas with real shortages, denying claims that exports were being stopped.

Answer from Chris Bowen

The minister announced changes to fuel security services payments to keep two existing refineries operating. He also announced a change to diesel standards, allowing a lower flashpoint of 60.5 degrees to increase import flexibility. He reiterated that 20 per cent of the minimum stock obligation had been released to boost supply, emphasizing that these were practical measures taken in response to international uncertainty.

Answer from Chris Bowen

The minister referred to a communique from energy ministers agreeing to work together on fuel security and contingency planning. He stated that the government was working with states under the National Liquid Fuel Emergency Response Plan, which had existed for 20 years, and denied that rationing was being requested or implemented.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The treasurer announced that legislation would be introduced to double penalties for fuel misconduct to a maximum of $100 million per offence. He highlighted previous legislation strengthening fuel security, including amendments to the Minimum Stockholding Obligation. He noted that the opposition had voted against these security measures and urged them to support the new penalty legislation.

Answer from Chris Bowen

The minister confirmed that bunker fuel was not part of the Minimum Stockholding Obligation but stated that conditions on the release of stocks prioritized maritime oil supply for cargo and passenger vessels. He noted that fuel oil accounted for one per cent of refined product use in 2025. He stated that invoking the Liquid Fuel Emergency Act was not envisaged as the threshold for its use was high and had never been met in 40 years.

Answer from Amanda Rishworth

The minister announced amendments to the Fair Work Act to enable the Fair Work Commission to act faster on contract chain order applications during urgent situations. This would assist truckies and transport operators in distributing increasing fuel expenses more equitably throughout the supply chain. She stated that the six-month consultation period would continue, but the procedure would be sped up to preserve business viability.

Answer from Chris Bowen

The minister referred the member to his previous answer on the matter.

Answer from Catherine King

The minister highlighted the announcement of Fair Work Act amendments to allow quicker renegotiation of contracts to share fuel costs. She noted that over 7,700 Australians had returned from the Middle East safely, with assistance from the aviation sector. She emphasized regular engagement with industry representatives to inform government actions.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister disputed the claim that the government had not acted, citing legislation to stop gambling companies from claiming R&D tax incentives. He listed other measures including banning credit cards for online wagering, mandatory ID preverification, monthly win-loss statements, and the National Self-Exclusion Register (BetStop). He stated that ministers would continue to engage on the issue.

Answer from Tanya Plibersek

The minister stated that over five million social security recipients received a $2.6 billion payment boost on 20 March. She noted that the full aged pension was $5,500 higher than in 2022, and jobseekers received $4,300 more annually. Rent assistance increased by about $1,900 per year, and the small debt waiver threshold rose to $250, affecting 1.2 million debts. She also highlighted cheaper medicines and student debt relief.

Answer from Chris Bowen

The minister stated that the government was working constructively with state governments and industry through a supply coordinator. He denied that rationing was being implemented or requested, characterizing the opposition's approach as fearmongering.

Answer from Mark Butler

The minister stated that 134 Medicare urgent care clinics were open, having seen more than 2.7 million Australians, all bulk-billed. He noted that over 60 per cent of general practices were bulk-billing 100 per cent of patients. He highlighted the success of clinics in Cairns and Melbourne, contrasting the government's approach with the opposition's lack of health policy.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The treasurer referred to his previous answer regarding the excise. He highlighted cost-of-living relief measures including tax cuts for 65,000 taxpayers, superannuation boosts, student debt relief, and PBS co-payment reductions. He noted that new bulk-billing clinics were being established in the member's electorate.

Answer from Anne Aly

The minister stated that over 26,000 new small businesses were established monthly. She highlighted the National Small Business Strategy and measures to reduce energy costs, including a draft default market offer proposing up to 21 per cent drop in electricity costs. She also noted access to the home battery program and efforts to boost fuel supply.