Senate

Answer from Tim Ayres

The minister stated that the government possessed the figures and had been transparent, noting that 164 petrol stations in New South Wales lacked diesel. He explained that 20 per cent of minimum stockholding had been released to assist independent retailers, particularly in regional areas where winter planting was occurring. In response to the supplementary, he reported that nationally, nine per cent of petrol stations had one or more fuel grades unavailable, with specific figures for Tasmania showing 0.4 per cent without diesel and two per cent without unleaded petrol. He clarified that the government provided weekly updates on stockholding levels rather than daily commercial-in-confidence data, urging Australians not to purchase more than required.

Answer from Don Farrell

The minister described the agreement as a historic achievement that opened access to 27 countries and 450 million consumers. He stated that lower tariffs on EU imports would provide relief to consumers, while the deal supported farmers, miners, manufacturers, and winemakers. In response to supplements, he detailed specific benefits including tariff removals on dairy and rice, 700 per cent more beef access, and savings of nearly $37 million for wine producers. He also noted benefits for critical minerals, cheaper auto parts and machinery for consumers, and commitments to climate change obligations and labour rights.

Answer from Tim Ayres

The minister updated the figure of petrol stations with unavailable fuel grades from nine per cent to eight per cent. He stated that the Minister for Climate Change and Energy had been in daily contact with fuel companies since the Middle East crisis began, with companies locking in supply until mid-April. He declined to release commercial-in-confidence information daily but confirmed that on Saturday, he discussed cancelled ships with industry representatives. In response to supplements, he provided days of supply figures as of 17 March: 38 days for unleaded petrol, 30 days for jet fuel, and 30 days for diesel. He also announced changes to diesel standards to free up more supply.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister defended the government's position by citing the Iranian regime's actions, including sponsoring terrorism and attacking Australians, stating that Australia supported actions to prevent Iran from being a threat. She clarified that Australia was not proposing strikes on Iran and was engaged in defensive action. Regarding Lebanon, she expressed grave concern about the expansion of conflict and the displacement of over a million citizens, including 200,000 children. She announced a further $5 million in humanitarian assistance and stated that a major Israeli ground offensive would exacerbate the humanitarian situation.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister highlighted the visit of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the agreement on a new security and defence partnership. She noted that this partnership would build capacity to manage security threats, combat online radicalisation, and counter terrorism financing, while establishing a space security dialogue. She also mentioned commencing negotiations for association with Horizon Europe for 2027. The minister described these initiatives as part of 'amplified middle-power diplomacy' to strengthen cooperation, support Ukraine, and secure prosperity in a less predictable world.

Answer from Murray Watt

The minister stated he would attempt to provide specific information on referrals later. He emphasized that the Labor government had criminalised wage theft, reversing previous laws that did not allow for criminal penalties against employers. He noted that the Liberal, National, and One Nation parties had voted against these laws. In response to supplements, he highlighted other measures including increases to the minimum wage and the introduction of same job, same pay laws, asserting that the government was focused on restoring balance in workplace relations.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister disputed the assertion that no action had been taken, listing measures such as banning credit cards for online wagering, mandatory preverification, monthly win/loss statements, and the National Self-exclusion Register. She stated that the government had taken more action than any previous government since Federation. She declined to answer the second supplementary directly, citing interruptions and the personal nature of the questions, and stated she would talk to the senator later.

Answer from Tim Ayres

The minister attributed fuel challenges to the Iranian government's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, not government failure. He acknowledged that prices for PVC piping were rising but stated there were no immediate shortages. He highlighted the government's minimum stockholding obligation, which was larger than it had been for 15 years. He rejected the call for a GST exemption and defended the government's energy security approach, noting that Australia had reduced from six to two refineries under the previous government. He dismissed the link between net zero policies and the current supply issues.

Answer from Tim Ayres

The minister characterised Horizon Europe as the world's biggest source of research and innovation money, with a budget of A$155 billion. He stated that association would allow Australian scientists to mount joint research efforts and apply for substantial grants in areas such as agriculture, artificial intelligence, and quantum science. He linked this to broader resilience measures and referenced the 'Ambitious Australia' report, which noted $15 billion being spent on 160 research and development programs this financial year. He affirmed the government's unequivocal support for research institutions and scientists.

Answer from Tim Ayres

The minister noted that Australia imported approximately 65 per cent of its urea-based fertilisers and that local ammonia capacity was important for mining explosives as well as fertiliser. He stated that the government was working with suppliers, importers, and industry bodies like the National Farmers' Federation to coordinate actions. He mentioned that there was no immediate national shortage of fertilisers but that winter planting was commencing. He confirmed that the government was engaging with alternative suppliers in South-East Asia and that the coordinator-general was meeting with state and territory counterparts to ensure sector coordination.