House of Representatives

Answer from Chris Bowen

The minister provided a state-by-state breakdown of fuel shortages. In New South Wales, 187 stations lacked diesel and 32 had no stock, a decrease of 19 from the previous day, out of 2,417 total stations. Queensland reported 55 stations without diesel and 35 without regular unleaded. Victoria had 134 stations lacking one or more grades, down 28 from the last report. South Australia had 49 shortages out of 700 stations. Western Australia had six total stockouts and four without diesel out of 771 stations. Tasmania had one station without diesel and six without unleaded. The Northern Territory had no shortages due to fuel supply issues, though natural disaster impacts affected access. The Australian Capital Territory had one station without diesel, with rectification expected within hours.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that the government was addressing global fuel price increases by establishing a Fuel Supply Taskforce, releasing 20 per cent of the country's fuel stockpiles, and adjusting fuel specifications to boost supply. He noted that the government had supported domestic oil refineries, ensured Australian-made fuel was used locally, and gave the ACCC new powers to tackle price gouging. The Fair Work Act was amended to ensure truck drivers were paid fairly during price spikes. The government was coordinating with states and territories through National Cabinet to distribute fuel effectively and working with Asian trading partners to secure additional supplies. He emphasized that Australia had high reserves when the war began and would continue to act in the national interest.

Answer from Chris Bowen

The minister confirmed that fuel levels were accurate and that ships continued to arrive and refineries operated fully. He acknowledged real shortages in rural areas due to doubled demand but stated that using information-gathering powers would require legislation that the opposition had previously voted against. He compared this to the opposition's stance on hate speech legislation, noting they voted against it and then demanded its use.

Answer from Chris Bowen

The minister reported that 20 per cent of the minimum stock obligation had been released on the condition that it flowed to rural and regional Australia, with agreements struck with impacted companies. He stated that 757 million litres were now flowing to regional areas due to these releases. He noted that six cancelled ship arrivals in April had been replaced with alternative spot market orders, and three additional cargo deliveries had been secured for April and May. He criticized the opposition for not making constructive suggestions and for misleading statements regarding exports and Pacific leaders.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that the government was consulting with stakeholders and focusing on three priorities: minimizing children's exposure to wagering advertising, breaking the connection between wagering and sport, and reducing the saturation and targeting of advertising. He highlighted the success of BetStop, the National Self-Exclusion Register, which had 58,000 registrations, with 36,000 active. He noted that 38 per cent of registrants chose a lifetime ban and 81 per cent had stopped betting. He acknowledged that poker machines and lotteries were major issues and that the government was examining ways to deal with unregulated overseas sites causing harm.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister announced a joint investment with the Queensland government to ensure the long-term viability of the Boyne aluminium smelter located in Gladstone, which would secure 1,000 direct jobs and over 2,000 indirect jobs. He stated this investment would transform the Queensland energy grid and deliver on the commitment to a future made in Australia. He linked this to previous work in Mount Isa and Whyalla, emphasizing the importance of sovereignty in light of the Middle East conflict. He criticized the opposition for attacking the reform and the Queensland government.

Answer from Chris Bowen

The minister said the government had freed 757 million litres from the minimum stock obligation, provided it went to designated regions. He outlined distributions for Toowoomba, the Darling Downs, the Atherton Tablelands, Mareeba, Indigenous communities, Cape York, and farming areas near Cairns and Townsville. He highlighted that priority went to key fuel stops for long-distance transport and extra bulk supplies for Queensland households. He specifically noted sending fuel to Texas, Queensland, contrasting this with the opposition's previous plans.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that the government was already coordinating activity through National Cabinet, appointing a national fuel supply coordinator, and convening energy ministers. He noted that the Victorian Premier had made her comments at a meeting convened for this purpose. He announced that he intended to convene another National Cabinet meeting next week to further coordinate activity and ensure national consistency.

Answer from Amanda Rishworth

The minister stated that the government had empowered the Fair Work Commission to make contract chain orders and establish fair minimum standards. She announced an amendment to the Fair Work Act to provide a rapid route for truck drivers to claim their equitable portion, cutting the consultation period from six months. She reported broad support from the transport industry, including the National Road Freighters Association, the Australian Trucking Association, and the Transport Workers' Union. She also noted positive comments in the Courier Mail editorial.

Answer from Chris Bowen

The minister stated that the government was coordinating action through National Cabinet and meetings with energy ministers, which was exactly what the New South Wales Premier had advocated for. He criticized the opposition for partisanship and lack of constructive suggestions, noting that the member had accurately quoted the Premier unlike a previous misrepresentation.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that three agreements were finalized: one boosting research and development through Horizon Europe, one boosting defence and security cooperation, and an Australia-EU free trade agreement after eight years of negotiation. He noted the free trade agreement opened access to 27 European markets for Australian products and made European goods cheaper for Australians. He highlighted that beef access would increase eightfold to 35,000 tonnes and sheepmeat access fivefold. He criticized the opposition for opposing free trade and adopting protectionist policies.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer stated that the government was working to ensure fuel reached regional communities and supporting the two remaining refineries. He noted that $1.1 billion was invested in the Cleaner Fuels Program for low-carbon liquid fuel production, including ethanol, on top of $250 million in innovation funding. He mentioned that departments were examining the possibility of implementing a mandate for domestic fuel use in the future, considering safety and quality. He emphasized the government's efforts to address global economic uncertainty caused by the Middle East conflict.

Answer from Mark Butler

The minister reported that bulk-billing had improved since the government tripled the bulk-billing incentive and extended payments to all Australians. He stated that the count of Spence general practices providing full bulk-billing to every patient had tripled since November, with two out of three practices now 100 per cent bulk-billing. Nationally, 3,621 general practices were bulk-billing all patients, achieving the 2028 target early. He highlighted new health services in Adelaide's north, including an urgent care clinic, a headspace service, and a perinatal mental health centre.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that the government had established a Fuel Supply Taskforce, convened National Cabinet, and was engaging with state and territory governments to coordinate distribution. He noted that state governments were responsible for distribution issues and cited actions taken by the New South Wales government. He mentioned constructive discussions with the Queensland Premier.

Answer from Jason Clare

The minister reported that high school completion rates were increasing after a decade of decline, rising from 79 per cent. School attendance was also improving after years of decline. The number of people starting degrees to become schoolteachers had jumped by 20 per cent over three years and another 6.3 per cent this year. He highlighted improvements in reading outcomes in New South Wales, where the proportion of children on track with reading increased from one in two to two-thirds over three years due to phonics teaching. He noted that every state and territory would roll out the phonics check in Year 1 this year, and most would pilot a maths check.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The minister stated that the government took the recommendations of the strategic review seriously and was working through the 20 recommendations. He noted that Minister Ayres was working out the best way forward for the council. He emphasized how vital research, development, and innovation were for tackling productivity challenges and raising living standards. He mentioned meetings with panel members and engagement with members interested in medical research.

Answer from Matt Keogh

The minister said the government was putting over $203 million into strengthening DVA's integrity controls and broadening access to free advocacy services. He pointed out that private advocates had been levying steep fees and commissions. Funding for the Building Excellence in Support and Training Grants Program had been doubled, with three-year certainty given to veteran groups to hire and train advocates. This action responded to recommendation 99 of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.

Answer from Sam Rae

The minister stated that Australia was fuel secure and that the government was monitoring the impact of prices on aged-care providers. He noted that providers could access help via current aged-care business and viability assistance, including the Market Adjustment Program, dedicated First Nations support programs, and business and workforce advisory services. He emphasized that there was no fuel shortage, only localized disruption due to demand spikes, and that the government stood ready to support providers.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The minister stated that 570,000 homes had been built since the government took office, with 6,000 social and affordable dwellings finished and 24,000 in the planning or building stages. She noted that rental standards had improved for all renters and that approvals were up seven per cent year on year. She criticized the opposition for opposing 30,000 social and affordable homes under the Housing Australia Future Fund and 80,000 homes through build-to-rent changes. She argued that the opposition's approach would build fewer homes and make housing more expensive.

Answer from Mark Butler

The minister rejected the characterization of genocide but acknowledged the member's interest in the area. He stated that the government was working to improve food security through the Low-Cost Essentials Subsidy Scheme, which subsidized essential items in remote communities, saving up to 50 per cent in about 113 stores. He noted that the government was seeking to build renal services in remote communities to allow dialysis on country. He emphasized the commitment to addressing the public health challenge of diabetes and improving access to affordable food.

Answer from Catherine King

The minister stated that the government was working with transport representatives and had freed up 20 per cent of the required minimum reserves for petrol and diesel. She noted that fuel standards had been amended to allow more supply into the market. Legislation was introduced to amend the Fair Work Act for transport operators to renegotiate fuel costs and to strengthen the ACCC's penalties for price gouging. She mentioned monitoring airlines and working with regional partners like Singapore and Korea to shore up supplies. She also highlighted the $1.1 billion Cleaner Fuels Program for long-term sustainability. She criticized the opposition for chaos and lack of ideas.