House of Representatives

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated the government was taking action, including introducing laws to double penalties for price gouging, convening the National Cabinet, and appointing a Fuel Supply Taskforce Coordinator. He noted the release of 20 per cent of fuel reserves, changes to petrol and diesel standards, and enhanced ACCC monitoring. The government engaged with international partners and states, activated the National Coordination Mechanism, and convened the National Oil Supplies Emergency Committee six times. Funding was unlocked for financial counselling and farmers, and laws were changed to support refineries and ensure fair pay for truck drivers. The Prime Minister attributed the crisis to global conflict and criticized the opposition for ignoring these external factors.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister emphasized a calm, fact-based approach involving state and territory governments, international partners, and industry. He cited support from BCA CEO Bran Black and ACCI's Andrew McKellar regarding government steps like the National Cabinet and the appointment of Anthea Harris as Fuel Supply Taskforce Coordinator. He confirmed that six cancelled ships due in April had been replaced and suppliers were securing more cargo. The Prime Minister advised Australians not to take more fuel than needed and announced another National Cabinet meeting on Monday to coordinate the response.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister acknowledged the difficulties faced by people like the constituent mentioned and reiterated the government's practical plans and collaboration with industry and states. He referenced his previous answer outlining measures to assist constituents across Australia. He criticized the opposition for ignoring the global context of the conflict and cited comments from National Party members advising against panic buying and noting that reserves were available. He affirmed the government would continue operating in an orderly manner.

Answer from Chris Bowen

The Minister stated that supply remained strong, with all six cancelled ships replaced and additional spot cargo confirmed. He noted that the two domestic refineries were operating at full capacity for Australian use. He explained that suppliers were prioritizing contract holders, leading to shortages in the spot market, but emphasized that government and industry personnel were working long hours to address regional shortages. He reported that Ampol's supplies to independent distributors in regional areas had increased significantly year-on-year, ranging from 19 per cent in Victoria to 66 per cent in South Australia.

Answer from Julie Collins

The Minister acknowledged challenges for farmers and primary producers and stated she was meeting regularly with them to address ground-level issues. She highlighted government work on fertilizer supply and noted that Australia produces enough food to feed its population, exporting around 80 per cent of primary produce by value. She urged against panic regarding food supply and confirmed the government was continuing to work with farmers on fuel and fertilizer issues, referencing actions outlined by the Prime Minister and other ministers.

Answer from Catherine King

The Minister reported meeting with transport and fuel sector representatives to ensure coordinated information sharing. She noted the release of 20 per cent of minimum stockholding obligations, the appointment of Anthea Harris as Fuel Supply Taskforce Coordinator, and amendments to fuel standards. She highlighted legislation strengthening the ACCC's powers and collaboration with Singapore and Korea to shore up supplies. The Minister emphasized amendments to the Fair Work Act to allow truck drivers and logistics companies to renegotiate rates with retailers, which had been welcomed by industry groups but opposed by the opposition.

Answer from Chris Bowen

The Minister provided state-by-state figures for service stations without diesel or unleaded fuel, noting declines in some areas like Victoria. He stated he would continue providing updates as appropriate, similar to state premiers. He explained that data was collected primarily by states and shared regularly with the Commonwealth, and that premiers were providing daily updates.

Answer from Richard Marles

The Minister highlighted the strategic importance of the relationship with Germany, a major defence player and supporter of the rules-based order. He noted operational cooperation, including the deployment of E-7 aircraft to Ramstein Air Base and German participation in Exercise Talisman Sabre and upcoming Exercise Pitch Black. A letter of intent for space-domain awareness cooperation was signed. On the industry front, Rheinmetall was building combat reconnaissance vehicles in Brisbane, and a cooperation letter with TDW for missile manufacturing was to be signed. The Minister described Germany as a reliable and trusted friend.

Answer from Chris Bowen

The Minister stated the government had been taking action since 28 February to ensure supply and distribution. He noted that international oil prices were the primary driver of petrol costs, a factor beyond government control. Regarding updates, he confirmed he had been providing daily updates in the House and pointed out that every state had apps or websites with service station information. He mentioned that a national system had been tried before and opposed by the Liberal Party.

Answer from Tony Burke

The Minister explained that the determination applied to over 7,000 temporary visitor visas issued before the conflict, as applicants would no longer be eligible under current circumstances. It did not apply to other temporary visas, permanent visa holders, spouses or dependent children of citizens, parents of minors in Australia, or those with permitted travel certificates. He directed the department to show sympathetic consideration for parents of Australian citizens regardless of age, and for other compelling circumstances on a case-by-case basis.

Answer from Chris Bowen

The Minister reiterated that Ampol's distribution to regional Queensland had increased substantially year-on-year, indicating industry efforts to catch up with demand. He stated that the government was working hard to ensure fuel access for Easter and beyond. He criticized misleading claims about fuel exports and net zero links. Regarding updates, he confirmed he would continue providing daily updates in the House and noted that state premiers and state websites were also providing useful information.

Answer from Amanda Rishworth

The Minister announced the government's submission to the Fair Work Commission advocating for a real wage increase for minimum award wage earners, benefiting nearly 2.7 million workers. She noted that the minimum wage had increased by more than $9,000 a year since the government took office and that penalty and overtime rates were protected. She highlighted record numbers of workers on enterprise bargaining agreements, with 2.7 million covered, receiving decent annual wage increases. The Minister emphasized the government's commitment to supporting workers through wage increases and enterprise bargaining.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister acknowledged the impact of the Great Western Highway closure on the Calare electorate and noted that specialist engineers advised the road was unsafe due to significant cracking in the 194-year-old bridge. He stated he would raise safety issues with alternative routes with the New South Wales government. He mentioned the establishment of the Great Western Highway Community Coordination Taskforce by the NSW government and $50 million for detour routes. He confirmed ongoing contact with the NSW Minister for Transport and offered to personally follow up on briefings for the member.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer highlighted the government's submission for a real wage increase for award workers and efforts to secure fuel supply. He criticized the opposition for voting against legislation to increase penalties for price gouging and for opposing tax cuts for 14 million workers. He noted that the opposition leader had previously promised to repeal those tax cuts. The Treasurer emphasized that the government was dealing with serious issues seriously, including tax cuts, fuel market interventions, and wage increases, while criticizing the shadow Treasurer's actions.

Answer from Chris Bowen

The Minister offered to take up the specific case with suppliers. He reported that Ampol's supply to regional South Australia was up 44 per cent year-on-year and provided figures for Viva, showing increases in supply to regional areas across states. He stated that combined supplies from Ampol and Viva were significantly higher than a year ago, reflecting progress in catching up with demand spikes. He praised the National Farmers' Federation for its constructive approach and emphasized the need for collaboration during this difficult international circumstance.

Answer from Daniel Mulino

The Minister urged businesses to operate responsibly and not profiteer from the Middle East conflict. He highlighted legislation passed in the House to increase the maximum ACCC penalty for anticompetitive behavior from $50 million to $100 million. He noted the extension of the ACCC's petrol price monitoring program for five years and its power to issue infringement notices. The Minister listed cost-of-living relief measures including tax cuts, student debt relief, cheaper medicines, and child care, which he stated were opposed by the opposition. He affirmed the government's commitment to fair markets and targeted relief.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister acknowledged the global impact of the Middle East war on costs. He highlighted existing cost-of-living measures benefiting constituents in Fowler, including tax cuts averaging over $2,000 per year for 65,000 taxpayers, student debt relief for 23,000 people, savings on pharmaceutical scripts, and access to urgent care clinics. He stated these measures were designed to shield people from the worst impacts of global events.

Answer from Kristy McBain

The Minister reported that NEMA had activated the Crisis Coordination Team and embedded officials in Queensland, the Northern Territory, and Western Australia. In the Northern Territory, support was activated in 20 local government areas, with disaster recovery payments in Katherine, Daly River, and Palumpa. ADF personnel were assisting with clean-up and evacuations, and an AUSMAT field hospital was set up in East Katherine. In Queensland, disaster recovery funding was activated in 61 local government areas, with over $107 million in additional support packages. The Minister warned that Cyclone Narelle was travelling along the WA coast as a severe category 3 cyclone with gusts up to 185 km/h and urged vigilance.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister stated that action had been taken that morning with two pieces of legislation: one increasing ACCC penalties for price gouging and another addressing trucking and transport issues. He criticized the opposition for moving to suspend standing orders to bring the legislation forward but then voting against it and leaving the chamber. He advised the member to be wary of questions provided by the opposition, asserting that the government had acted directly on the issue raised.

Answer from Mark Butler

The Minister noted that over 20,000 Australians battled myeloma, with a five-year survival rate of 60 per cent. He highlighted the listing of Darzalex in November, reducing treatment costs from $440,000 to PBS prices for around 1,300 to 1,400 patients annually. He announced the upcoming listing of Elrexfio for relapsed cases, reducing script costs from $5,000 to no more than $25. He also mentioned progress in finalizing a deal for Carvykti, a CAR-T cell therapy. The Minister thanked community leaders and clinicians for their advocacy and emphasized the value of the PBS in providing affordable access to new medicines.