Senate

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister stated that the government was responding to an unprecedented global energy shock caused by conflict in the Middle East. She noted that 20 per cent of diesel reserves had been released to address regional shortages and that fuel standards had been amended to retain domestic fuel. She confirmed that the specific request regarding the service station would be communicated to the relevant minister's office. Regarding claims of scaremongering, she acknowledged some existed but emphasised the need for a responsible and disciplined approach to the crisis.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister explained that the Strait of Hormuz normally carries 20 million barrels of oil daily, but flow had dropped to less than 10 per cent due to weaponisation. This reduction affected Asian refineries, from which Australia sources most refined fuel. She noted that panic buying had exacerbated shortages and urged Australians to use only what they needed. She confirmed that National Cabinet would convene to coordinate responses, and that Australia was engaging with partners including Singapore, Japan, and China to secure supplies. A joint statement with Singapore on supply-chain resilience was highlighted.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister acknowledged the downstream effects of the fuel crisis on various sectors, including waste management. She noted that the current priority determination, established in 2019, included emergency services but not waste collection. She stated that if the determination needed amendment, the government would consider it. She reiterated that the government was working to shore up supply and understand the economic impacts of the global shock.

Answer from Don Farrell

The minister claimed the government had taken world-leading action in this space, citing early leadership from the South Australian Premier. He stated that the government was not afraid of US political pressure. He dismissed the suggestion that the government was delaying action to avoid upsetting Donald Trump, answering 'no' to that specific implication. He emphasised that the government was protecting ordinary Australians, particularly young people.

Answer from Tim Ayres

The minister stated that Australia imported more than 65 per cent of its fertiliser-grade urea, but near-term planting demand was largely covered. He noted that the government was exploring contingency sources in South-East Asia. He highlighted that the purchase of Phosphate Hill secured domestic production of MAP and DAP fertilisers. He confirmed that ministers had met with industry representatives, including the National Farmers' Federation, and that the ACCC was working to allow sector coordination. He linked these measures to the Future Made in Australia agenda, citing interventions in steel, critical minerals, and gas reservation as strengthening national resilience.

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister defended the event as an opportunity to meet stakeholders in New South Wales, an area outside her usual northern focus. She stated that she worked within disclosure rules and that fundraising was necessary to support her work. She rejected the suggestion that she would replace the event with meetings for grassroots organisations, calling the implication 'grubby'. She affirmed that her office and staff were diligent in engaging with all stakeholders, including through online meetings and phone calls.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister reiterated that the situation was a global energy shock affecting the entire economy. She listed government actions including introducing legislation against misleading conduct, convening National Cabinet, appointing a Fuel Supply Taskforce Coordinator, releasing 20 per cent of fuel reserves, changing fuel standards, and tasking the ACCC with price monitoring. She stated the government would look at every practical measure to shield Australians from uncertainty. She dismissed the notion that the crisis was merely scaremongering, explaining the knock-on effects from the Strait of Hormuz closure on Asian refineries.

Answer from Tim Ayres

The minister stated that the government was aware of the powers in the Liquid Fuel Emergency Act but judged that current practical actions were more effective. He highlighted the release of 20 per cent of fuel reserves and new ACCC powers to prevent anti-competitive behaviour. He noted that the government had introduced laws to double penalties for misleading conduct to $100 million and enabled the Fair Work Commission to demand fair pay for truckies during price spikes. He did not commit to cutting the excise or GST, instead focusing on existing regulatory and supply-side measures.

Answer from Malarndirri McCarthy

The minister reported that more than 1,000 people had been evacuated from remote communities in the Northern Territory. She highlighted the role of the Australian Defence Force and the establishment of a 24/7 field hospital in Katherine. She noted that resilience packages had funded upgrades to remote stores, including refrigeration and solar panels, allowing some communities to hold up to 10 weeks of stock. She stated that 75 additional remote stores could now apply for improvements. She also detailed how Remote Jobs and Economic Development (RJED) workers and rangers were assisting with clean-up, road clearing, and patrols at evacuation centres. She announced a commitment to double remote jobs to 6,000 by 2030, backed by $299 million.

Answer from Penny Wong

The minister stated she could not guarantee specific outcomes but affirmed the government would do all it could to shield Australians from uncertainty. She emphasised the need for cooperation between government, business, and communities. Regarding rationing, she noted that supply and distribution matters were being actively managed through National Cabinet and the Fuel Supply Taskforce. She stated that global markets would not return to pre-conflict levels immediately after the conflict ended, implying that price reductions would not be immediate or guaranteed to match previous lows.

Answer from Murray Watt

The minister announced an amendment to the Fair Work Act to create an urgent pathway for truckies to seek fair pay at the Fair Work Commission. He stated that the government had passed reforms to crack down on sham contracting and increase penalties for employers dodging obligations. He confirmed that the government would lodge a submission to the Annual Wage Review recommending a real wage increase for 2.7 million workers reliant on minimum wages and awards. He linked these measures to helping low-paid workers cope with financial shocks and inflation.

Answer from Tim Ayres

The minister reiterated that the conflict in the Middle East was causing a global energy shock. He listed government actions including doubling penalties for misleading conduct, convening National Cabinet, appointing a taskforce coordinator, releasing 20 per cent of fuel reserves, and changing petrol standards. He stated he could guarantee the government would continue to act in the national interest but did not provide a specific guarantee regarding individual travel plans. He criticised the opposition for a partisan approach rather than joining the government in acting in the national interest.