House of Representatives

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister rejected the premise that the government was unaware of global supply impacts from the war in the Middle East. He described the government's response as coherent and strategic, involving collaboration with industry and state governments. Measures included shoring up supply, changing petrol and diesel standards, and releasing 20 per cent of fuel reserves. He also noted the reduction of the heavy vehicle road user charge to zero to assist transport operators.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister confirmed the endorsement of the National Fuel Security Plan, developed in cooperation with state and territory governments. He explained that the plan aims to keep Australia moving and avoid unnecessary restrictions. Immediate actions included cutting the levy on petrol and diesel by half for a three-month period beginning Wednesday, setting the heavy vehicle road user charge at nil for three months, and waiving GST windfalls for states to further reduce prices. A Fuel Supply Taskforce was established to coordinate bureaucratic efforts.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer highlighted that the government's plan included relief for heavy vehicle users, which the opposition had allegedly ignored in their costing. He stated that the government was providing more relief in a responsible manner due to a stronger underlying cash position compared to the previous election. He noted that $114 billion in offsets had been found in less than four years and that further budget decisions would be made methodically before the May budget. He emphasized that the measures were temporary cost-of-living relief.

Answer from Chris Bowen

The Minister reported that Australia held 39 days' worth of petrol, 30 days of diesel, and 30 days of jet fuel. He noted that deliveries to regional Australia were 55 per cent higher than normal. To address difficulties in purchasing spot cargoes, the government announced that Export Finance Australia would finance and insure fuel imports. Legislation was introduced to allow this support for fuel and other goods like fertiliser, aiming to secure available global supplies for Australian consumers.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer stated that the government had substantially increased ACCC powers and penalties, including on-the-spot fines and penalties up to $100 million, to deter misconduct. He confirmed he had signed a letter directing the ACCC to monitor the market closely to ensure the benefits of the excise cut were passed on to motorists and truck drivers. He emphasized that preventing gouging was a key part of the government's strategy.

Answer from Catherine King

The Minister announced that the heavy vehicle road user charge was reduced to zero for three months and the next scheduled increase was deferred by six months. She noted that halving the fuel excise would reduce costs by 26.3 cents per litre. These measures were complemented by Fair Work Act changes allowing quicker renegotiation of rates for truck drivers. Legislation was also introduced to underwrite purchases of fuel and essentials to secure cargo supplies.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister acknowledged supply issues at select petrol stations but did not provide specific numbers. He reiterated that the government was working to increase supply through changing fuel standards, releasing 20 per cent of reserves, and using Export Finance Australia to secure imports. He cited support from business leaders and some opposition members for these extraordinary measures.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer stated that cutting the fuel excise in half for three months would lower the price of filling a 65-litre tank by approximately $19. He added that lowering the heavy vehicle road user charge would result in savings of roughly $130 for drivers filling a 400-litre tank. He stressed that these actions were timely, temporary, and responsible steps to assist Australians while the government focused on increasing supply and working with international partners.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister acknowledged the anxiety caused by fuel shortages and emphasized the importance of Australians looking after each other. He reiterated that the National Fuel Security Plan aimed to keep the economy moving and that 20 per cent of reserves were being released to regional areas. He highlighted the coordinated approach with business and government to manage the global impact of the war.

Answer from Richard Marles

The Minister stated that the Australian Defence Force was training normally and that strategic fuel reserves had been tripled since 2022, doubling the total reserves. He confirmed that Exercise Kakadu, a major maritime exercise involving five Navy ships and 700 personnel, was proceeding in full swing. He attributed this readiness to the government's early investment in strategic reserves.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister explained that the National Fuel Security Plan was at stage 2, focusing on keeping Australia moving, but included contingency planning. He noted that 20 per cent of reserves were released to regional areas and that new legislation would allow the purchase of additional fuel and fertiliser. He criticized opposition leaders for downplaying the crisis and praised constructive engagement from some members.

Answer from Amanda Rishworth

The Minister highlighted the reduction of the heavy vehicle charge to zero and the deferral of its next increase by six months. She noted that Fair Work Act amendments allowed the Fair Work Commission to respond quickly to contract chain order applications, ensuring costs were shared fairly across the supply chain. She urged the Senate to pass the legislation urgently.

Answer from Jim Chalmers

The Treasurer stated that the government's position on housing tax concessions had not changed. He emphasized that the government was addressing intergenerational issues through increased housing supply, five per cent deposit schemes, and tax cuts that benefited younger workers. He also noted superannuation reforms aimed at fairness. He indicated that any further changes would be a matter for the upcoming budget.

Answer from Kristy McBain

The Minister confirmed that disaster recovery funding arrangements had been activated with Queensland, the Northern Territory, and Western Australia. Personal hardship payments were available in Queensland and the NT. In Western Australia, the shires of Exmouth, Carnarvon, and Shark Bay were eligible for recovery assistance, including emergency aid for household items and minor repairs. The Australian Defence Force was supporting operations in Western Australia.

Answer from Kristy McBain (Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories; Minister for Emergency Management)

The Minister acknowledged the thanks and the support from the opposition. She did not provide new policy information but accepted the recognition of the government's forward-leaning attitude and the work of first responders.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister listed numerous actions taken by the government, including the National Fuel Security Plan, halving the fuel excise, reducing road user charges, introducing legislation to underwrite fuel imports, and increasing ACCC penalties. He noted that 20 per cent of fuel reserves were released and that international partners were engaged. He argued that these comprehensive measures demonstrated strong leadership.

Answer from Madeleine King

The Minister announced the delivery of a $1.2 billion Critical Minerals Strategic Reserve, with legislation introduced to make it operational. Export Finance Australia would use new financial tools, including offtake agreements, to support projects. The reserve would first target antimony, gallium, and rare earth elements to strengthen national resilience and security.

Answer from Sam Rae

The Minister stated that all assessments were completed by qualified human assessors with clinical input. He noted that 180,000 assessments had been completed since November, with less than half a per cent requesting a review. He emphasized that the new system had reduced median assessment times to under a month, compared to up to 10 months under the previous system, and had eliminated $4 billion in unspent funds.

Answer from Julie Collins

The Minister highlighted the National Fuel Security Plan, which included underwriting fuel and fertiliser purchases. She noted that 20 per cent of fuel reserves were released to address regional shortages and that fuel standards were adjusted. The National Food Council was tasked with monitoring the conflict's impact, and a national food supply chain assessment was commissioned. Biosecurity processes were strengthened to prioritize fertiliser cargoes.

Answer from Anthony Albanese

The Prime Minister offered to personally follow up with the farmer if the member provided his contact details. He reiterated that the government had implemented a comprehensive National Fuel Security Plan, including excise cuts and reserve releases, to address supply issues. He cited industry support for these measures as sensible risk-sharing.

Answer from Michelle Rowland

The Minister announced landmark law preventing convicted abusers from hiding assets in superannuation. She noted that reforms to working-with-children checks were legislated in seven out of eight jurisdictions. The government had delivered $35 million in increased funding for the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions and a $12.2 million grant program for organizations supporting victims. She also highlighted the 'One Talk At A Time' awareness campaign.