Chris Bowen (McMahon, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Climate Change and Energy) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the honourable member for the question. It may have escaped members opposite, but there's a war going on. Do I regard a war as a crisis? Yes, I do. Do I regard the implications of that war, when it comes to fuel internationally, as a crisis? Yes, I do. That's why the International Energy Agency last night agreed to the largest coordinated action in its history. I spent time on the phone last night with the executive director of the IEA discussing that international crisis. And I'll tell you what: if a farmer can't get fuel, do I think it is a crisis for that farmer? Yes, I do. Maybe those opposite don't agree. If a fishing company can't get access to diesel for fishing, do I think it's a crisis for that company? Yes, I do.

Apparently, I think, the members opposite don't. I understand their sensitivity. They wanted us less prepared for this, not more prepared. Not only did they keep the fuel supplies in Texas, but, as the Treasurer has outlined, just last year, this government legislated for this very eventuality. This government legislated better preparations. It said:

The Bill amends the Minimum Stockholding Obligation for fuel importers and refiners to provide the relevant Minister with additional tools to manage critical fuel shortages and ensure Australia is not hampered by temporary shortages.

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