Anne Webster (Mallee, National Party, Shadow Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories) Share this | Hansard source

I rise today to speak about the severe fuel crisis gripping regional Australia. Nowhere is it hitting harder than in my electorate of Mallee. Just a week ago, the town of Robinvale became one of the first in Victoria to run completely dry of fuel over the weekend of 14-15 March. Nathan Falvo, owner of the Happy Valley Store in Robinvale, has been front and centre in the media this week—and well done to him—telling the unvarnished truth about what our people are facing every day. In over 25 years of running his store and servo, he's never seen anything like this: farmers pulling up with empty tanks, workers unable to reach orchards or almond blocks and fruit left unpicked because machinery can't run. Nathan described the whole town, one of Australia's key fruit bowls, as being effectively dry of fuel.

While the Prime Minister and the minister for energy have been at pains to assure us there is as much fuel in Australia as there was before the crisis began, Nathan had no qualms assuring the country there has been no panic buying in Robinvale and this indeed is a supply issue. To the Prime Minister, Nathan said: 'Stop lying to your country. All we're asking for is transparency.' I echo those sentiments.

We have now learnt that some six shipments expected to arrive in Australia in mid-April have been cancelled, contrary to the assurances the Albanese Labor government has been giving us. This government still insists no national shortage exists, yet towns like Robinvale, Wedderburn and Bonnie Doon—all in regional Victoria—are living the reality of empty bowsers and delayed or uncertain deliveries. This government must stop the excuses and act decisively, prioritise allocation to regional independents and farming areas, expedite bulk diesel to high-need electorates like Mallee and build real resilience so we're not this vulnerable again.

It's not just access to fuel that's the problem. People around the country are now starting to feel the impact of surging fuel prices. Shane from Donald said he watched in horror as the price of diesel increased by 10c a day. And it's not only fuel in areas like Mallee but other liquid-fuel-reliant products, like urea. Farmers face crippling costs, and families across Australia will inevitably pay the price at supermarket check-outs.

See this speech in context