Pat Conaghan (Cowper, National Party, Shadow Assistant Treasurer) Share this | Hansard source

Yesterday we saw this government finally forced into using a bit of common sense by slashing the fuel excise, saving all Australians 26c per litre at the bowser. It's great that they listened to us, but there's much more that needs to be done to protect everyday Australians and our national interest. Gary Eichmann, a generational dairy farmer in my electorate, is unable to get the fuel he ordered three weeks ago. Now he's been advised that, when the fuel is eventually available, the cost will be 30c per litre dearer than the service station costs due to inflated wholesale prices to independents. Gary's not the only one sounding the alarm on wholesaler supply. Every Nationals MP has received similar calls. Across the floor, the few of you that do actually have producers amongst your constituents must be hearing the same thing.

The government has to admit there is a distribution issue that is set to negatively impact on every Australian at the check-out in the very near future. Safeguards must be put in place for primary industries and distribution networks, and they needed to be put in place three weeks ago. No farmers means no food, no freight and no deliveries, and no supply of goods means skyrocketing prices on every product at the check-out. The tax cut was one small step for everyday Australians, but a giant leap is required by this government to keep our country running. (Time expired)

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