Dan Tehan (Wannon, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Yesterday we found out a few home truths about the ineptitude of the Minister for Energy and Climate Change. Firstly, he has no idea that Australia runs on diesel—and I'm glad he's come in, because, Minister, you need to learn Australia runs on diesel.

The second thing we learned is that, when you are a part-time minister, you don't have your mind on the job. You're more worried about what's happening at COP than you are about Australians. So, Minister, forget being part time. Get your mind on the job.

We also heard this from him: Australia's fuel security is good. That's what we heard. Yet what did we hear from Transwest Fuels? What did we hear from United Petroleum? What did we hear from Nick Emin? Chris Bowen was saying there was still no issue, and the next phone call I got was from our fuel supply, saying there were no orders available.

Minister, there is a real discrepancy between what you're saying in here versus what is happening out in the street. You need to start listening to the Australian people. They're hurting because fuel prices are going up and supply isn't where it needs to be.