Sam Birrell (Nicholls, National Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Regional Health) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister for Climate Change and Energy. I refer to the minister's previous answer describing the current fuel situation as a 'national crisis'. Minister, are we in a national crisis?

Chris Bowen (McMahon, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Climate Change and Energy) Share this | Link to 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.

Melissa McIntosh (Lindsay, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Women) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

You don't care!

Milton Dick (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The member for Lindsay is warned.

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

As the relevant minister, I find that quite helpful. I find the fact that this government legislated it a good thing and the fact that those opposite voted against it deeply disappointing but part of a pattern of behaviour.

The point I was making is that crises, whether international or otherwise, are a chance for both sides of the House to provide leadership. That's the point I was making that they were so offended by. As someone who sat in this House now for a while, through COVID, as shadow health minister, I know that. I know when I worked with the then health minister that that was an opportunity for both sides to provide leadership. Those of us who held opposition office at that time know that. As I said before in that answer—and I stand by every word of that answer, and I stand by this part—the fact that you choose to make politics in a crisis says more about the opposition than it does about the government.

Honourable members interjecting—

Milton Dick (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Order! There's far too much noise. I'm now issuing a general warning. That means everyone is up for grabs.

Honourable members interjecting—

Order! There's just too much noise, so we'll take action.