Alicia Payne (Canberra, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Prime Minister. With the war in the Middle East impacting global supply chains, how is the Albanese Labor government working across the board, including with industry, to support Australia's fuel security and supply? What has been the response?

Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank the member for Canberra for her question, ably assisted by young Joseph. I congratulate her on expanding her family. Now, we understand indeed that all Australian families at the moment, businesses and farmers, are feeling the impact of the ongoing war in the Middle East. The government is working with partners across the board, taking action on Australia's fuel security and supply. Whether it's with state and territory governments, whether it be with international partners or with industry, a calm, steady, fact based approach is what we are focused on, because we want Australia to be overprepared. I want us to have the strongest possible plan so we're ready for what may come. Indeed, it's been supported by industry.

The BCA CEO Bran Black said, 'Australia's companies are working collaboratively with government,' and that's the point that I want to stress. This is a time where we really do need to adopt a 'team Australia' moment. It's only by working together that we'll get through it. Andrew McKellar from ACCI said, 'We've seen a number of steps that the government are taking in terms of getting consultation with industry.' He went on to say, '… national cabinet, the appointment of Anthea Harris as the national Fuel Supply Task Force Coordinator, the things that they've done in terms of fuel standards and releasing some of those reserves.' The National Farmers' Federation said, 'We acknowledge the global factors at the core of these issues, and that the need for a calm and considered approach to supply chain issues is imperative …' That's what the actual farmers have said through the NFF.

Opposition Members:

Opposition members interjecting—

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

Order, members on my left will cease interjecting. There is just far too much noise.

Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

On these matters, we also act transparently. On Sunday, the minister reported that six out of the 81 ships which were due in April had been cancelled. I can confirm to the House that, of those six cancelled ships, all have been replaced, and suppliers continue securing more cargo. That's what we're doing—actually getting things done—while those opposite behave as if they're unaware that there is a war in the Middle East and can't believe there are consequences of it.

On Monday we will convene the national cabinet to ensure as well that we get that coordination across the levels of government. Now, my message to Australians remains: do not take more fuel than you need. As a government, we are prepared so we can shield Australians from the worst of global uncertainty. The best way to do that is for all of us to keep working together in the national interest, and we will continue to do that with industry, with international partners, with state and territory governments, even if those opposite want to not be a part of that coordinated action.