Carol Brown (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

We have, as the government, been outlining all week—particularly today, in answers to questions—what we have been doing in terms of fuel supply and fuel security. Australians know that, when supply chains are under pressure overseas, the effects can eventually be felt here too—at the bowser, in freight costs, on farm, in the cost of running a small business and in the cost of getting goods from one end of the country to the other. The concern people are feeling is understandable. What matters in moments like this is calm, competent management, and that is exactly what the Albanese government has been focused on. This government is doing the work. The government has been working through the implications of this conflict across the board, planning for the impacts and taking practical steps to protect Australians from the worst of this global disruption.

We saw that in the answers the minister gave that stepped through some of the work that's being undertaken by the minister and the government. Relevant ministers, as we've heard, have met with fuel suppliers, fertiliser suppliers and agricultural peak bodies to work through the pressures that are now emerging in the system. There is daily engagement with fuel companies, including smaller suppliers. The National Oil Supplies Emergency Committee has been meeting regularly so that states and territories are prepared to respond if conditions deteriorate. The government is also working closely with the ACCC, both to watch for market misconduct and to help ensure supply is coordinated into the regions. That matters because what we're dealing with is not just a story about global markets; it's about what happens on the ground in Australia when fear overtakes facts.

At present, Australia is not facing a national fuel shortage. What we are seeing in some areas is localised disruptions caused by sudden spikes in demand. Industry has reported that in some places about a month's worth of fuel has been sold in just a couple of days. That is not normal purchasing behaviour, and when that happens the pressure shows up first in the places that can least afford it. It shows up in regional communities. It shows up for farmers trying to keep equipment running. It shows up for freight operators keeping goods moving, and it shows up for people whose work and daily lives depend on reliable access to fuel. That is why the message from government, industry and peak bodies is consistent: buy fuel as you normally would.

The Deputy Premier of the Tasmanian Liberal government put out a media release today entitled 'Tasmania's fuel supplies secure'. I want to take quotes from his media release, and it's very important because what we have here is an opposition who is, I believe, using the situation for political pointscoring. Now we'll hear from the Deputy Premier of the Tasmanian Liberal government, who said: 'The Tasmanian government has convened an industry and business roundtable regarding fuel supply, and, despite the situation in the Middle East, Tasmania's fuel supply is secure. This was reiterated at the roundtable.' Deputy Premier Guy Barnett went on to talk about how the rising cost of fuel impacts on Tasmanian families, businesses and the agricultural sector. He emphasised: 'Tasmania's liquid fuel supply is in a secure state with sufficient supply on island'—this is in Tasmania, my home state—'and more currently on the way. There is no need to stockpile fuel. People should continue to buy fuel in the same way they always have when they need it. We will continue to engage with the federal government. This is a trying time for many, but together we can sensibly work through the challenges in front of us.'

Well, I think he needs to pick up the phone and talk to the Tasmanian federal Liberal senators because their actions so far could be described as anything other than sensible. (Time expired)