Maria Kovacic (NSW, Liberal Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Women) Share this | Hansard source

Australians have rightly been concerned by the ongoing impacts of the war in Iran, and they are being felt right here in Australia. The energy minister, Chris Bowen, has been either asleep at the wheel or very selective about the information that he presents to Australians. First, he informed the Australian people that there was no cause for alarm because there was plenty of fuel supply. The next day, he declared a national crisis. First we were told not to panic, and now the government has released the national reserves and is telling people to work from home. Australians are rightly concerned about the complete inconsistencies and the changing stories that are coming from this government.

Petrol stations are going dry, particularly in regional locations, and people are paying around $3 a litre for diesel. The lived reality of Australians is an entirely different story to what the government is saying. Minister Bowen needs to get his head out of the sand, because this is yet another cost-of-living hit for Australians. It is time the government started being transparent with the Australian people about where the shortages are and what industries are actually at risk. Australians deserve clear leadership, transparency and a government that cares about making sure families and businesses have the fuel that they need, rather than covering up its own inaction. The government needs to ensure that Australians have the fuel that they need when they need it. The government doesn't need a fuel coordinator with no powers to get anything done; it needs a minister who will do his job. It's the minister's responsibility to ensure that the system is working and Australians are getting the fuel that they need. It is not his job to pass the buck. The minister has the powers he needs, and it's time for him to clean up his mess. Our economy is weak, fuel supplies aren't guaranteed, and Australians are struggling.