Deborah O'Neill (NSW, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

It is a serious problem that needs to be dealt with, and it's a lucky thing for Australia that it's a stable Labor Albanese government that's in power right now, because the only thing that would be on offer from those opposite is the internecine warfare they've been inflicting on one another. That is not the kind of party that can lead a nation. We need orderly, steady government because this really matters.

Businesses do not look to the parliament for entertainment or cheap shots. They've got capital on the line. They've got their businesses on the line. They need sensible, clear, accurate information, and they need steady, clear pathways to delivering the essential things that Australia needs. That is what our government is focusing on. I didn't come into politics for entertainment value; I came into politics because I believe that this is a great country and it is served well by great governments of the Labor tradition that take our role in this country very, very seriously. That is why I am proud to stand here today to try and get some facts on the record.

Australia today is absolutely navigating a world that looks very different from the one that many of us grew up in. In fact, it's very different to the world that we knew even five years ago. It's a world marked by uncertainty, conflict and economic pressure that reaches right into household budgets. It's in that environment that governments that are responsible, as our government is, take responsibility not to inflame fear but to provide stability, security and practical support where it's required.

The facts with regard to the fertiliser industry are important to put on the record for anybody who's listening across this great country. We know how vital this is for rural and regional Australians, who are looking at supply chains and the global upheaval of the moment and wondering exactly what this means for their businesses and how it will impact them. I want to be very clear that the government is very closely monitoring the impact on fuel and broader supply chains, including plastics and fertiliser. Not only are we monitoring this but we are working carefully and closely with industry to stay ahead of emerging risks. That work is being done not on the floor of the chamber in alarmism but in practical, serious consideration—off to the side, the proper work of government.

With particular regard to fertiliser and the matter of urea, Australia is not facing an immediate shortage. However, market conditions are tightening and pressure is likely to increase from early to mid-April as planting activity picks up. We know that, you know that, and that's why we are working to establish more stable supply lines and working with people in our region—not just from the Middle East, where we are exposed to that market at an extraordinarily high level. That has been our historical practice, but, as I said, this is a world in incredible flux.

To support farmers to plan with confidence, the government is working closely with the industry bodies that represent you as our farmers—as the growers of produce for this country. We need to maintain visibility of supply and consider the practical options that are necessary to stretch available nitrogen supplies and improve access wherever possible. On plastics and petrochemicals, the current state, as I speak to you today, is that there are currently no widespread shortages. But we all know—everybody's reading the news—that global supply conditions are tightening due to what's often called a force majeure event in Asia.

We are entering this period from a relatively strong market position. I'm proud of Australian farmers and I'm proud of Australian producers, who do the very best they can to use all of these resources as efficiently and effectively as possible. The fact that we have good know-how, good knowledge and good practice puts us in good stead. The government is working very carefully to understand emerging pressures and identify where bottlenecks are likely to occur, and we will address these issues as early as possible. That is steady government with commitment to the Australian people. No fear, no alarm—we'll get through this. (Time expired)