Katy Gallagher (ACT, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Public Service) Share this | Hansard source

I also thank Senator Dowling for that question, because supply has been a priority, and focusing on supply has been a priority for the Albanese government since this conflict began. Indeed, there's legislation that will come to this place later today to ensure that Export Finance Australia can help industry source additional cargoes overseas. It will do that by making sure there are new powers to keep fuel flowing for Australians by underwriting the purchase of fuel by the private sector.

Already there are discussions happening with local and international fuel suppliers to help firm up and source new cargoes to ensure we're getting the fuel we need when it's needed and where it's needed. It will mean that, in cases where it would be cost prohibitive for private suppliers to source fuel on commercial terms, the government will provide that additional support. It won't subsidise fuel that importers have already contracted to supply, but it will give suppliers confidence to secure additional and discretionary cargoes, which will be used to service uncontracted demand, including regional and independent fuel suppliers.