Senate debates Questions without Notice

Fossil Fuel Industry


Matthew Canavan

Matthew Canavan Queensland, Liberal National Party

2:50 pm

My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Wong. Senator Wong, your government is imposing a carbon tax on Australian fuel refineries under its so-called Safeguard Mechanism. That impost amounts to over $1 million for each refinery today. To get to net zero, those refineries are potentially facing a bill of up to $1 billion. Minister, at a time of unprecedented global instability, why is this government making it more expensive and more precarious to refine fuel on Australian soil?