Matt O'Sullivan (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Choice in Childcare and Early Learning) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Wong. Communities in regional Western Australia, including Kulin and Corrigin, are already rationing fuel and shutting pumps to motorists. On what basis does the government continue to claim that there are no supply constraints, when country towns are plainly experiencing them right now?

Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I will respond to that question, which, really, Minister Bowen responded to in the press conference today. He said we don't have a supply problem; we do have a demand challenge, where there is greater demand, particularly in some areas, than previously. I would encourage—

Bridget McKenzie (Victoria, National Party, Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

We're rationing in some areas.

Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

We see Senator McKenzie again doing what she often does, which is to try and create fear and misinformation. I would really encourage the opposition to be very careful about how they handle this issue.

In terms of what I am advised, I can say this: we have as much fuel coming through our ports now as we did before the war began. I'll say that again: we have as much fuel coming through our ports now as we did before the war began. However, we do understand that there are some regions and farmers who are having difficulty getting the fuel that they require. As the minister said in the press conference with the Prime Minister today, the primary problem is not supply; the primary problem is changes in demand. You have some responsibility in helping to deal with that. If the country engages in spikes in demand because people are panicking, because they are being encouraged to panic by certain shadow ministers and others, that is not a good thing for the market.

I wasn't actually looking at you, Senator. I was looking over there. I'm also advised that the Minister for Climate Change and Energy, the minister for agriculture and the minister for industry are holding talks with suppliers and the farming sector, I believe, today—it may be tomorrow; I'll check which is correct—because of issues raised around diesel, fuel and fertiliser.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator O'Sullivan, first supplementary?

Matt O'Sullivan (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Choice in Childcare and Early Learning) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

When did the government first become aware that the fuel suppliers were restricting deliveries to customers in regional Western Australia?

Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

First, in relation to my first answer, Minister Ayres just advised me that the meeting has occurred today. The second—I would have to take on notice when we became aware of that. It's obviously not my portfolio, but I would say, again, I think there is a distinction between how much supply is coming to Australia and the pattern of demand that the market is responding to. I really would encourage the opposition to be responsible in their language.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator O'Sullivan, second supplementary?

Matt O'Sullivan (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Choice in Childcare and Early Learning) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

When Corrigin Roadhouse owner Scott Coppin describes '10 to 15 minimum cars lined up trying to get fuel and filling up jerry cans' and says, 'It was like a scene out of a movie,' how can the government claim that there are no supply issues? Why don't you just tell us the truth, or are you saying that Mr Coppin is wrong?

Tim Ayres (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Industry and Innovation) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

You ought to just give it away—just give the whole thing away!

Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Seriously, you just don't care. Have you been to a regional town in WA?

Tim Ayres (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Industry and Innovation) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

It's shameful—utterly shameful.

Matt O'Sullivan (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Choice in Childcare and Early Learning) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Come to Corrigin.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Order across the chamber! Order, Senator Ayres and Senator Cash and Senator O'Sullivan. Honestly, I should not have to call senators name by name to get people to come to order. I should just say 'order' and you come to order.

Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

A responsible party of government can hold the government to account. A responsible party of government should not engage in misinformation and that was. The government is being clear. We have as much fuel coming through our ports now as we did before the war began. The challenge we have is one of demand, and I would, again, encourage the opposition to behave in a responsible manner, as the government—

Hon. Senators:

Honourable senators interjecting—

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Minister Wong, resume your seat. I'm waiting for the chamber to come to order.

Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I've made clear the position in terms of what is coming into Australia. I also have said, as the minister has said, that we are seeing patterns of demand which differ from the norm. That is obviously going to mean that there are some regions and communities who are experiencing difficulties. (Time expired)