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 Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Senator Ayres. The West Australian reported that Lauren Thompson and Jet Wilson are young Western Australians who had planned to drive Melbourne for Easter—that is, until this government's fuel crisis intervened. Ms Thompson said:

We're a little bit unsure if we will go because of how much it's going to cost us with the price of fuel at the moment.

Minister, what do you say to the Western Australians, and all Australians, that are cancelling Easter because of your government's fuel crisis?

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

As I indicated in my answers to questions earlier, and as Senator Wong indicated in her answers to questions on very much the same subject, this conflict in the Middle East, and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, is creating a global shock in energy markets around the world. Australia is more prepared and more resilient because of the actions this government has taken, and we continue to act in those areas. We have taken every practical action. We want to make sure that we are prepared for every eventuality. We are aware of the impact that this is having and that the extension of this conflict, if it continues to extend, is having and is likely to have on the Australian economy.

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

Minister, Ms Thompson also said: 'We're not sure if there are fuel limitations along the Nullarbor. We don't want to run out of fuel and get stuck.' Minister, you've dismissed warnings about fuel shortages as 'right-wing extremism'. Now, is Ms Thompson spreading right-wing extremism too?

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

Well, I think, Senator, that what Ms Thompson will be focused on is what practical action the government has undertaken on her behalf and on behalf of Australians. She will know that we have introduced new laws to double penalties—

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

Senator O'Sullivan, you've asked your question.

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

for false and misleading conduct to $100 million; convened National Cabinet and will continue to use the National Cabinet to coordinate the government's work with our colleagues in the states and territories; appointed a national fuel supply taskforce coordinator; begun the release of 20 per cent of Australia's fuel reserves, so the fuel reserves that we established are able to be used in the interests of Australian motorists and Australian industry; and changed petrol standards to get more fuel flowing—all of that action and more, to protect Australians from the worst of this crisis. (Time expired)

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

Minister, Australians are now worried about their Easter plans and whether they'll be wrecked by higher prices and empty bowsers. Australians have to travel long distances on their holidays. So can you guarantee today that no Australian's Easter plans will be disrupted by this government's fuel crisis?

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

What I can guarantee is that this government will continue to act in the Australian interest—in the interests of Australians and in the interests of Australian industry. The choice you have to make and your colleagues have to make is whether you are going to join the government in acting in the national interest, or whether you'll continue a partisan approach on these questions that diminishes you every single day of the week.

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

President, I ask that further questions be placed on the Notice Paper.