Raff Ciccone (Victoria, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Thank you, Minister, for that answer. As we know, no country is immune from the impacts of this conflict, but the government is acting decisively to ensure that Australia remains prepared and resilient. Minister, can you please outline how the government's announcements on fuel security and fuel excise are helping to keep Australians on the road, supporting tourism that is reliant on businesses across our nation?

Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Trade and Tourism) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Ciccone for his first supplementary question. The Albanese Labor government recognises that global uncertainty is placing pressure on households and businesses, but we're taking practical steps to ease that burden. Our measures on fuel security and temporary fuel excise relief will help families and ensure Australians can stay on the road. Importantly, as the Prime Minister has said, Australians should continue with their Easter plans. By halving the fuel excise, we are lowering costs, we are strengthening supply and we are supporting tourism operators, small businesses and regional communities that very much rely on holiday travel. These actions are about protecting jobs and ensuring Australians can continue to travel, connect and support local economies.

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

Senator Ciccone, second supplementary?

Raff Ciccone (Victoria, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Thank you, Minister. I'm sure many regional communities at the moment will welcome those people visiting over the Easter period. Australians have seen many petrol stations experiencing temporary shortages due to increased demand, and some businesses are struggling to get their products out of our country. What support is the government providing to these businesses, and what actions is the government taking to diversify trade and build supply chain resilience?

Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Trade and Tourism) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Thank you, Senator Ciccone, for your second supplementary question. I can imagine there will be a lot of people wanting to travel to the Clare Valley over this long Easter weekend. In early March, the Trade Diversification Network was established under our $50 million Accessing New Markets Initiative. The network comprises 40 peak bodies from across Australian industry. Finding options for businesses relying on the gulf is a priority for the network. In addition to whole-of-government efforts, the government, through Austrade, is providing market and logistical support and briefings for thousands of businesses, including on freight and shipping. Austrade is connecting exporters with importers, distributors and logistics providers and providing advice on alternative markets for diversification. We're talking to Australian— (Time expired)

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

I inform the chamber that Senator Lambie has given her question to Senator David Pocock.