Ross Cadell (NSW, National Party, Shadow Minister for Water) | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Wong. What additional costs at the petrol bowser will Australians be slugged under the government's new proposed carbon tax on fuel?

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

There isn't one. I would make the point that, when it comes to fuel, the government has worked particularly with our partners to ensure that fuel supplies have continued into Australia. Fuel, fertiliser and related products have continued into Australia, notwithstanding the disruption to global energy markets as a consequence of the closure the Straits of Hormuz. What that experience has confirmed is a number of things. One is the importance of good partnerships in our region and a joint approach—a regional approach—to economic resilience. The second is the sovereignty point to ensure we have more capacity to provide for ourselves in critical supply chains in our country.

If you are discussing low-carbon liquid fuels, the point I would make is that that is a policy that seeks to grow and diversify supply chains, including for Australian made fuel made in Australia from Australian feedstock. That is an important aspect of what is being currently discussed. We do think Australian farmers and ethanol producers can protect Australia from the vulnerability that has been on display not just in energy markets but at the bowser.

What has happened when you see the spikes to energy prices and the global price of oil spiking as a result of the constriction in demand—

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

Order across the chamber!

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

We saw why we need to look at how we ensure our fuel resilience. (Time expired)

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

Senator Cadell, first supplementary?

Ross Cadell (NSW, National Party, Shadow Minister for Water) | Link to this | Hansard source

The government's position is clear on page 45 of the consultation paper that the cost of the proposed carbon tax on fuel will be paid by the end consumer. How much does Labor's carbon intensity tax on fuel add to the cost of a tank of diesel for Australian truckies?

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

The end consumer pays!

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

President, through you, it used to be that the Nationals were regarded as the farmers party, but it does appear that they are not interested in the views of farmers. If Senator Cadell is referring to the release of the consultation paper on Tuesday, I would make this point. The National Farmers' Federation has welcomed the Australian government's release—

I know this is very upsetting for you, Senator McKenzie, because you don't speak for them anymore. It's upsetting, isn't it? The National Farmers' Federation has welcomed the Australian government's release of consultation papers on establishing the Australian fuel security reserve and proposed measures to strengthen Australia's fuel resilience, including increasing the minimum stockholding obligation—wait for it, Senator McKenzie—and low-carbon liquid fuels. It's so upsetting, isn't it, when your scare campaign— (Time expired)

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

Senator McKenzie, I am quite frankly over calling your name. Senator Cadell, second supplementary?

Ross Cadell (NSW, National Party, Shadow Minister for Water) | Link to this | Hansard source

Minister, you've been unable to tell Australians how much more they will pay in two answers now. Why is the government withholding from the Australian public the modelling showing the costing of how much they will pay on the new carbon tax on fuel?

Hon. Senators:

Honourable senators interjecting—

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

I'm waiting for silence across the chamber. Order!

Minister Watt, 'order' applies to you.

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

First, the government has put out a consultation paper that that is what we are discussing, which has been welcomed by industry, not just the NFF but also GrainCorp. The second point I would make is that the allowable level of ethanol that can be added to petrol is already established under Australia's fuel quality standards, and the government does not have plans to change or increase these.

You want to construct a scare campaign. It's unfortunate the facts don't support it, isn't it? And it's unfortunate that some of those who you purport to represent are actually not joining in the circus, because, really, who do you represent? You don't represent farmers. You don't represent grain producers. Who do you represent now? Just the people of Elwood.