Paterson urges government to activate Liquid Fuel Security Act for supply clarity
The opposition is intensifying its criticism of the government's handling of the fuel crisis, urging Labor to take stronger measures to resolve the issue.
While the government asserts that additional fuel supplies are arriving and being distributed to regional areas, many petrol stations nationwide remain without fuel.
Shadow Defence Minister James Paterson highlighted that the government holds the authority to invoke the Liquid Fuel Security Act, which would mandate fuel suppliers and companies to disclose detailed information regarding fuel distribution and shortages.
"The energy minister has extraordinary powers in this area. They were passed by the previous government as Taylor was energy minister. It’s called the Fuel Security Act. It gives them visibility of the supply-and-demand issues across the economy, and great authority to lean on energy companies, fuel companies, distributors, wholesalers, intermediaries to make sure that supply gets to where it needs to go. So Chris Bowen is not rolling up his sleeves and getting on to that task."
Paterson cautioned against mandatory measures such as fuel rationing, which some countries like South Korea are considering, describing such mandates as "terrible."
"I really, really hope we don’t get to that, and I hope the federal government is doing everything they can so that that is not necessary. That would be a terrible thing, that would have a devastating impact on our economy."
Barnaby Joyce advocates for food rationing amid fuel shortages
One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce, who previously called for the activation of the Liquid Fuel Emergency Act, has now urged the government to begin rationing food supplies.
Speaking to reporters en route to parliament, Joyce expressed concern that the fuel crisis is already affecting farmers and food producers, potentially leading to food shortages.
"This is going to ripple through. It’s going to start with a few sort of peculiarities. Isn’t that interesting? I don’t seem to have any eggs today. And then it’s going to build up and up and up and up. But by the time it arrives, it’s too late …
[The government] should be having rationing now, and he should be brave enough to say to the Australian people, look, you’re not going to like this, but you’re going to appreciate it. A plan is better than panic, and panic is where we’re going."
New legislation to combat illicit tobacco introduced
The government plans to introduce a bill aimed at tackling illicit tobacco activities linked to organised crime. The legislation will establish new offences and enhance law enforcement powers to pursue criminal profits from illicit tobacco.
Illicit tobacco has become a significant concern, not only due to health implications but also because of substantial lost tax revenue. Last year, Australia's crime agency estimated a $3.3 billion loss in tax revenue due to illicit tobacco.
The government reported a more than 320% increase in black market tobacco seizures over the last financial year compared to four years prior.
The new bill will also impose increased penalties for importing, possessing, buying, selling, producing, and manufacturing illicit tobacco.
Assistant Minister for Customs Julian Hill emphasised the complexity of the issue and the need for a comprehensive approach.
"There is no one cause or single solution to tackle the illicit tobacco market. We need a multipronged and multi-jurisdictional approach to tackle the issue, including ongoing and enhanced collaboration with the states and territories."
Angus Taylor urges directing fuel to empty petrol stations
Opposition leader Angus Taylor called on the government to instruct fuel companies to redistribute fuel to areas experiencing shortages, echoing the Coalition's questioning during recent parliamentary sessions.
Energy Minister Chris Bowen stated that 757 million litres of petrol and diesel have been released and moved to regional areas.
Taylor accused the government and the Prime Minister of being "sold out," without specifying to whom.
"The fuel stocks are up. They’ve [the government] told us that. They said that yesterday, fuel stock levels are up. So move it to the sold out servos. There’s over 500 servos that haven’t got fuel. The fuel stocks are there, pick up the phone and tell the companies to move the stocks. It’s simple."
During an interview, host Sarah Abo questioned how this approach would work given distribution challenges across all states, but Taylor reiterated that since fuel stocks are reportedly sufficient, the government should direct companies to supply empty stations.
Abo further inquired about long-term solutions for a crisis expected to persist for months, to which Taylor responded that ongoing fuel redistribution and inflation reduction are key.
"The longer-term solution, clearly, is we’re going to see higher prices over the coming weeks and potentially many months, and we’ve got to keep the fuel moving … We have a budget coming up, and we need to see downward pressure on inflation."
Nationals senator criticises government’s lack of plan
Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie accused the government of engaging in a "blame game" while other countries implement emergency plans to address the fuel crisis.
She noted that the trucking industry has requested GST relief but did not support a fuel excise cut, citing its adverse effects on the transport sector.
Speaking on the Today show, McKenzie highlighted international examples such as South Korea, which is implementing emergency measures including rationing.
"You’ve got the federal and the state governments blame gaming, who’s in charge, and meanwhile, we sit here without a plan. We’ve got other countries right around the world instigating emergency provisions, prioritising their own citizens and their own nation’s needs … South Korea is implementing a plan. They’re also got rationing being implemented as well, and different countries are implementing different things."
"A simple cut to fuel excise won’t help our transport industry at all, and that won’t stop that flow-on impact."
Morning briefing and parliamentary context
Krishani Dhanji provides the morning update, acknowledging the final sitting day of the fortnight, which will focus on the fuel crisis, the Middle East conflict, and economic repercussions.
The ongoing ABC strike until 11 a.m. limits media presence, but parliamentary activities remain active.
Farmers warn of potential food shortages due to fuel crisis
Leaders in the farming sector have expressed grave concerns that the current fuel crisis could trigger severe economic challenges, surpassing those experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Michael Hampson, head of dairy cooperative Norco, warned that the situation could escalate to the point where food scarcity becomes a pressing issue.
"We won’t be worried about running out of toilet paper – we’ll be worried about not having food."
Tropical Cyclone Narelle threatens Kimberley coast
In other news, Tropical Cyclone Narelle has intensified and poses a threat to Western Australia’s Kimberley coast, following significant impacts in northern Queensland and the Northern Territory.
Communities near the Shark Bay World Heritage area are preparing for a possible direct impact tomorrow night. Perth is expected to avoid a direct hit but may experience heavy rainfall.
Australia condemns Iran’s attacks on Gulf states
Australia has joined other nations in condemning Iran’s recent attacks on Gulf states and Jordan during an urgent United Nations debate.
The UN discussion focused on a resolution addressing Iran’s military aggression against Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, highlighting attacks on civilians and infrastructure resulting in loss of life.
Australia’s ambassador to the UN, Clare Walsh, read a statement reaffirming Australia's call for Iran and its proxies to cease attacks immediately and expressing solidarity with the Gulf Cooperation Council and Jordan.
"We reiterate our call for Iran and its proxies to cease all such attacks immediately. Australia stands in solidarity with members of the Gulf Cooperation Council and Jordan and affirms support for their sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, including by co-sponsoring their resolution, we recognise the profound impact that Iran’s actions are having on civilian populations in the region.
Australia continues to call on all parties to uphold international humanitarian law, to protect civilians, including humanitarian personnel."
The statement did not reference actions by the United States or Iran directly.
Additional political and economic updates
Martin Farrer provides an overview of overnight developments, including Australia's condemnation of Iran’s attacks and the escalating economic concerns related to the conflict.
Further economic news includes a speech by Reserve Bank Assistant Governor Christopher Kent in Sydney, the release of national accounts, and the OECD interim economic outlook scheduled for later in the day.
