FUEL CRISIS A LESSON IN GROSS MISMANAGEMENT
Shadow Minister for Resources, Senator Susan McDonald has demanded immediate action after reports the Federal Government’s emergency fuel release doesn’t include diesel as fishing trawlers, road freight and mining operations struggle to operate.
Senator McDonald, also the Shadow Minister for Northern Australia, said it was beyond belief how badly the fuel crisis had been mismanaged, and added it was regional areas hit hardest.
“Chris Bowen has dropped fuel standards and released reserves but it’s petrol not diesel,” she said.
“This equates to just over two days of national petrol use and it does nothing to increase diesel supply for farmers, truck drivers or regional industries.
“Big fuel distributors have shut the gates to independent outlets, miners are rationing diesel, truckies are reporting fuel prices are up 50% in a week, trawlers are tied up at wharves in Mooloolabah and Ingham, some small towns have no diesel at all.
“Other countries acted last week to conflict in the Middle East with measures such as making public servants work from home and shutting schools. But Anthony Albanese and Chris Bowen did nothing in Australia.
“If they can’t manage a crisis when we do have reserves, how would they manage without reserves? It’s a terrifying prospect.
“During Covid, the then Coalition Government showed leadership and cut fuel excise but all we’ve seen from Labor is distraction, denial and dysfunction.”
Senator McDonald added that flood-hit food growing regions are experiencing added pain and costs.
“The Opposition is calling on the Albanese Government to immediately ensure independent service stations and wholesalers in regional areas continue to receive fuel supply so there is no risk to meat and crop production,” she said.
“Primary producers across North Queensland are only just beginning to recover after recent flooding. They need diesel to repair fences, move stock, harvest crops and get back to work but many are struggling to secure supply. One Mayor told me that the cost of recovery has skyrocketed which means less money for disaster repairs.
“If the Government fails to act, pressure will inevitably flow through to food prices for Australian families.
“Diesel underpins Australia’s economy, safety and freedom,” Senator McDonald said.
“It powers food production, mining, freight, construction and emergency services. The entire economy is being threatened by Labor’s inaction.”
Senator McDonald said the Government must also consider the impact of its own policies on Australia’s already fragile fuel security.
“Labor’s Safeguard Mechanism is a major tax on Australia’s remaining two oil refineries, increasing the cost of refining fuel domestically risks making our fuel security even more fragile.”
Senator McDonald said recent events highlighted the reality that Australia still relies heavily on liquid fuels.
“For years the Albanese Government has told Australians that electric vehicles and renewables are the answer, but EVs and renewables cannot replace diesel in heavy industry, long-distance freight, aviation or remote farming operations.
“Regional Australia doesn’t operate like capital cities. Distances are vast, charging infrastructure is limited, and our food production and supply chains depend on diesel.
“The Government must ensure regional wholesalers and independent operators receive fair access to diesel so farmers and producers can keep Australia fed.”
ENDS