The Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, must reassure Australians that the
Government has a strategy in place to ensure there are adequate fuel supplies for our nation.
Reports that fuel wholesalers have commenced rationing petrol and diesel supplies across Australia
are deeply concerning.
Under Labor, Australia risks going back to 1940 when rationing was introduced to manage shortages
caused by World War II.
Australia is a diesel economy. Without fuel, trucks carrying our food, pharmaceuticals and supplies
stop, making us vulnerable. The former Coalition government introduced the Petroleum and Other
Fuels Reporting Act – a mandatory reporting regime – to monitor Australia’s fuel security.
Chris Bowen should be using his powers under the Act to identify customers at risk of fuel shortages – especially farmers, manufacturers and the transport industry – to ensure supply gaps are addressed as a priority.
ENDS
