The Prime Minister convened National Cabinet today to address fuel security and supply chain resilience in Australia in response to the conflict in the Middle East.
First Ministers were provided a situation update from the Director General of the Office of National Intelligence Kathy Klugman and the Director General of Security and Head of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Mike Burgess.
Leaders agreed that while Australia is well prepared and current supply is secure, the nation must be prepared for all scenarios.
Leaders reinforced their commitment to prioritise securing fuel supply for Australian industry and households, while also shielding Australians from higher prices. Leaders acknowledged that the longer the conflict in the Middle East goes on, the more significant the impact will be for global supply chains, fuel prices, and the wider economy.
The conflict in the Middle East is an unprecedented shock to global energy markets. The International Energy Agency has called it the biggest in history. Already Australians are feeling the consequences at the bowser.
Leaders reiterated their collective mission is to protect Australians from the economic consequences of the global conflict and to ensure continued fuel security, while building economic resilience for the long term. Australia is well placed to do both.
The Commonwealth will appoint Anthea Harris as Fuel Supply Taskforce Coordinator to support coordination across governments and sectors.
Anthea Harris is formerly the CEO of the Australian Energy Regulator and the former Chief Executive Officer of the Energy Security Board. Prior to this, she was Deputy Secretary of the Energy Group within the Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning.
The Fuel Supply Taskforce Coordinator will be responsible for the following:
- Leading a new Fuel Supply Taskforce that will be established in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet in Canberra.
- Driving coordination between the Commonwealth and the States and Territories on fuel security and supply chain resilience.
- Providing consistent, coordinated updates to the Commonwealth and States and Territories on our fuel supply outlook as well as our domestic fuel distribution.
- Act as a single convening point for fuel supply and forward planning.
Leaders agreed that national coordination is essential to support States and Territories using the powers and plans they have in place regarding fuel distribution.
The Commonwealth Government is responsible for national fuel security and supply and will work with States and Territories to support distribution within their jurisdictions.
Leaders reiterated that Australia is in a good position at present and does not have an overall fuel shortage at this time. However, there are some shortages in specific areas due to an increase in demand in those locations.
National Cabinet Leaders agreed that every Australian can play a part in helping right now by only purchasing the fuel that they need.
Leaders urged all Australians to consider others in need and not to over buy. That is not the Australian way.
Leaders agreed that the best outcome is to ensure Australia is over prepared. Today’s announcement reinforces that approach.
Since the conflict commenced two weeks ago the Commonwealth government has taken swift action on fuel to:
- Release up to 20 per cent of our diesel and fuel reserves to help address regional shortages.
- Temporarily amend national fuel standards to keep more Australian-made fuels onshore.
- Crack down on petrol companies price gouging.
Energy Ministers and officials are working closely to coordinate fuel supply updates around the country including through the National Oil Supplies Emergency Committee.
The National Coordination Mechanism has convened several discussions with industry and states and territories.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs is engaging key international counterparts to help ensure the continued flow of fuel and diesel shipments to Australia from our trade partners.
The Australian Government will be announcing more measures to prepare the nation for supply chain challenges over coming days and weeks.
This media statement has been agreed by First Ministers and serves as a record of meeting outcomes.
Anthony Albanese MP
Prime Minister
Chris Minns MP
Premier of NSW
Jacinta Allan MP
Premier of Victoria
David Crisafulli MP
Premier of Queensland
Roger Cook MLA
Premier of Western Australia
Peter Malinauskas MP
Premier of South Australia
Jeremy Rockliff MP
Premier of Tasmania
Andrew Barr MLA
Chief Minister of the Australian Capital Territory
Lia Finocchiaro MLA
Chief Minister of the Northern Territory