4 years ago
GOVERNMENT SPLIT ON FUEL SECURITY
TERRI BUTLER MP
The Morrison Government is split on Australia’s fuel security.
Last week when asked about Australia’s fuel security, Energy Minister Taylor stated Australia has “close to 90 days (of fuel reserves), that includes stock on water.”
Yet yesterday Resources Minister Matt Canavan confirmed, “We’ve got roughly on average about 40 days (of fuel reserves).”
In April of this year, the Government’s own Liquid Fuel Security Review stated Australian stocks are only 53 days of net imports, and can cover Australian use of petrol, diesel and jet fuel for no more than 23 days.
The Morrison Government’s own policy admits Australian fuel stocks fall well short of our International Energy Agency (IEA) obligations of 90 days of fuel reserve, with the Government planning to meet the 90 day requirement by 2026.
Australia’s fuel security is an extremely important issue and for Ministers to be split on such a critical national security issue, especially at a time of heightened security risks, shows this Government is more interested in political posturing than Australia’s energy system.
Last week when asked about Australia’s fuel security, Energy Minister Taylor stated Australia has “close to 90 days (of fuel reserves), that includes stock on water.”
Yet yesterday Resources Minister Matt Canavan confirmed, “We’ve got roughly on average about 40 days (of fuel reserves).”
In April of this year, the Government’s own Liquid Fuel Security Review stated Australian stocks are only 53 days of net imports, and can cover Australian use of petrol, diesel and jet fuel for no more than 23 days.
The Morrison Government’s own policy admits Australian fuel stocks fall well short of our International Energy Agency (IEA) obligations of 90 days of fuel reserve, with the Government planning to meet the 90 day requirement by 2026.
Australia’s fuel security is an extremely important issue and for Ministers to be split on such a critical national security issue, especially at a time of heightened security risks, shows this Government is more interested in political posturing than Australia’s energy system.