Barnaby Joyce Slams Oil Refinery Closures as 'Really Stupid' Decision
One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce has strongly criticized the shutdown of Australian oil refineries during successive Coalition governments, labeling it a 'really stupid decision' driven by capitulation to 'climate change edicts and tsars'. This statement comes as concerns mount over Australia's vulnerability to potential fuel supply shortages due to the country's diminished manufacturing capability.
Australia's Refinery Decline and Fuel Dependence
Since the start of the century, six refining facilities have closed under both Labor and Coalition governments, leaving only two domestic refineries operational in Australia. This has resulted in the nation relying heavily on imported fuel, with approximately 90 per cent of its supply sourced from overseas. The majority of this imported fuel comes from Asian refineries that depend on oil shipments from the Middle East, which have been disrupted by the ongoing war with Iran.
On Monday, Mr Joyce made these surprising claims during an interview on Seven's Sunrise, where host Nat Barr pointed out that the two most recent closures occurred while now Opposition Leader Angus Taylor was energy minister and Mr Joyce was part of the Coalition government. In response, Mr Joyce argued that the closures were not due to economic viability but rather pressure from climate change advocates.
Political Responses and Fuel Security Measures
The Albanese government has insisted that Australia's fuel supply remains secure, with current reserves including 39 days of petrol, 30 days of jet fuel, and 30 days of diesel. The government has implemented measures such as temporarily relaxing fuel standards and utilizing fuel security powers to underwrite additional fuel cargoes and strategic reserves as needed. However, they warn that the duration of the Middle East conflict will ultimately determine the impact on Australian households.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has urged Australians to use fuel 'responsibly' amid surging petrol prices triggered by the US-Israel-Iran war. Speaking ahead of a national cabinet meeting called by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to address the fuel crisis, Mr Chalmers emphasized avoiding 'harsh restrictions' similar to those during the COVID-19 pandemic. He noted that while the federal government is avoiding top-down directives, work-from-home arrangements 'in a number of instances, makes a lot of sense'.
Opposition Demands and Industry Warnings
Inside Parliament House, the Coalition has moved to pause Senate proceedings to urgently discuss the fuel crisis. They have condemned the Albanese government's failure to provide urgent relief and called for immediate action, including halving the fuel excise for three months and reducing the Heavy Vehicle Road User Charge. Opposition Senate leader Michaelia Cash highlighted warnings from the waste industry, stating that if bins are not emptied, it could lead to catastrophic outcomes in aged care and healthcare sectors within 48 hours.
Mr Joyce also announced One Nation's forthcoming attempt to remove refineries from the safeguard mechanism, which requires high-emitting industrial facilities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. He expressed skepticism that the government would support such amendments, citing a 'religious zeal for climate change'. Despite his criticisms, Mr Joyce voiced support for Mr Albanese's announcement of new fuel security powers.
As localised shortages occur due to panic buying, the debate over Australia's refinery closures and fuel supply security continues to intensify, with political figures offering divergent views on the causes and solutions to the ongoing crisis.
