Leader of The Nationals WA Shane Love MLA has slammed the Cook Labor Government over conflicting claims and a lack of transparency on Western Australia’s diesel supply, following statements made in Parliament today.
Mr Love said the Minister for Energy, Hon Amber-Jade Sanderson MLA, told Parliament that when the Federal Government releases part of the national fuel reserve, Western Australian distributors will be able to access “as much as those suppliers require ” to meet demand.
However, Mr Love said those claims simply do not align with the facts.
“The Federal Government has announced it will release 20 per cent of the national fuel reserve for the entire country. That is the equivalent of around five days of Australia’s diesel supply,” Mr Love said.
“Yet Minister Sanderson stood in Parliament and suggested Western Australian distributors will be able to purchase as much diesel as they require to restock to meet demand.
“You cannot stretch five days of national supply to meet unlimited demand in Western Australia. To suggest otherwise is simply not credible and, quite frankly, outrageous.”
Mr Love said the Minister refused to state how much of the national reserve has been secured for Western Australia, a position that directly contradicts her claim that distributors can access as much diesel as required.
“At a time when Western Australians are demanding clear, honest and frank answers, the Minister cannot even outline what share of supply this State will receive,” he said.
Mr Love said the confusion extended beyond supply volumes to how long the State’s current diesel reserves are expected to last.
“This morning, the Minister for Energy said Western Australia has diesel supply locked in for April and May. However, the Premier said in Parliament today that diesel was secure only until mid-April, a claim backed by BP.
“So, which is it? April or May? That is an important distinction for businesses relying on diesel for their livelihood.
“How can a government responsible for managing a fuel crisis not even provide a consistent answer on how long supply will last?”
Mr Love said the lack of clarity was fuelling anxiety across regional Western Australia, where industries are already facing shortages and uncertainty.
“Farmers heading into seeding, transport operators moving freight, miners, fishers and small businesses all rely on diesel to keep operating,” he said.
“They want one simple, straight answer: when will the diesel arrive? Is it today, tomorrow or next week?
“Because right now, vague assurances are not keeping tractors running, freight moving or businesses open.”