Shadow Energy Minister Dan Tehan has launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, accusing him of remaining silent while two major oil refineries were closed during his tenure as transport minister. The Liberal frontbencher made these remarks during an appearance on ABC's 7.30 programme on Wednesday evening, where he discussed the nation's escalating petrol crisis with host Sarah Ferguson.
Australia's Fuel Supply Under Strain
Australia currently sources the overwhelming majority of its fuel from the distant end of a lengthy and fragile supply chain. This system has come under severe pressure since conflict in the Middle East prompted Iran to block the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime passage through which approximately twenty percent of the world's oil travels. The resulting disruptions have intensified concerns about fuel security and pricing for Australian consumers.
Political Sparring Over Refinery Closures
When questioned by Ferguson about whether the Opposition supported continued US aggression in the region, Tehan pivoted to emphasise the domestic implications. He stated that the Coalition wanted to see the consequences of the overseas conflict limited as much as possible through effective government management of the national crisis, particularly regarding fuel supply.
The discussion turned to Australia's refining capacity when Ferguson referenced the closure of four refineries during the Coalition's time in government, asking what more could have been done to keep them operational. Tehan responded sharply, insisting on a fact-check and highlighting that two of those refineries were actually closed under the previous Labor administration.
'The transport minister at the time was Anthony Albanese,' Tehan declared. 'He didn't say a word when it was announced both those refineries were closing.'
The Specific Refineries in Question
The two facilities referenced by the Shadow Energy Minister were Sydney's Clyde Refinery and the Kurnell Refinery. Shell announced the closure of the Clyde Refinery in 2011, with operations ceasing in September 2012. Meanwhile, Caltex Australia, now known as Ampol, announced the end of operations at the Kurnell Refinery in mid-2012, with the site finally closing in late 2014.
Anthony Albanese served as the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport from September 2010 to September 2013, placing him in office during the announcements and initial phases of these closures.
Focus on Present Solutions
After criticising the Prime Minister's past inaction, Tehan shifted focus to current efforts, stating that his party is now concentrated on the present situation. He expressed willingness to collaborate with the government on supporting Australia's remaining refineries, referencing previous packages implemented to safeguard them.
'One of the things we'll work with the government on are our existing refineries here in this country,' Tehan explained, 'that we put the package in to save them.'
Government Response to the Crisis
Prime Minister Albanese is preparing to convene an emergency meeting to address the country's diminishing fuel reserves. Speaking at an Australian Automotive Dealer Association breakfast on Wednesday, he vowed that the government would implement measures before the May budget, though he stopped short of detailing specific actions under consideration.
'We want to make sure that we do everything we can to shield the Australian economy, households and businesses from the worst of global uncertainty,' Albanese stated. 'We won't be waiting until the budget. We will have more to say about the actions we are taking in the days ahead.'
The political exchange underscores the heightened tensions surrounding energy security as Australia navigates complex international supply chain disruptions and domestic industrial challenges.
