Premier David Crisafulli says Cross Border Commissioner Bob Gee, who is representing the state on the national fuel supply taskforce, held his first meeting in that new role today.
Crisafulli told parliament:
Yesterday, the Commonwealth convened the first meeting of the national fuel supply task force. This morning, less than 24 hours later, our representative, Bob Gee, convened stakeholders from the fuel industry, agriculture, business and industry groups, freight and transport representatives. One message was very clear from all of them: and that is, we need a nationally consistent approach, we need information to flow and fuel to fill tanks in every part of our state.”
The Premier called on the Commonwealth to “share with Australians where the fuel blockages are and what they’re doing about it”, while pointing to the need for short, medium and long-term solutions.
We cannot continue to ignore that Australia has been at the mercy of foreign markets. Increased domestic supply protects our sovereignty, which increases our fuel security,” he said.
“That’s why, in February, before this crisis, we announced exploration in the Taroom Trough to pave the way for Australia’s first major oil discovery in a generation and more. That’s why we’ll be talking to companies about increasing their local storage options.
“And that’s why we should also be brave and admit that a nation of our size should have more than just two refineries.”
Crisafulli did not provide any additional detail about any such new oil refinery.