Leaders across the nation are eager to prevent a recurrence of the fragmented responses seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, where states and territories managed the crisis independently.
To address the current fuel supply issue, Anthea Harris has taken on the role of Fuel Supply Taskforce Coordinator, tasked with orchestrating a cohesive response from both state and territory governments.
The national cabinet is set to convene tomorrow, with the primary goal of developing a unified strategy to tackle the worsening oil shortage. Discussions will likely focus on ensuring the continuous availability of fuel for Australians.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has dismissed the possibility of implementing COVID-style mandates, urging citizens to steer clear of panic-driven fuel purchases.
“I believe common sense should prevail, and mandates are not necessary,” Albanese remarked yesterday.
“This situation is different; we’re dealing with fuel, not stockpiling toilet paper in garages,” he added.
“That’s not sensible on a range of levels. One, it’s not doing the right thing by your fellow Australians. But importantly, as well, it can be dangerous.”
The federal government will begin helping private importers bring more fuel into Australia as part of the national plan to curb the national shortage.
The new powers are set to come into effect tomrrow which will allow the government to use public funds to underwrite the purchase of fuel by the private sector.
Hundreds of petrol stations have run out of at least one type of fuel.
The price of unleaded is now tipping $2.60 in some areas, while diesel is now over $3 per litre acros the country.
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