Back in 2022, key figures in the food industry cautioned the Albanese administration about potential disruptions to Australia’s supply chains should a global fuel crisis arise.

Experts have criticized the government for its lack of response to ongoing appeals for a comprehensive national strategy, amid concerns that Australia’s heavy reliance on imported fuel and fertilizers could jeopardize the stability of its supply chains.

The current fuel crisis, exacerbated by ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, has highlighted significant issues regarding food security. These concerns stem from warnings that were initially voiced almost four years ago when the current government took office, but which went unheeded.

As it stands, a national strategy is still in the works, with completion not anticipated for another two years.

Richard Forbes, CEO of Independent Food Distributors Australia, shared his concerns with Sky News host Peta Credlin, saying, “The world has transformed over the past five to ten years. That’s why the food sector united to urge the government to ensure community safety and food security.”

Forbes further expressed skepticism about the government’s sense of urgency, stating, “I don’t believe the government excels in urgency or fully comprehends the essence of a risk mitigation strategy… which involves planning for the inevitable.”

‘The Minister for Agriculture, Julie Collins, said last week you can’t predict a war, but you can plan for any geopolitical escalation and that’s exactly what’s happened.’

Food distributors are now being charged a 47 per cent increase in the fuel levy, with price rises tipped to be passed onto customers within weeks.

‘I think in the next four to eight weeks, we’re going to see increases in the price of food right across the board,’ Mr Forbes said.

‘I don’t think this is going to be over in weeks, I think it’s going to go on for months, possibly longer.’