Each state and territory will be asked to select a “point person” to co-ordinate with the federal government on fuel challenges, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced, as he prepares for a meeting of national cabinet tomorrow focused on fuel issues.
“I’ll be asking state premiers and chief ministers to appoint someone, a point person, so that the commonwealth can collaborate in a way to make sure we deal with the challenges which are there,” Albanese said.
Energy Minister Chris Bowen and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.Alex Ellinghausen
“We know that we do have fuel security. All of our ships have arrived at this point, but we’ve had a surge in demand, which is leading to some shortages in some areas, particularly of diesel. We’re very conscious of that, and that’s why we continue to work every day to make a difference,” the prime minister said.
Albanese announced state and territory leaders would meet in Tasmania on Thursday, and flagged measures to promote resilience amid global uncertainty in the lead-up to the May budget.