Angus Taylor says the global energy shock is proof that Australia should fast-track mining exploration and coal and gas project construction, as part of efforts to shore up fuel supply for future crises.
Addressing Australians in a television broadcast on Thursday night, the opposition leader will accuse Labor of mishandling the disruption caused by the war in Iran and challenge Anthony Albanese to explain plans for emergency supply of petrol and diesel.
“We must dig, and we must drill,” Taylor says, an echo of US President Donald Trump’s pro-fossil fuel rhetoric.
Despite criticising the prime minister for wasting Australians’ time in an address to the country on Wednesday night, Taylor exercised his right to a broadcast in reply a day later.
Set to be aired on ABC TV and radio at 7pm, Taylor will say Australians deserve clarity and leadership as the war rages and the global geopolitical outlook becomes uncertain.
A preview of the script was released to the media.
Taylor challenges the government to better explain fuel supply levels, state clearly where shortages are being experienced and detail oil shipments coming into the country.
“We don’t want to see heavy-handed mandates that restrict people’s freedoms,” Taylor will say.
“And governments must be honest with us about taking any such steps.”
Accusing Albanese of talking down to the country, Taylor says is it time for the full potential of Australia’s natural resources to be unlocked.
“We need more Australian oil for Australians.
“We have the resources beneath our feet to secure our future.”
The Liberal leader says the crisis, including the ongoing blockade in the strait of Hormuz, required confidence and leadership, suggesting “we must look after ourselves and put Australia first”.
Albanese drew criticism for his address on Wednesday night, including from opposition MPs.
Taylor said on Thursday morning that the prime minister’s message “could have been a social media post”. He criticised the lack of detail in the three minute broadcast, urging Albanese to give Australians confidence and certainty for the weeks and months ahead.
But, speaking at the National Press Club in Canberra, Albanese defended his comments.
He said Australians needed reassurance from their leader and warned of misinformation spreading online, including on social media, about fuel rationing and a return to Covid-19 era health measures.
Albanese said while there would be significant challenges ahead for the country, “this will not be like Covid.”
“We will come through this,” he said. “My job is to provide appropriate reassurance, which is what we are doing. The governments are working together.”
Albanese himself addressed the nation from opposition in March 2020, after the then prime minister Scott Morrison spoke about the pandemic crisis.
Tony Abbott, Simon Crean and John Hewson also made addresses as opposition leader.