Press conference at Fairfield West, New South Wales

MINISTER FOR CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENERGY, CHRIS BOWEN: Well, good morning, everyone. Obviously, I'm very pleased to be providing a weekly fuel update for Australia. Australia has 44 days worth of petrol the same as last week, 37 days worth of diesel, and 29 days worth of jet fuel.

These numbers are all more than we had on the day Iran was bombed. The diesel and jet fuel are down a little from last week but well within the range of good, solid supply. We have 48 ships on the water to Australia as we speak, and 3.6 billion litres of fuel locked in to be delivered to Australia over the next four weeks.

So, this is another update showing good, solid supply of fuel to Australians in the face of the ongoing uncertainty and disruption in the Middle East. This is a serious government doing its job, working with industry to ensure that Australians are well placed through international turbulence. Remember, One Nation called for rationing.

The Liberals said rationing was inevitable. We had the view that a calmer approach was necessary. Working with industry, we could see Australia through this international crisis, and ensure, Australians can continue to go about their business, we asked Australians to buy as much fuel as they need, no more, no less, and we will continue to work to ensure that good supply of fuel to Australians, while this international uncertainty continues.

This is, as I said, a government doing its job, serious, calm approach, while others have offered anger and, others have offered solutions, others have offered slogans, we've offered solutions, we've offered answers, while others have offered anger. Happy to take some questions. JOURNALIST: What's the government's response to the fresh strikes from the United States on Iran after the U.S. claims Iran violated the ceasefire agreement?

MINISTER BOWEN: Look, we just want this dispute to be ended. We want this dispute to come to a close so the world can go back to normal, to much more normal arrangements. Again, we call on all sides to see this dispute resolved.

We've seen some progress, some encouraging signs, but there's a lot more, obviously, to go. And we just need to remain focussed on our own task, ensuring our own fuel security during this international conflict. JOURNALIST: And given that uncertainty, is the door open to a further extension of the fuel excise beyond August?

MINISTER BOWEN: We've made the announcement just last week about a gradual return to a more normal arrangements, and I think that's appropriate. JOURNALIST: Minister, on a different topic. It's been revealed today Australia gives $20 million in annual funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency in Gaza, but a U.S. agency has now found that 70 of its workers had links to Hamas.

Will Australia review its funding? MINISTER BOWEN: Australia, along with 50 other countries, supports UNRWA's work. It's the only humanitarian agency for Palestine, and it does very vital work.

We've made clear our expectations of UNRWA, that they take any allegations of links to terrorism very seriously. They've indicated that they are prepared to investigate very strongly any further allegations that are made. Along with 50 other countries, I believe that's appropriate.

JOURNALIST: And just on fuel again, how many Export Finance Australia supported fuel orders have arrived in Australia since the EFA was given new powers in late March? MINISTER BOWEN: We've ordered around 800 million litres of diesel, and several hundred million litres of jet fuel as well. Several have arrived.

I don't have the exact figure, but several have arrived others [inaudible]. JOURNALIST: Can you clarify whether a tanker named the Grand Winner Five is sitting off Sydney's coast is one of those extra orders? And why has it been stuck offshore for weeks?

MINISTER BOWEN: I'm not aware of that particular tanker, but I do know we are dealing with strength because a lot of our storage is full. A lot of tankers are waiting for storage to become available, to come into to port the dock. I'm not sure if that's the case for that particular ship.

But that just shows how well Australia is dealing with this international crisis, that is not an uncommon event. JOURNALIST: Experts have told the ABC that despite global jet fuel prices dropping, flights are unlikely to get any cheaper. Is this fair do you reckon?

MINISTER BOWEN: Well again, I think most Australians understand that when you've got this sort of international turbulence, it's going to have economic implications, including for flights. We’re seeing that, you know, Australians continue to travel. The numbers remain quite solid for that.

But of course, we call on airlines to make sure that their pricing is very fair. JOURNALIST: Can I just ask you on Venezuela? Is there any update on whether Australians have been caught up in the Venezuelan Earthquakes?

MINISTER BOWEN: As the Prime Minister indicated, we would expect that there would be Australians in Venezuela and impacted given the size of the tragedy and the scale of the impact on Venezuela. Australian consular officials are working hard to identify any Australians impacted, and the Department of Foreign Affairs will provide updates as they [inaudible]. We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture.

We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.