QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator AYRES (New South Wales—Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science) (14:19): The thing about this set of challenges, Senator McKenzie, is that it requires everybody working together. It requires the kinds of steps the government has undertaken. I can tell you, in places like Texas, Queensland, that had stockouts last week—we are supporting fuel to make its way to Texas, Queensland, not Texas in the United States, which was Mr Taylor's plan just a few years ago.

Senator McKenzie: Point of order on relevance—when will the government guarantee Australians can buy fuel, given the minister assures us the supply is on shore? The PRESIDENT: Senator McKenzie, you're getting into dialogue. The minister is being relevant to your question.

Senator AYRES: Not sure whether it's dialogue or monologue, President, but— The PRESIDENT: Senator, that's not helpful. Withdraw in the interests of the chamber please. Senator AYRES: This is a set of challenges— The PRESIDENT: Senator Ayres, in the interests of calming the chamber— Senator AYRES: I withdraw.

This is a set of national challenges that requires Australians to work together. That is kind of leadership that the government is providing in this instance and every other instance where there is a set of national challenges. It would be good if the Liberals and Nationals signed up to team Australia and actually behaved in a way that was consistent with the national interest.