QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator WONG (South Australia—Minister for Foreign Affairs and Leader of the Government in the Senate) (14:00): As you know, President—through you to Senator Cash—the Prime Minister has held a National Cabinet today to deal with the fuel supply and supply chain issues which are impacting our economy. I will come to some of the announcements made which go to the response to Senator Cash.

I would start by saying first that the conflict in the Middle East represents an unprecedented shock to energy markets, and, the longer it goes, the more significant its impacts are here in our economy but also in the global economy. The National Cabinet today agreed to a national fuel security plan for governments to work together to keep Australia open and the economy moving.

The Prime Minister went to that plan in his announcement today, and he explained that there are four levels in this plan. We are currently at level 2, which is— The PRESIDENT: Senator Cash? Senator Cash: I have a point of order in relation to relevance.

The plan may be the plan, but I'm more interested in Good Friday—four days away. The PRESIDENT: The minister is being relevant to your question. Minister Wong, please continue.

Senator WONG: The ongoing supply distribution and supply chain impacts of international of the conflict in the Middle East are precisely what the plan is responding to. What I was about say is that we are currently at level 2 to keep Australia moving, but there is also the capacity to go to levels 3 and 4. I'll come to those in the future.

The plan is designed to keep the community and business updated. It is designed also to ensure that there's a consistent response across the Commonwealth, states and territories. It reflects the fact—and this does go to your question, Senator Cash— The PRESIDENT: Senator Cash?

Senator Cash: In the final 17 seconds, it is a point on direct relevance. Is the fuel going to get there by Good Friday? The PRESIDENT: Thank you, Senator Cash.

Minister Wong. Senator WONG: I again say that responsibilities in relation to fuel go across different levels of government and also industry partners. The commitment from the Prime Minister and all first ministers is that we will work together to deliver for the community and to keep the economy moving for everyone.

The PRESIDENT: Minister Cash, first supplementary?