Monday 23 March 2026

Senate

AI Summary

The Senate spent much of 23 March 2026 focused on fuel security, with multiple votes ordering the production of documents and sustained questioning of ministers over supply disruptions across New South Wales.

No bills were introduced in the Senate on 23 March 2026. Senators voted on a range of procedural matters, including orders for the production of documents relating to fuel security, gun control, the forestry industry, the Home Guarantee Scheme, the Therapeutic Goods Administration, the Department of Infrastructure, a Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion, and documents connected to the Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism bills. A motion on the urgency of fuel matters passed 27 to 21. The Treasury Laws Amendment (Supporting Choice in Superannuation and Other Measures) Bill 2025 was considered in committee, with several amendments and procedural votes recorded; a motion to limit debate on that bill was defeated 24 to 33. Multiple votes on consideration of legislation passed 31 to 26. In question time, senators from the opposition and crossbench questioned ministers Tim Ayres and David Shoebridge about fuel supply shortages affecting regional New South Wales, the government's earlier public statements on fuel availability, and when the government was first advised of cancelled fuel shipments. Senator Waters asked Minister Wong whether the government would introduce a gas export tax, which Minister Wong did not commit to.

Question Time

Ross CadellNAT→Penny WongALP

Answers to Questions

AI Summary

Ross Cadell moved to take note of ministerial answers on fuel supply issues, criticizing the government's delayed response to the fuel crisis and arguing that appointing a 'water tsar' rather than a logistics expert to manage fuel supplies demonstrates a lack of understanding about regional needs. He warned of cascading impacts on agriculture, construction, and food security if fuel and urea shortages are not addressed immediately.

Larissa WatersGRN→Mehreen FaruqiGRN

Gas Industry: Taxation, Middle East

AI Summary

Senator Waters moved to take note of answers on a gas export tax, arguing that a 25% tax would raise $17 billion for cost-of-living relief and criticizing Labor for voting down the Greens' proposal despite 61% public support. The response provided does not address the gas tax question, instead pivoting to criticisms of the Prime Minister's statements on racism and Islamophobia, and accusations regarding Gaza policy.

Bridget McKenzieNAT→David ShoebridgeGRN

Fuel

AI Summary

Senator McKenzie questioned why the Minister for Climate Change and Energy claims Australia has strong fuel supplies when 107 petrol stations in New South Wales lacked diesel and 42 had no fuel over the weekend. The minister acknowledged the need to take regional supply issues seriously but did not directly address why the stated strong supplies were not reaching these stations.

Larissa WatersGRN→Penny WongALP

Gas Industry: Taxation

AI Summary

Senator Waters asked whether the government would introduce a 25 per cent gas export tax, citing polling showing 61 per cent public support and arguing gas companies were making windfall profits. Minister Wong did not commit to a gas export tax, instead emphasizing the government's focus on tax cuts for all taxpayers, monitoring the Middle East situation, and prioritizing fuel security, while noting Labor's previous changes to petroleum taxation.

Mehreen FaruqiGRN→Sue LinesPresident

Middle East

AI Summary

Senator Faruqi accused the Prime Minister of misleading the media about confrontations at Lakemba Mosque during Eid prayers and asked why he lied. The minister representing the Prime Minister deflected by criticizing the question's framing, arguing that raising the temperature helps no one, and defended the Prime Minister's visit as a community-invited gesture of pluralism rather than addressing the specific allegation of misleading the media.

Jonathon DuniamLIB→Tim AyresALP

Fuel

AI Summary

Senator Duniam questioned the government's shifting characterization of the fuel situation, asking whether it was a supply problem or demand issue, and calling for an apology for weeks of denial. Minister Ayres defended the government's response by emphasizing Australia's strong national fuel reserves and outlining practical measures taken, but deflected the question about when the government was first advised of cancelled fuel shipments, cutting off mid-response.

Malcolm RobertsON→Tim AyresALP

Lakemba Mosque

AI Summary

Senator Roberts asked whether the Prime Minister's large security detail at Lakemba Mosque proved he believed the location was unsafe, implying hypocrisy in visiting. Tim Ayres deflected by criticizing Roberts' question as unethical, refusing to engage with the premise, and instead emphasized the importance of the Prime Minister visiting mosques for social cohesion without addressing the specific security question.

Tyron WhittenON→Tim AyresALP

Fuel Security

AI Summary

Senator Whitten questioned whether the government should have been better prepared for fuel supply disruptions, given Australia's low storage levels and recent cancelled shipments. Minister Ayres acknowledged the government's responsibility for energy resilience and defended the minimum stockholding obligation as a shock absorber, but deflected from direct accountability by arguing that domestic crude oil extraction is not economically viable and would raise prices, characterizing alternative suggestions as 'mischievous' and 'imported politics'.

James PatersonLIB→Penny WongALP

Agriculture Industry

AI Summary

Senator Paterson questioned the government about fertiliser shortages threatening Australian farmers' ability to produce food. Minister Wong responded that most fertiliser for the upcoming season is already in the country or on the water, Australia uses fertiliser efficiently compared to other nations, and the government is working with industry on supply chain resilience, though she acknowledged continued conflict could create additional pressure.