Wednesday 25 March 2026

AI Summary

Nicolette Boele asked the Prime Minister when the government would take real action on gambling advertising and harm, comparing it to past Labor achievements like plain packaging and the social media ban. Prime Minister Albanese acknowledged the issue and outlined three key priorities (minimizing children's exposure to wagering ads, breaking the connection between wagering and sport, and reducing advertising saturation), highlighted the BetStop self-exclusion register with 58,000 registrations, but did not commit to specific new reforms or a timeline.

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Bell asked when the minister would take action to ensure fuel reaches areas affected by fuel shortages, particularly referencing Queensland Premier Crisafulli's call for a national plan. Bowen outlined actions already taken, including releasing 757 million litres from minimum stock obligations with specific allocations to affected Queensland regions including the Darling Downs, Atherton Tablelands, Cape York, and rural communities, and defended the government's decision to keep fuel stocks in Australia rather than Texas.

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Anne Webster asked when the minister would take action to address fuel shortages at service stations, citing the Victorian Premier's call for nationally coordinated supply management. The minister responded by outlining steps already taken, including appointing a national fuel supply coordinator and scheduling energy minister meetings and a National Cabinet meeting for the following week to coordinate the response.

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Katter asked why the government hasn't banned fuel exports, increased ethanol production, or recommissioned closed refineries to reduce fuel import costs. Treasurer Chalmers responded by highlighting the government's support for local refining capacity, investment in the Cleaner Fuels Program ($1.1 billion), and innovation funding, while noting that departments are examining the feasibility of fuel mandates.

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Angus Taylor asked when the Prime Minister would take action to address fuel shortages at nearly 500 service stations. Prime Minister Albanese responded by outlining existing measures including the Fuel Supply Taskforce and National Cabinet coordination with state and territory governments, though he did not specify a timeline for resolution.

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Monique Ryan asked whether the government would commit to implementing the national innovation council recommendation from the Ambitious Australia report, noting it echoes a similar 2008 proposal. Treasurer Chalmers confirmed the government takes the strategic review recommendations seriously and stated that Minister Ayres is working through the best approach to the council, but did not provide a direct commitment to establish it.

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Kevin Hogan asked about fuel cost support for community transport providers in his electorate who service over 2,000 vulnerable people. Sam Rae responded that Australia is fuel secure with adequate supplies, and directed providers to existing support programs including the Market Adjustment Program and business advisory services, but did not announce any new fuel-specific assistance measures.

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Bob Katter raised concerns about high diabetes death rates in Cape York and the Torres Strait, attributing them to government policies restricting traditional food sources including seafood and home gardens. Minister Milton Dick did not address the substantive health concerns, instead cautioning the member about his language and use of comparisons to historical atrocities.