Michelle Landry
Capricornia · National Party · Australia
“Labor went to the Australian people before the election and promised one thing, and on budget night they did another. Now, in a dangerous and dishonest deal with the Greens, they have gone even further. Australians were told that there'd be no changes to negative gearing and no changes to capital gains tax.”
“It puts new pressure on housing, on savings, on investment, on small business and on younger Australians who are already struggling to get a foothold. This is not tax reform; this is a toxic tax agenda.”
“I recognise the specialist doctors who have helped make this level of care possible, including Dr Marie Burke, radiation oncologist and medical director for Queensland; Dr Tuan Ha, radiation oncologist for Queensland; and Rockhampton based radiation oncologists Dr Grant Buchanan and Dr Rodrigo Diaz.”
“For patients from Rockhampton, Gladstone, the Capricorn Coast, Emerald and all the communities in between, having radiation therapy available locally has meant less time on the road, less time away from work and family, and more time focused on getting well. GenesisCare Rockhampton has played a vital role in making that possible.”
“I rise today to congratulate GenesisCare Rockhampton on a very special milestone—10 years of caring for cancer patients in Central Queensland and more than 100,000 treatments delivered right here in our region.”
“A decade later it is wonderful to see how much that service has grown, how many local people have been helped and how dedicated the GenesisCare team remains to patients across our region. On a recent visit to the Rockhampton centre I was again struck by the professionalism and compassion of the staff.”
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“I rise to speak on an issue that matters deeply to Australians with disability, to their families, to the carers and to the many service providers who support them every single day. The coalition have always supported the National Disability Insurance Scheme, and we will continue to support it. The NDIS is one of the most important reforms in this country. It has changed lives by giving Australians with significant and permanent disability more dignity, more independence and more choice. But, if the scheme is going to keep doing what it was set up to do, it has to be sustainable, fair and properly run. Right now, Labor is not getting that right. Let me be clear. The coalition supports the NDIS. We back it because we know how important it is to Australians with disability and their families.”
“When Labor talks about budget cuts, families like his do not see relief. They see more confusion, more uncertainty and more pressure. These families are not asking for special treatment. They want the chance to get ahead and policies that ease the burden instead of adding to it. He told me: we are working hard, just to go backwards. That should stop every one of us in our tracks. In Capricornia, people are proud to work, produce and provide for their families, but right now they feel squeezed from every direction. The only way to stop these toxic taxes is to vote to axe them.”
“Australians are fed up with Labor's toxic new taxes, and they do not want carve-outs—they want them gone. In Capricornia, that is not just politics; it is real life. I've heard from a father in Sarina, a hardworking man raising two young children while working and running a beef cattle property with his partner. He told me: We are not asking for luxuries ... we are simply trying to keep our family afloat and build some sort of future for our children. Their mortgage repayments have increased. Electricity, fuel, groceries, insurance and farm overheads keep rising. Seven years ago, hard work would have helped them get ahead. Now, he says: our money goes nowhere ... we are breaking our backs, yet things are not improving. That is the reality for many families in regional Australia.”
“The government cannot continue to shift blame or point to external factors. The expectations were set clearly and they have not been met. People in Capricornia know that, and they are feeling it every single day. What our region needs is practical, targeted relief. We need policies that genuinely lower energy costs, not increase them. We need investment that boosts housing supply in regional areas like ours. We need cost-of-living measures that actually make a difference at the kitchen table. Most importantly, we need a government that understands regional Australia not just in words but in action. In Capricornia we are proud, we are resilient and we work hard, but we should not have to work harder just to stand still. Families and businesses across Central Queensland cannot afford more broken promises.”
“These are families who want to pass their farms on to the next generation, but they're worried about how they'll manage under increasing financial pressure. They don't want handouts; they want a fair go. But right now they feel that a fair go is getting harder to find. This is what broken promises look like on the ground. It's not abstract; it's real. It's the pensioner in Emu Park turning off appliances to save power. It's a single mum in Rockhampton working extra hours but still struggling to make ends meet. It's the apprentice in Sarina putting their plans on hold because they can't afford the rent. It's farming families across Capricornia unsure about the future of their livelihood. These are the voices this government needs to hear because Australians were promised relief and they are not getting it.”
“I've had young families come into my office saying that they've applied for multiple rental properties and missed out every time. In places like Yeppoon, essential workers—nurses, hospitality staff, teachers—are struggling to secure accommodation close to where they work. This has real consequences not just for those individuals but for the services our community relies on. For those trying to buy their first home, the dream is slipping further away. Rising interest rates, higher construction costs and limited supply are making it harder than ever for young people in Central Queensland to get a foot on the property ladder. We cannot forget our primary producers and regional families. Out west, I've spoken with farming families who are battling rising costs for fuel, fertiliser and freight.”
“They are doing everything they can to keep prices reasonable for their customers, but margins are being squeezed. In Moranbah and across our mining communities, tradies are telling me that the costs of materials and transport have gone through the roof. Projects are becoming harder to deliver, and small operators are finding it tougher to stay competitive. Tourism operators on the Capricorn Coast are also feeling the pinch. Higher operating costs and reduced discretionary spending means fewer bookings and tighter margins in a region that should be thriving. Then there is housing, which is one of the biggest challenges facing Capricornia. In Rockhampton, rents have risen sharply, and vacancy rates remain incredibly tight.”
“In Yeppoon and Emu Park, I've spoken with retirees on fixed incomes who simply cannot absorb rising electricity costs. These are people who have worked hard their whole lives, and now they're being forced to cut back on food, air conditioning and everyday essentials just to keep up with the bills that they were promised would go down. We were told power prices would fall by $275, but across Central Queensland people aren't seeing that. Instead, they are bracing for higher costs, despite living in one of the most energy-producing regions in the country. This is simply not good enough. Small businesses are under enormous pressure as well. A cafe owner in Rockhampton recently told me that their electricity bill has jumped significantly over the past year, while the cost of ingredients from milk to flour has also risen.”
“I rise today in support of the motion moved by the member for Fadden. The reality for families and small businesses across Capricornia is clear: this government has not delivered on what it promised. Before the election, Australians were told that life would be easier, with lower power bills, relief from rising costs and a plan to make housing more affordable. But, when I speak to people across Rockhampton, Yeppoon, Emu Park, Moranbah, Clermont and our rural communities, they tell me the opposite is true. They tell me they are falling behind. In Rockhampton, families are telling me that their grocery bills have surged week after week. Fresh food, meat and basics that used to be manageable are now stretching household budgets to the limit. At the same time, fuel costs are biting hard.”
“Before the budget, I made it clear what Capricornia needed: real cost-of-living relief and targeted investment in the roads, infrastructure and industries that keep Central Queensland strong. My message to the government is simple: if you want the regions to keep powering the nation, then fund the regions like they deserve.”
“These are not radical requests. These are the basics of governing well for a country as large and diverse as Australia. I will always back Capricornia—the workers, the small businesses, the farmers, the volunteers, the manufacturers, the tourism operators, the resource communities and the families who keep our regions moving. I will back the communities that have fought for better roads, stronger local services, community infrastructure, water security and the investment needed to keep regional economies growing, and I will continue to stand up for the principle that regions like Capricornia, which contribute so much to the national economy, deserve more than promises. They deserve practical support and their fair share of investment.”
“First, if the government is serious about cost-of-living relief, it should prioritise measures that make a tangible difference for families and small businesses in the regions, because pressures are still rising; second, we need genuine, sustained investment in regional road safety and freight corridors, including the Bruce Highway and key regional connectors, not stop-start spending; third, we must treat water and agriculture resilience as core national priorities, because food security and biosecurity are not optional; fourth, energy and fuel security must be approached with practicality and realism, because regional industries rely on reliability, not slogans; and, fifth, we need to restore and strengthen programs that empower local councils and community groups to deliver the infrastructure and services that communities actually need.”
“The same is true for the broader opportunity in our region. Coalition investment in Rookwood Weir has opened the door to agriculture growth and future private investment, but that growth must be matched by the freight, storage and enabling infrastructure needed to turn potential into long-term economic opportunity. I make the broader point that Capricornia contributes so much to the national economy. We deserve to see that recognised with strong investment in the regions. Appropriation bills should reflect that. Funding should follow economic contribution and national interests, not postcode politics. I want to be constructive about what should happen from here.”
“That is why I called for the budget to restore confidence in regional Australia by backing local councils and community organisations with strong, targeted funding programs. Capricornia's future depends on investment that strengthens our capacity to build, move and export. That means backing projects that expand our industrial and logistics capability—not just announcing them and walking away. I specifically called for support for projects like the Rockhampton Airport bay 7 expansion and freight hub because it backs local jobs, strengthens exports and opens up opportunities for Central Queensland. With growth in domestic and military aircraft movements and the prospect of increased defence activity in the region, infrastructure at Rockhampton Airport needs to keep up with the pace.”
“Through regional funding, projects such as Multicap's Rockhampton service were able to move forward with specialist, affordable and accessible housing for people living with disability, something our region had been crying out for. We have seen investment help deliver the Fitzroy Community Hospice in Rockhampton, a vital end-of-life care service for Central Queensland families. We have also seen support for projects like the Rockhampton Museum of Art, upgrade to Collinsville's telecommunications and water security investment through Yeppoon's recycled water augmentation. These are not abstract line items in a budget. They are real projects that improve lives, strengthen communities and create local jobs.”
“Now, whatever side of politics you are on, the principle should be straightforward: you don't strengthen food security by reducing preparedness and you don't build resilience by walking away from coordinated biosecurity and pest programs. In Capricornia and across regional Queensland, producers are already managing feral animals, weeds, seasonal pressures and global volatility. If government wants to talk about resilience, the appropriations should match that rhetoric. One of the most frustrating patterns we see is the removal or winding back of programs that deliver outcomes locally. In Capricornia, we've seen exactly what these programs can achieve.”
“From our mining communities to our agriculture sector, from our manufacturing base to our tourism operators, this region generates enormous economic value for Queensland and the nation. If we are serious about resilience, we must back the people and industries that provide it. That's why it is so concerning to see that the agriculture budget has been reduced and the key programs for pest and disease preparedness and drought support have been cut back. The shadow minister for agriculture has claimed that the 2026-27 budget includes more than $190 million in cuts to agriculture programs, a $52 million cut to the Future Drought Fund and reductions affecting pest and disease preparedness and invasive species management.”
“The Nationals leader, Queensland senator Matthew Canavan, has pointed to the scale of the impact on the regions, including by claimed cuts such as $6.15 billion from Inland Rail, $4.7 billion from infrastructure spending and $103 million from the National Water Grid alongside other reductions affecting regional communities. Whether you live in Rockhampton, Yeppoon, Sarina, the Pioneer Valley, Clermont or Moranbah, you can see the consequences—projects that take longer, corridors that remain dangerous, freight that costs more and communities that are expected to do with less. Central Queensland is powered by industries that feed the nation and drive exports—agriculture, resources, manufacturing and tourism. Capricornia is one of Australia's powerhouse electorates, and the scale of its contribution should never be underestimated.”
“In Capricornia, that means communities are left waiting longer for safer roads, better freight efficiency and stronger supply chains, even though these roads carry high-value commodities and support some of the nation's most productive industries. I've also said that the Rockhampton Ring Road will make a real difference, but it must be matched with proper investment in the surrounding connections so that the whole region benefits. Yet regional Australia is again being told to accept cuts and delay, while multibillion-dollar city projects surge ahead. This imbalance is not just unfair; it's economically reckless, because regional infrastructure is what lifts national productivity.”
“If there is one thing that consistently holds Capricornia back, it's not a lack of potential; it's a lack of infrastructure investment and the habit of treating regional projects as optional extras. Ahead of this budget, I said clearly that Capricornia's roads remain a top priority, including major freight and commuter routes that need ongoing federal support to improve safety, resilience and efficiency. We need more investment in the Bruce Highway, the beef roads, Peak Downs Highway and the local road links that our communities rely on every day. These roads are not luxuries; they are arteries of the regional economy, moving produce, supplies, workers, tourists and freight. When road funding is delayed, regional communities feel it immediately. That is why decisions like pushing back major beef corridor upgrades are so damaging.”
“Regional communities feel these pressures even more because we rely on transport and freight and because we have fewer alternatives, fewer services nearby, longer driving distances and industries that depend on fuel and logistics. When budgets tighten, the pain is not theoretical. It shows up in delayed medical appointments, cancelled apprenticeships, postponed upgrades, reduced operating hours and small businesses deciding not to take on extra staff. That is why the budget and the appropriations that implement it must be judged on whether they help families keep more of what they earn and whether they strengthen the productive capacity of the economy, especially outside the capitals.”
“Do they invest in the fundamentals that grow regional economies—roads, freight, water security, reliable energy and a fair go? The regions don't ask for special treatment; we ask for fair treatment. We ask for the government to recognise that regional Australia generates the wealth and exports that keep this country going. Cost-of-living pressures are real, and they are hitting hard in Capricornia. Australians don't need to be told the economy is under strain; they feel it every day. When their fuel bills jump, when their weekly groceries cost more or when their insurance renewals are unaffordable, they don't need Labor to hold a press conference to explain it.”
“For regional Australia, where so many businesses are family businesses, this is not just a tax change, it is another pressure on the people who are already carrying so much of the load. The capital gains tax changes announced in this budget also raise real concerns for younger Australians trying to break into the housing market because they do not just affect property, they also affect shares and ETFs that many first home buyers use to build a deposit. At a time when saving for a first home is already hard enough, people who are doing the right thing by investing carefully and trying to get ahead should not be hit with another barrier on the path to homeownership. And that's the test we should apply to these appropriation bills: Do they provide real relief?”
“For many small and family businesses, there is another layer of uncertainty in this budget: the proposed changes to discretionary family trusts. These are not abstract arrangements for accountants in the city, they are structures used by many family run businesses—farms and local operators—to manage risk, plan for succession and keep cash flowing through the business. A proposed 30 per cent minimum tax on trust income from 1 July 2028 would reduce flexibility, hit those who legitimately use trusts to support family members in the business and force many small operators to spend time and money restructuring instead of employing staff, investing in equipment or growing their enterprise.”
“I rise today to speak on the appropriation bills before the House and to put on record what people in Capricornia and across regional Australia are telling me plainly. They are doing it tough, and they've been asked to pay more while getting less in return. Appropriation bills are not just paperwork; they are a statement of a government's priorities—what it funds, what it cuts and who it chooses to back. On the evidence of this budget and what flows from it, the message to the regions is, once again, 'You are not a priority.' In Capricornia, families are still dealing with power bills, groceries, fuel and insurance that keep climbing. Small businesses are juggling overheads that rise faster than turnover, and primary producers are facing higher input costs and uncertainty.”
“The people of Capricornia and the people of Australia deserve more than words and more than what has been offered in this budget speech. They deserve action, and, until we get it, I will continue to stand in this place and fight for them.”
“The amount of traffic that we have on there, with the trucks, the tourism, the military—it's enormous, and we keep missing out. There's the Peak Downs Highway, a major highway that accesses the minefields of Central Queensland, the coalfields—nothing for that either. Once again, the wealth of the nation comes from areas like this. Today I had a phone call from a very distressed constituent who was very upset about these tax changes. They'd lost hundreds of thousands of dollars overnight in the share portfolio that they use instead of their superannuation. We saw a major drop yesterday in our banks. What is going on is horrendous. People have worked hard all their lives, and, now, this has been ripped away by this government. It's an absolute disgrace.”
“This has the potential for international exports, tourism and more defence in Central Queensland—we have Shoalwater Bay sitting on our doorstep—and we have been ignored. The Rockhampton Ring Road was something that we had to fight enormously for. We had people coming down here fighting for it, a $1.8 billion project that's transforming for Central Queensland. Rockhampton-Yeppoon Road was something that just recently opened, but we had to fight for the funding. So what is missing in this budget? Upgrades to the Bruce Highway. We see that the Treasurer says, 'Oh, we've put an extra billion dollars into the Bruce.' Well, where? Down in the south-east corner, around the capital cities. Nothing— An opposition member: Not in my patch. No, not in your patch, not in my patch, not between Rockhampton and Mackay—that's for certain.”
“We are asking for fair treatment. We are asking for investment that recognises our contribution to the nation's economy. We are asking for policies that support local jobs, strengthen local industries and build stronger, more resilient regional communities. We are asking for a government that understands that, when regional Australia succeeds, the entire nation succeeds. We should be investing in our regions, not overlooking them. We should be building infrastructure pipelines, not allowing them to dry up. We should be backing regional Australia, not taking them for granted. So, when we look at the budget in more detail, we need to ask: where is the money for projects like Rockhampton Airport? This is something that the coalition made a commitment to last election.”
“Even where there are national initiatives, whether it's tax changes, health funding or housing programs, they often fail to account for regional workforce shortages, housing supply constraints and the higher cost of doing business outside the capital cities. This budget does include significant spending across the economy, including billions for infrastructure and cost-of-living measures. But the question from my constituents is simple: Where is our fair share? Where are the transformational projects that will unlock growth in Central Queensland? Where is the commitment to regional roads, regional rail and regional connectivity? Where is the long-term vision for the communities that keep this country running? Without that vision, we risk falling behind. Central Queensland is not asking for special treatment.”
“It means industries like mining, agriculture and manufacturing, industries that underpin our national prosperity, not receiving the long-term infrastructure investment they need to remain competitive. It means families in communities like Rockhampton, Yeppoon, Moranbah and Clermont continuing to face rising costs of living without meaningful relief that reflects the realities of regional life. We know that cost-of-living pressures hit harder in the regions. People travel further. Fuel costs more. Services are fewer. And yet too often the measures announced in this budget are designed with city living in mind, not the unique challenges faced by regional Australians.”
“Local councils and community organisations are crying out for support to deliver critical infrastructure. Yet funding programs have been scrapped, delayed or not replaced, leaving communities in limbo. We've seen regional programs axed, billions in promised funding delayed and councils left trying to plan their budgets without any certainty about when or if support will arrive. That reality is being felt right across Capricornia. Our local governments are doing the heavy lifting, maintaining roads, delivering community facilities and supporting local growth, but they are being asked to do more with less. When councils miss out, it's not just the numbers on a balance sheet; it's fewer community projects, it's delayed road upgrades, and it's missed opportunities for local jobs and economic development.”
“As my colleague the member for Gippsland has constantly highlighted, there is a growing concern that regional Australia is facing what can only be described as an investment drought, with fewer new infrastructure commitments and no clear pipeline of future projects to support jobs and growth. Unfortunately, this budget does little to change that. In Central Queensland, we know exactly what this looks like on the ground. It means motorists travelling on roads like the Bruce Highway, one of the most critical freight and tourism routes in the country, still waiting for the upgrades needed to improve safety and reliability. It means local councils are struggling to deliver essential infrastructure because key funding programs have been cut or scaled back. And it means, quite frankly, that councils are being left behind.”
“I rise today to speak on the government's 2026-27 budget and what it means—or, more importantly, what it fails to deliver—for the people of Capricornia and across Central Queensland. Let's be clear: when you look beyond the headlines, this budget follows a familiar pattern—big promises but very little for the region that actually powers this nation. Regional Australia is not an afterthought; it is the engine room of our economy, driving our agriculture, resources, manufacturing and energy sectors. Yet, time and time again, we see budgets that prioritise the capitals while leaving regional communities behind.”
“I want to acknowledge all those who have worked so hard to back these visions: the local clubs, the community advocates, the councils and those across government who understand that when regional Queensland succeeds, the whole nation benefits. Rockhampton has earned this opportunity, and our community will rise to it. I will always fight to make sure Central Queensland gets its fair share, and this is one of those moments where we should be proud, united and ambitious for what comes next. I'd particularly like to thank my LNP colleagues who have helped make this happen: Donna Kirkland, the member for Rockhampton; Senator Matthew Canavan; Nigel Hutton, the member for Keppel; Glen Kelly, the member for Mirani; and the Queensland Premier and Deputy Premier. Rockhampton is ready. Central Queensland is ready.”
“Hosting these events will put our region on the world stage and will shine a spotlight on our local businesses, our tourism operators, our sporting clubs and our volunteers who will inspire the next generation of young athletes from Central Queensland to believe that the road to the Olympics can begin right here at home. It will also drive investment, create jobs and strengthen community pride. We know the value of projects that leave something meaningful behind, and this is why opportunities matter so much. It's about stronger infrastructure, more visitors, more economic activity and more chances for local people. It's about making sure regional communities are not an afterthought but a priority.”
“The Fitzroy River has long been an important training and competition venue, and, with the right upgrades, it will bring world class competition to our backyard. Just as importantly, it will leave a legacy long after the closing ceremony. Planned improvements to the flatwater facility, support for grassroots sports and better connectivity through projects like the Rockhampton Ring Road will help ensure the benefits are felt not just during the games but for decades to come. This is exactly what regional Australia deserves—a real seat at the table when it comes to major national opportunities. These games should not belong to Brisbane alone; they should belong to all of Queensland, and that absolutely includes Rockhampton and the wider Capricornia region.”
“I rise today to speak about an extraordinary opportunity for Central Queensland and for our nation—the decision for Rockhampton to host rowing, pararowing, canoe sprint and paracanoe events on the Fitzroy River as part of the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games. This is more than a sporting announcement. It's a vote of confidence in our region, in our people and in the great future of Central Queensland. For years our community has known what Rockhampton has to offer. We have the natural assets, we have the determination and we have a proud sporting culture that runs right across our region. Now the rest of the country and indeed the world will have the chance to see it too.”
“In towns like Rockhampton, Clermont and Sarina, I'm hearing from parents who are having to make heartbreaking choices. They aren't choosing between different luxuries; they are choosing between paying their electricity bill and providing a traditional Easter celebration for their children. Under this Prime Minister, the promises of relief have turned out to be nothing more than empty words. It is simply not good enough. This government is completely out of touch with the financial pain being felt in the regions. Our families deserve better than a government that stands by while Australians struggle to afford Easter. It is time this Labor government stopped the spin and started delivering real economic solutions for the people of Capricornia and the rest of the country.”
“I rise today to speak for the families in my electorate of Capricornia who are looking at the calendar this month with a sense of dread rather than excitement. Easter should be a time for families to come together to enjoy a well-earned break and to share in the simple traditions that make our community strong. But for far too long, for many people in Central Queensland the reality of this economy has been biting hard. The simple truth is that Australians are struggling to afford Easter this year under this Labor government. Whether it is the price of seafood for a family meal on Good Friday, the cost of fuel to drive to see the grandkids or even the basic cost of chocolate eggs for the kids, the soaring cost of living is stripping the joy out of the holiday season.”
“In the short term, there's a small buffer, but, if this rationing continues for two weeks, pineapple-farming operations will stop. The farm will still pick fruit, but it won't plant new crops, and that means, in two years time, there will be no fruit to harvest. That's not just a supply issue; that's an economic warning sign. While these pressures mount, Australians are asking where the plan is and where the leadership to strengthen our economy, secure our energy future and provide real relief is. We need practical solutions that support households, back small businesses and ensure that essential supplies like fuel are stable and affordable, because, right now, too many Australians feel like they're being left behind. Our focus must be on delivering for the people we represent, not ignoring the reality they face.”
“Australians don't need to be told something is wrong with the economy. They feel it every single day. The reality is simple: the economy is weak, fuel supplies aren't guaranteed, and families across this country are hurting. Energy security, once something Australians could rely on, is now a growing concern. When fuel supplies are uncertain, it doesn't just affect transport; it hits agriculture, freight and the very backbone of our economy. Without reliable and affordable energy, productivity suffers, and prices go up. It's that simple. Let me give a real world example from a pineapple farm in Yeppoon. Normally, this farm relies on 1,500 litres of fuel each week. Right now, it has been rationed to just 1,000 litres—only 60 per cent of what it needs.”
“This is in continuation from earlier. Regional communities are feeling it first and worse. This is not an abstract policy debate. This is about whether people can afford to live their lives. The coalition's position is clear. We will support this bill because securing supply matters, but we will also continue to call on the government to do more—to act with urgency, to back Australian production and to deliver immediate cost-of-living relief, because restoring fuel security is not just about imports and financing; it's about protecting living standards, it's about supporting small businesses and it is about making sure Australian families can get ahead, not fall behind. Australians deserve a government that is prepared, responsive and focused on their needs. Right now they are looking for leadership, and they need action.”
“For small businesses, whether it's a tradie, a delivery driver, a florist or a cleaner, it means lower operating costs straight away—no delay, no paperwork, no lag, just relief when it is needed most. For the transport sector, it is just as important. Truck drivers and freight operators are on the front line of this crisis. They are facing rising costs, tight margins and increasing pressure. Reducing the road user charge alongside the excise ensures that relief flows through the entire supply chain. It's not just about fuel prices that come down; it's about the cost of goods as well. Australians are facing a perfect storm of global supply shocks on top of domestic cost pressures. Families are stretched. Small businesses are under strain.”
“This bill helps finance supply, but it does nothing to ease the immediate cost pressures people are facing at the bowser. That is the gap that needs to be addressed. The coalition is pleased that the government has taken our advice and cut the fuel excise in half for three months, because this is the fastest, most direct way to deliver relief. It works immediately at the point of sale. It does not rely on complex systems or delayed reimbursements. It does not require small businesses to wait months for the BAS cycle to see any benefit. It puts money back into people's pockets straight away. The difference it will make is real, around 26c per litre off fuel prices and $20 off a typical tank—real savings for households already under pressure.”
“The coalition's approach is straightforward. We support practical measures to improve supply in the short term, like this bill, but we also believe in building long-term resilience. That means backing Australian production; it means removing barriers to invest in oil, gas and critical resources; it means ensuring our institutions, including Export Finance Australia, can support the industries that keep our economy strong; and it means rebuilding sovereign capability so that in times of crisis Australia can stand on its own two feet. We cannot keep lurching from crisis to crisis, relying on emergency measures to paper over deeper structural problems. But supply is only part of the equation. The other part is cost. Right now, Australian families and small businesses need relief immediately.”
“Australia is entering this crisis weaker than it should be. After years in government, Labor has failed to strengthen our domestic fuel capability. Instead, we are now more reliant on overseas supply and more vulnerable to global disruptions. What matters, especially for a country like Australia, where distance and logistics are everything, is that there is a clear contradiction at the heart of the government's approach. On one hand, they are asking taxpayers to underwrite imported fuel during a crisis; on the other hand, their policies are restricting investment in the very industries that underpin our energy security here at home. That simply does not make sense. If fuel is important enough to import and stockpile, it is important enough to support domestically. National security starts with domestic capability.”
“Let me be clear, the coalition will support it, because this bill does something practical. It allows Export Finance Australia to step in during extraordinary disruptions to help secure essential imports like fuel and fertiliser. That is a sensible measure. In a crisis, governments should be able to act quickly to support supply chains to ensure that essential goods can reach Australia. We will always support practical steps that help keep the country moving, but we also need to be honest about what this bill is and what it is not. This bill is not a silver bullet. It does not get fuel to empty service stations today. It does not bring down prices at the bowsers tomorrow. And it does not fix the underlying problem that left Australia exposed in the first place. The deeper issue here is one of preparedness.”
“That means that, in two years time, there'll be no fruit to harvest. This is not just a supply issue; this is an economic warning sign. It shows how quickly a fuel disruption today becomes a production crisis tomorrow and a cost-of-living hit down the track. That is the reality on the ground. But at a time that calls for leadership and urgency, what Australians have seen from this government is delay and denial. For weeks, concerns about fuel supply were dismissed. Australians were told there was no problem. Then, when the situation worsened, the messaging changed, and then, when the crisis became unavoidable, the government acted. This is not leadership. In a crisis like this, Australians expect the government to be across the details, to be prepared and to act early. In that context, we are debating this bill.”
“It hits the cost of getting goods to market. It hits the viability of small businesses already running on tight margins. Right now, that pressure is real. We are seeing service stations running dry. We are seeing prices at levels many Australians have never experienced before. We are seeing families forced to rethink everyday decisions—whether they can afford to travel, visit family or even take their kids to sport. Let me give you a real-world example from a pineapple farmer in Yeppoon. Normally, this farm relies on 1,500 litres of fuel every week. Right now, it's been rationed to 1,000 litres, only around 60 per cent of what it needs. In the short term, this is a small buffer, but, if this rationing continues for two weeks, pineapple farming operations will stop. The farm will still pick fruit, but it will not plant new crops.”