Letter

In response to Australia’s fuel security crisis needs less diesel, not more refineries

Fuel security crossroads

Australia is at a crossroads of fuel security.

Recent reporting by Isobel Roe shows the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet is considering new levies on gas companies and reforms to resource taxation in response to the Middle East war. While taxing profits may provide short-term relief, it does not address the core issue.

Australia remains dangerously dependent on imported fuel, leaving us exposed to global shocks, price spikes and supply disruptions, as seen in recent surging demand and panic buying.

We have a choice in how we respond. We can look backward and consider rebuilding refineries and subsidising fossil fuels to secure supply. Or we can look forward and move towards reducing our reliance on imported fuels altogether.

— Julia Paxino from Beaumaris, Victoria 3193