Labor’s petrol policy will expose us to China’s threats: Senator

Eventual closure of the nation’s last two petrol refineries could lead to fuel security threats and higher prices at the pump, Matt Canavan warns.

A prominent Nationals senator has blasted Labor’s “powering Australia” policy for threatening to close the nation’s last two oil refineries, threatening to both push up fuel prices and leave our energy security to the whims of China.

According to Labor’s policy platform, a future ALP government would “adopt the Business Council of Australia’s recommendation for facilities already covered by the Government’s Safeguard Mechanism that emissions be reduced gradually and predictably over time, to support international competitiveness and economic growth.”

However, Mr Canavan pointed out that four of the “facilities” covered included under the “safeguard mechanism” are oil refineries, two of which have already closed.

Currently the AMPOL refinery in Brisbane and the Viva refinery in Geelong, Victoria, are the only remaining refineries in Australia, but they will be subject to having their permitted emissions reduced every year.

“Last week Anthony Albanese apparently agreed with the Government’s policy to lower fuel excise,” said Mr Canavan.

Prominent Nationals Senator Matt Canavan spoke to media in Parliament House Canberra. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

“This week we learn that the Labor Party plans to tax our last two oil refiners which will only push petrol prices up. If you thought petrol prices were high now, wait till a Labor government puts a tax on fuel production.

“Labor’s oil refinery tax plan also risks our last petrol plants being shut leaving Australia completely reliant on imported oil.

“At a time when China is trying to build military bases in the Pacific why would Labor risk our nation’s fuel security?,” he said.

Labor has denied that its policies will increase costs to consumers, however.

Last week after Treasurer Josh Frydenberg handed down the last Budget before the election, shadow education minister Tanya Plibersek said that “Australians can judge us on including our plan for cheaper, cleaner, renewable energy that will bring down power bills, support employment, and of course bring down carbon emissions.”