MEDIA RELEASE

Fuel shortages threaten essential services: Industry calls for urgent government action

The Bus Industry Confederation (BIC), Road Freight NSW (RFNSW) and the Waste Contractors & Recyclers Association of NSW (WCRA) are jointly calling on the Australian Government to urgently prioritise fuel access for essential service operators as ongoing supply constraints continue to place pressure on critical service delivery.

The Liquid Fuel Emergency Act 1984 gives the Federal Government clear authority to ensure fuel is directed to sectors vital to community safety, health and welfare. Under the Act, public transport sits alongside emergency, health and public safety agencies as an essential user during a fuel emergency, granting the sector priority access and potential exemption from rationing to keep services operating.

The National Liquid Fuel Emergency Response Plan (NLFERP) outlines the Australian Government’s strategy for managing fuel supply disruptions of national significance. Operating under The Liquid Fuel Emergency Act 1984, it authorises the Minister for Climate Change and Energy to regulate fuel sales, allocation and distribution during a declared national liquid fuel emergency. The Minister must consult with state and territory governments in this process.

These essential sectors were called upon during COVID and responded to protect and serve our communities. These associations are calling on government for an ongoing dialogue so business can understand, prepare, and respond appropriately. In the absence of our engagement, policy will be formed and implemented which likely result in unintended consequences against businesses and the community.

Under the NLFERP, “essential users” are defined as those whose goods or services are so critical that any reduction in supply would seriously impact the community. This definition clearly applies to BIC, RFNSW and WCRA, as they represent their members in the following services:

• Public transport keeps essential workers, students, and communities connected.
• Road freight ensures the continuous flow of food, medicine, fuel and critical goods.
• Waste and recycling services protect public health, hygiene and environmental safety.

Together, these sectors underpin the functioning of modern Australia.

With these sectors legally and operationally recognised as essential, the organisations are urging the Government to implement a nationally consistent approach to fuel prioritisation, ensuring that essential service vehicles can access reliable fuel supply throughout any period of disruption.

“These industries are the backbone of public wellbeing and economic stability,” the organisations said in a joint statement.

“The law already recognises our sectors as essential. We are calling on the Government to act swiftly and ensure that fuel allocation reflects the intent of the Liquid Fuel Emergency Act and the NLFERP: to protect the community by ensuring critical services continue without interruption.”

BIC, RFNSW and WCRA stand ready to work with the Government to implement contingency measures consistent with the National Liquid Fuel Emergency Response Plan to safeguard service continuity across Australia.

“The law already recognises our sectors as essential. We are calling on the Government to act swiftly and ensure that fuel allocation reflects the intent of the Liquid Fuel Emergency Act and the NLFERP: to protect the community by ensuring critical services continue without interruption.”

BIC, RFNSW and WCRA stand ready to work with the Government to implement contingency measures consistent with the National Liquid Fuel Emergency Response Plan to safeguard service continuity across Australia.

ENDS