- Parliament recalled for a special sitting to table order activating emergency powers
- Emergency powers already working to ensure supply chain transparency, with the Minister making orders to compel information from six major fuel suppliers
- Orders form part of the Cook Labor Government's nation-leading fuel security response
Following decisive action by the Cook Labor Government to activate emergency powers, Parliament has today ratified an order enabling the use of special emergency powers under the Fuel, Energy and Power Resources Act 1972.
Energy and Decarbonisation Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson has already used these special powers to compel fuel companies to provide detailed information about their supply chains to the State Government.
In place since Wednesday, 1 April, when Premier Cook and Minister Sanderson sought an order from the Governor, the order was required to be ratified by Parliament to continue to have effect.
These special emergency powers are already producing significant results, with Western Australia now in possession of the most detailed supply chain information in the country.
This information is crucial to identifying pinch points and ensuring fuel flows to areas where it is needed most, including regional communities and key industries.
As stipulated in orders gazetted by Minister Sanderson last Thursday, companies who defy the request will face penalties of up to $100,000 for every day they do not comply.
Information provided by the companies is now being analysed to determine whether it complies with the detail of the orders.
The Cook Labor Government's nation-leading fuel security response is delivering real results, with the number of station outages consistently tracking down.
Announced today, a strategic stockpile of four million litres of diesel for will provide further relief for areas of acute need, including remote communities, the resources sector, and farmers.
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"I will always do what is right for Western Australia.
"My government acted quickly to address the fuel shock and our actions are delivering real results for WA communities.
"Our emergency powers are giving us greater visibility of the supply chain, meaning we can get fuel to where it's needed most.
"By shoring up fuel security, we can get on with the job of providing great jobs, health, and housing for the people of Western Australia."
As stated by Energy and Decarbonisation Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
"A fortnight ago, I recommended to the Governor make an order activating powers under the Fuel, Energy and Power Resources Act and today they have been ratified in Parliament, fulfilling our obligations under the law.
"These are powers which are working already, with all six companies providing significant information on their supply chains.
"Information is crucial to keeping fuel flowing and WA moving as we navigate this global issue."
