State of emergency declared in WA after fuel suppliers reject Roger Cook’s demand for information

A state of emergency will be declared in WA in a bid to fuel companies to divert supplies where they’re needed, but Roger Cook says it won’t trigger Covid-style restrictions on the public.

The Premier has announced he will use emergency powers under the Fuel, Energy and Power Resources Act 1972.

Mr Cook and Energy Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson made the announcement on Wednesday afternoon.

Parliament will be recalled on April 14 to table the orders, but they will come into effect on Thursday.

“Full transparency is crucial for staying ahead of the situation and keeping WA’s economy running and protecting our way of life,” Ms Sanderson said.

“We are using this act to comply with Level Two of the national plan, which is to compel information out of those companies.

“It is activating a state of emergency.”

He had asked fuel companies to volunteer information, including volumes, scheduled shipments and delivery timetables by 5pm Tuesday.

Only three of six companies replied.

Mr Cook said his request included information that is commercially sensitive, but he insisted it’s necessary to divert supplies to parts of regional WA worst hit by current shortages triggered by the war in Iran.

“Unfortunately, our efforts are being handled by not having the full visibility of the fuel supply chain,” he said.

“In some cases, we don’t know where the fuel is.”

WA remains on a level one yellow alert under the state hazard plan for energy disruptions.

The declaration won’t trigger restrictions on public consumption.

“I want to stress these emergency powers under the fuel energy and power resources Act are not the same as a state of emergency under the Emergency Management Act, which was used during the Covid-19 pandemic,” the Premier said.

“The Emergency Management Act has very broad powers to direct individual behaviour. What we are doing today is targeting specific emergency responses to understand our full supply chain much better.”

He’s previously said rationing will only become an option under stage four of the national plan, agreed by the Prime Minister and state and territory leaders this week.

“We remain at level two of the national fuel security plan, which is designed to keep Australia moving,” Mr Cook said.

“It’s worth noting that this declaration, declaration will enable us to create additional emergency regulations. Should they be required to implement actions at high levels as part of the national plan.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is due to address the nation at 4pm AWT.

It’s understood the PM will outline the Government’s response to the Middle East conflict and “encourage Australians to play their part”.

More to come.