Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee

Maria Kovacic

At the request of Senator McDonald, I move:

That the following matters be referred to the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee for inquiry and report by 31 March 2027:

(a) the design, objectives and administration of the Fuel and Fertiliser Security Facility;

(b) the eligibility criteria and assessment processes used to determine which fertiliser companies, suppliers and importers receive government support;

(c) the nature, value and commercial terms of government guarantees, underwriting and other financial assistance provided under the facility;

(d) the financial risks and potential liabilities to Australian taxpayers, including the adequacy of risk management and safeguards;

(e) the impact of the facility on competition and market conditions in the Australian fertiliser industry, including whether government support has advantaged particular market participants or disadvantaged non-participating suppliers and importers;

(f) the impact of the facility on fertiliser prices, supply and availability for Australian farmers, including whether the benefits of government support are being passed through to producers;

(g) the transparency and accountability of the facility, including the disclosure of participating entities, the basis on which support was provided, government financial exposure and the outcomes achieved;

(h) the effectiveness of the facility in strengthening Australia's long-term fertiliser security and supply chain resilience, including whether the design of the facility has created unintended market or competition consequences, and whether alternative policy approaches could achieve these objectives more effectively or at lower cost; and

(i) any other related matters.

Sue Lines

The question is business of the Senate notice of motion No. 2, standing in the name of Senator McDonald, be agreed to.