Australia imports 91% of our fuel, page-3

In 2013 Australia exported $69.5 billion in iron ore concentrates
In 2013 Australia imported $18.2 billion in refined petroleum
Source:
http://www.dfat.gov.au/publications...australias_trade_and_economic_statistics.html

So we export the majority (all ?) of our iron ore, but bring in most of our fuel.
Can't see how such trade in petroleum currently cripples our BoT ? with the above numbers from 2013 about 3:1. Would need to understand the implications around cost, benefit, risk to the nation (is the tax system keeping up with globalisation ?etc)

perhaps a rational argument could be had with our more learned members in the macro economics  forum?

Numerous arguments could be had both ways to counter above argument - defence (of nation, or economy, which grinds to a halt if supply is disrupted).

I hear WA diesel was rationed to the iron ore miners last year when an diesel import delivery arrived "almost in time" with quality issues, at the expense of the retailer....