We should now have a national system of vehicle registralion based on grams of CO2 /klm
like Europe so that fuel efficient cars get a lower rego rate because this would lessen our
Crude and refined petroleum imports.
Over a 5 year program this could reduce our oil imports by up to $3.7 billion.
The Government should be encouraging the establishment of mini-refineries close
to our new operating oil fields in the Cooper Basin and WA. We also need a national
inquiry into why:
(a) we have changed from being a net oil exporter in 1997 (the year Howard was elected)
to being now dependant on oil imports with the associated security risks
(b) why our refineries are being gradually closed down
(c) has native Claims/Potential Native Claims stymied onshore oil exploration post Mabo?
America has turned around its dependance on import oil in a matter of 7 years and this should
send us a clear signal regarding the risk to our security in the event of a major conflict between
the USA and China-Russia. China has already secured its oil/gas supplies from a back door deal
cut with Russia post the Russian economic sanctions.
We have kept auto manufacturing on a taxpayers' drip on the basis that we wanted to have
manufacturing capacity in case of another World War but our current dependance on imported
oil with less than 30 days stockpile is of more concern.
Write to Mr Turnbull if you are concerned and suggest to him that Australia emulates the USA
and becomes oil self sufficient within 7 years.
