Premier Chris Minns has dismissed suggestions Australia will return to pandemic-style restrictions, saying the nation remains a “long way down the line” from rationing fuel.
Minns said the number of service stations without certain types of fuel remained at comparatively low levels – with only 34 completely out of stock and 165 without diesel – reiterating that supply was available for those planning Easter weekend holidays.
“I don’t think it’s the right analogy to say we’re going back to coronavirus-style restrictions. That was devastating to the economies. It smashed up communities. We’re not doing homeschooling, we’re not doing lockdowns,” he told Ben Fordham on radio station 2GB on Thursday morning.
“You’re not going to be restricted to your local community in the plan. If we have critical fuel shortages, rationing may occur, but that is vastly different.”
Asked how rationing would work, Minns said phase four of the plan would prioritise essential services and industries.
“But we are not at phase four. I think the second phase, which is a long way down the line, was to say to regular Australians, this is what we are considering,” said Minns, as he underscored that regular fuel supplies were still arriving.
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