Scott Morrison is using the third day of the election campaign to outline fuel security measures, including a $250 million grant to shore up domestic supply.
The grant will be split between two refineries – an Ampol facility in Brisbane and the Viva Energy refinery in Geelong – and used for major upgrades.
Mr Morrison says the investment will secure fuel production and supply against global uncertainty sparked by events like the conflict in Ukraine.
“COVID-19, the Russian war in Ukraine and trade restrictions have disrupted global supply chains and Australia is not immune,” he said.
“Oil refineries literally fuel a stronger economy and these investments will help keep our truckies, miners, defence force and farmers moving across Australia.”
The prime minister started Wednesday with a visit to a manufacturing facility in the seat of Lindsay in western Sydney which is held by the Liberals on a margin of five per cent.
He is expected to fly to another marginal seat later in the day.
Earlier on Wednesday, he discussed Victoria’s vaccine mandates on Geelong radio station Bay FM, after a listener questioned why they applied to facilities like golf clubs but not polling places on election day.
“I don’t see any reason why they shouldn’t be able to go and do the other things, they can do those other things in other states and territories,” Mr Morrison said.
“People will continue to be sensible, but people are going to go out there and vote on election day and especially be able to go and play golf, too.”
Mr Morrison’s election campaign had a hiccup overnight when he was confronted by an angry man at a private event in Sydney.
The 20-year-old, who was told to leave Penrith’s Nepean Rowing Club by police, posted footage of his encounter with Mr Morrison on TikTok.
“Scomo, across the river here, across the Nepean River, people lost their houses and they were burned. You’re a disgrace – you are a disgrace,” the man said.
He has been identified online as a “progressive activist” and member of Young Labor.
