Geelong Refinery Fire: Fuel Supplies Secure, Defence Boosted

0:00A fire broke out at the Viva Energy Oil refinery in Jalong, one of just two left in Australia, and it's hitting petrol production hard while diesel, and jet fuel output drops to lower levels as a safety measure. Energy Minister Chris Bowen says fuel supplies are holding steady, with only about 2 percent of service stations short on diesel, and they've lot. In 4.1 billion liters of crude oil, diesel, petrol, and jet fuel over the next four weeks, plus 57 ships heading our way. Folks are calling this a wake-up call on energy security, with opposition figures like Ted O'Brien pointing out we've lost refineries over the years, and need to draw more domestic oil to build real capability and avoid these risks. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is wrapping up his Southeast Asia trip with a one-on-one meeting with Malaysia's Prime Minister and Kuala Lumpur, and chats with a global oil giant taboos imports, while Treasurer Jim Chalmers hits Washington for IMF economic talks.

1:00Defense Minister Richard Marles is unveiling a plan to pump $53 billion into defense over the next decade, as crews battle the blaze, and Bowen promises more updates this weekend to keep supplies flowing smooth. Sydney news today, powered by AI bringing you what matters.