Low Aromatic Fuel Supplies Secured to 2023

Media release - Minister Wyatt

The Morrison Government is committing up to $40 million over three years to continue the rollout of low aromatic fuel, ensuring it is available in communities to reduce the harmful effects of petrol sniffing.

Through a competitive process, Viva Energy Australia has been selected to supply northern parts of the country and bp Australia will supply across the south.

Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Ken Wyatt AM MP, said Viva Energy Australia and bp Australia will build on the progress made since 2005 in reducing the availability of regular unleaded petrol, particularly in remote communities.

“Replacing regular unleaded petrol with low aromatic fuel has been incredibly effective at reducing rates of petrol sniffing,” Minister Wyatt said.

“Independent research released last year showed there had been a 95.2 per cent reduction of petrol sniffing since 2007 in 11 surveyed communities that stocked low aromatic fuel.

“Communities have embraced low aromatic fuel as an effective method for removing a volatile substance that can cause serious health impacts including brain damage and death.

“This funding will ensure that all communities, fuel outlets and fuel distributors that currently access low aromatic fuel can continue to do so without interruption.

“The ongoing supply will help limit the prevalence of petrol sniffing, helping our young people lead healthier lives and reducing the broader community impacts.

“Beyond the health outcomes, the new arrangements with bp Australia and Viva Energy Australia will provide employment opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

“I congratulate both companies on their work to date in growing their Indigenous employment and investment with Indigenous businesses and look forward to even greater outcomes from these contracts.”

Frédéric Baudry, Head of Country Australia for bp Australia, said “bp is incredibly proud of the role we played in the development of Opal Low Aromatic Fuel and the genuine difference it has made. Today, we are equally proud to continue our role in its supply and supporting positive health outcomes in Indigenous communities.”

Scott Wyatt, Chief Executive Officer of Viva Energy Australia said “Viva Energy is proud to continue the manufacture and supply of low aromatic fuel as it has done since 2014.

“Our successful tender to the National Indigenous Australians Agency through to 30 June 2023, will allow our business to continue to make a constructive contribution to the wellbeing of Indigenous Australians.”

Low aromatic fuel is now available in 185 fuel outlets across remote and regional areas of Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia and the Northern Territory.