Anthea Harris Appointed Fuel Supply Taskforce Coordinator Amidst Scrutiny

Anthea Harris has been appointed as the Fuel Supply Taskforce coordinator, a crucial role responsible for communicating with states and territories about petrol and diesel allocation.

Appointment Draws Criticism

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made the appointment, which subsequently drew questions and comments from Opposition figures and business leaders. Their concerns centered on Harris's prior career in the climate change sector.

Concerns about Anthea Harris's appointment as Fuel Supply Taskforce coordinator primarily stem from her extensive background in the climate change sector.

Ministerial Defense of Harris

Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen defended Harris's appointment, stating he regretted the Opposition's decision to criticize her. He urged against attacking public servants, describing Harris as an "eminent Australian public servant" who should be respected.

Anthea Harris's Extensive Professional History

Harris's background includes serving as the inaugural chair of the Climate Change Authority. In 2014, she criticized the then-Abbott government's emissions reduction commitment and identified the electricity sector as a potential "major source of emissions reductions."

She has also been instrumental in developing an emissions trading scheme, was involved in reducing fossil fuel emissions for the Victorian government six years prior, and helped develop what became the carbon tax during the Rudd government.

More recently, Harris led the Energy Security Board, the Commonwealth's Australian Energy Regulator, and was tasked with leading an independent review of the Water Act.

Opposition and Industry Perspectives

Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie noted Harris's background with the Climate Change Authority and expressed hope that she possesses the necessary logistics skills for the task.

Shadow energy minister Dan Tehan suggested that someone with a strong logistics background, such as Lieutenant General John Frewen during the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, would be more suitable. Tehan emphasized the need for a coordinator who can effectively manage bureaucracies and engage with industry.

Association of Mining and Exploration Companies chief executive Warren Pearce similarly stressed the importance of keeping politics separate from the fuel crisis, describing Harris's appointment as "perhaps a more controversial appointment."