WA state of emergency: Here’s what it means and the six powers now available to Government

A state of emergency will be declared in Western Australia, allowing the Cook Government to divert supplies and allocate fuel to where it’s most needed.

Premier Roger Cook on Wednesday announced he would use emergency powers under the Fuel, Energy and Power Resources Act 1972, allowing the State Government to regulate and direct fuel suppliers.

The powers will come into effect on Thursday.

The government says it only intends to use the current regulations at this stage to compel energy companies and suppliers to provide information about how much fuel they have.

However, the emergency powers give the government the ability to implement further orders, directions or regulations to facilitate the emergency response, which include:

1. CONTROL AND REGULATION OF SUPPLIES

The government can control and regulate fuel supplies to ensure they are distributed equally across the WA community.

This can include issuing a permit or implementing a rationing system.

2. DIRECTION OF INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE

The government can intervene industry and commerce, before deciding and allocating which groups require priority access to fuel.

3. MINISTERIAL ORDERS AND DIRECTIONS

The government can appoint a specific minister to issue specific orders or directions.

The orders can include prohibiting certain activities unless a license is granted, and ensuring suppliers follow a rationing or control scheme.

4. RESOURCE ADMINISTRATION

The government has the power to know how much fuel, energy and power is available and take control of how it’s being used across the State.

5. ENSURING RESOURCE AVAILABILITY

Changes can be made to ensure all community energy resources are available and used in a way that best serves the community’s interest.