The details emerged after former crossbench senator Rex Patrick obtained the manual using Freedom of Information laws. The harshest measure outlined in the manual is regulated fuel rationing through a strict purchase cap. Under the plan, petrol pumps could be programmed to automatically shut off once motorists hit a set transaction limit, with the document using an example of a $40 cap per purchase. 'And we're also temporarily lowering the quality of petrol and of diesel so that the quantity of petrol and diesel is higher. 'We're not having bombs dropped on us, but we are being hit by it and we're being hit at the petrol station,' he added.

Source: Daily Mail March 24, 2026 23:14 UTC