Norfolk out of gas

The Norfolk Island Government took on the delivery of air services, "in
the national interest" and history shows what that did to our financial
position. Then they took on fuel supplies with the establishment of
Norfolk Energy and we have had a continuing upward trend in fuel prices
despite lower crude oil prices. They took over fuel supply and
distribution once again "in the national interest" and have used and
abused this role as a taxing mechanism. Now we have run out of fuel the
day after Minister Nobbs announces rationing on the radio. How can this
happen? No doubt we will hear a flurry of excuses and no one held to
account for a blunder that will cost the island dearly. Given the
importance of petrol to so many aspects of our lives, where was the risk
management strategy that should have guided those responsible for ensuring
continuity of supply.
Barring some sort of natural disaster, there  is no way the island should
be in this position. Anywhere else, the Minister would fall on his sword,
but don't hold your breath waiting for that, or even for the Chief
Minister to sack the Minister for the economic damage and the damage to
our reputation as a tourist destination, a reputation which we spend
substantial amounts of time an money building. Who will count the cost of
this blunder?