Nationals Senator, Senator Barnaby Joyce welcomed President Bush’s reaffirmation of the US position on ethanol, which puts him, on this issue, of the same mind as the National Party.

“Ethanol is a fundamental tenet of their greenhouse gas reduction strategy and the reduction of their reliance upon imported oil. It is clearly apparent the use of ethanol as a fuel for motor vehicles will become more and more a key factor of the world in the 21st century.

“The US has been proactive in this process with their 20/10 approach, i.e., a reduction of oil-based fuel usage by 20% within 10 years, by 2017.

"The ridiculous position of the oil companies in Australia, not even being able to meet 0.7 of 1% (350 million litres) by the year 2010, needs to be dealt with immediately and Australia needs to call this for what it is: an action against the future interests of our nation.

“Australia needs a more substantial bio-renewable target enforced by a progressive mandate or we must be prepared to be left behind in the technological development, market development and greenhouse gas reduction strategies of the rest of the world and be prepared to pay for the consequences at the bowser.” Senator Joyce said.