Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has officially addressed the nation on Australia’s fuel security and skyrocketing prices, admitting that the next couple of months will not be easy as the war in the Middle East continues.
On Wednesday, April 1, at 7pm, Albanese participated in a national address, revealing Australia’s response to the conflict in the Middle East and how it’s affected the fuel market, admitting that Australians are paying “higher prices” because of the war.
“I know that you’re seeing this at the servo and the supermarket, and I understand farmers and truckies, small businesses and families are doing it tough, and the reality is the economic shocks caused by this war will be with us for months,” Albanese said in his national address.
Further in his address to the nation, Albanese spoke about what moves the government has made to help Aussies during these “uncertain times” and how we can all “help each other in the period ahead”.
“On Monday, the National Cabinet adopted the National Fuel Security Plan. Leaders from both sides of politics, from right around the country, are working together to keep Australia moving. Making sure we’re prepared so that if the global situation gets worse and our fuel supplies are seriously disrupted over the long term, we can coordinate the next steps together,” Albanese continued.
“Today, we cut the fuel excise in half. Cutting the tax on every litre of petrol by 26 cents. Those savings have started showing up at your petrol station. For our Truckies, we’ve cut the heavy road vehicle charge to zero. Both these measures will be in place for the next three months.”
Albanese has assured that the government is working to keep prices down, make more fuel in Australia and get more here by using the country’s “strong trading relationships”.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese urges Aussies to do their bit amid fuel crisis
With Easter Holidays coming up, the PM encouraged Aussies to live their normal lives but urged folks not to take more fuel than they need.
“Just fill up like you normally would. Think of others in your community, in the bush, and in a critical industry,” Albanese stressed before encouraging the nation to use public transport.
“That builds our reserves, and it saves fuel for people who have no choice but to drive. Farmer, miners and tradies who need diesel every single day and all those shift workers and nurses who do so much for our country.”
Two states, Victoria and Tasmania, have already offered fare-free public transport for its residents.
Last week, Vic Premier Jacinta Allan confirmed people within the state will be able to travel free on trains, trams and buses from March 31 until the end of April.
Tasmania’s Premier, Jeremy Rockliff, said folks will be given free rides on buses and ferries until the end of July.
“We know the rising cost of fuel is impacting the family budget, and that’s why we have again taken strong and decisive action to protect Tasmanians,” Rockliff said, per 9News.
Albanese confirms the ‘months ahead may not be easy’ amidst the Iran war
Towards the end of his national address, Albanese admitted that the “months ahead may not be easy”.
“I want to be upfront about that,” Albanese said.
“No government can promise to eliminate the pressure this war is causing. I can promise we will do everything we can do to protect Australia from the worst of it. These are uncertain times, but I’m absolutely certain of this: we will deal with these global challenges the Australian way.
“Working together and looking after each other, as we always have.”
Albanese’s address comes shortly after President Donald Trump claimed that the US would exit the war “within two weeks, maybe three” and that the crisis is “coming to an end”.
“We’re negotiating with [Iran] right now. We have had regime change. I had one goal: they will have no nuclear weapons and that goal has been attained,” Trump said.
“Whether we have a deal or not is irrelevant.”
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