What we learned today, Wednesday 1 April
That’s it for today, thanks for reading. Here are today’s main stories:
Anthony Albanese addressed the nation about the crisis in the Middle East, warning of “uncertain times” in the months ahead, and urging Australians to do their part amid fuel shortages.
The prime minister also confirmed he cancelled a trip to Gallipoli for Anzac Day to prioritise dealing with the fuel crisis.
Keir Starmer and Donald Trump were also expected to make national addresses about the Middle East conflict later today.
Fuel prices started to fall immediately across Australia after the government’s fuel excise cut, unexpectedly accelerating the delivery of cost-of-living relief.
The tax office will provide temporary relief for businesses unable to meet their tax obligations, while the government will help small businesses access faster credit, as part of measures to keep small businesses afloat during the fuel crisis.
Under emergency powers, Western Australia will compel industry to provide information about their supplies, so that fuel can be directed to where it is needed most.
Moira Deeming could secure the top spot on a Victorian Liberal ticket – if she still wants it – after potential challengers were given only 36 hours to prepare nominations for a rerun preselection ballot, in what some insiders call a “stitch up”.
The Albanese government’s long-awaited plans on gambling reform, and its response to the report of the late MP Peta Murphy, could come as soon as tomorrow. But reported elements of the plan have been slammed as “half-arsed” by the independent senator David Pocock and others who have long called for a strong response to curb gambling ads.
Martin Parkinson, a former Treasury secretary, said Australia’s obsession with migrant numbers had overshadowed the urgent need to reform a migration program that had left half of all permanent arrivals working below their skill level.
We will see you here again for more news tomorrow.
Updated
Here’s our story on Albanese’s national address:
