The Prime Minister has delivered an urgent message to the nation as Australia faces an unprecedented crisis that could last months
Anthony Albanese has urged Australians to “help our country and help each other” by conserving fuel as he bluntly warned the energy crisis could last for months.
The Prime Minister’s 7pm address to the nation on Wednesday night addressed fears that the Middle East crisis could get worse before it gets better.
“The months ahead may not be easy,’’ he said.
“I want to be upfront about that.
“I can promise we will do everything we can to protect Australia from the worst of it.”
Mr Albanese said the war in the Middle East had caused the biggest spike in petrol and diesel prices in history.
“Australia is not an active participant in this war. But all Australians are paying higher prices because of it,’’ he said.
“And the reality is, the economic shocks caused by this war will be with us for months.”
Outlining the measures announced to date, including a temporary cut to fuel tax, the Prime Minister pledged he would keep the nation updated.
The Prime Minister has delivered a message to the nation as Australia faces an unprecedented petrol crisis. “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.”
The government has insisted there is no need for fuel rationing yet and that the 4-stage plan he announced remains at stage 2.
“So that if the global situation gets worse and our fuel supplies are seriously disrupted over the long term, we can co-ordinate the next steps together,’’ he said.
Mr Albanese stressed the government remained focused on supply issues to “get more fuel here – using our strong trading relationships with our region.”
“Now, it’s the Australian way that people want to do their bit – and there are simple ways that you can,’’ he said.
“You should go about your business and your life, as normal. Enjoy your Easter.
“If you’re hitting the road, don’t take more fuel than you need – just fill up like you normally would.
“And over coming weeks, if you can switch to catching the train or bus or tram to work, do so.
“That builds our reserves and it saves fuel for people who have no choice but to drive.
“Farmers and miners and tradies who need diesel, every single day. And all those shift workers and nurses, who do so much for our country.”
PM reveals fuel crisis response
Earlier today the Prime Minister assured Australians “we’re ready” for what lies ahead, as the war in the Middle East delivers the biggest spike in fuel prices in world history.
Mr Albanese told parliament that he wanted to be upfront with Australians about what comes next.
“The war in the Middle East has caused the biggest spike in global fuel prices in history,’’ Mr Albanese said.
“And Australians are feeling and seeing that across the economy. I know people are doing it tough, which is why we’ve acted to make a real difference.
He pointed to the government’s decision to halve the fuel excise from today, cutting 26 cents a litre from prices at the pump, alongside measures to support freight operators and shore up supply chains.
“We’re ready for what may come — planning, preparing, and putting in place the procedures needed,” he said.
“No government can eliminate all of the global pressure; that’s just the truth. But we will continue to act in the national interest, strengthen our economic resilience, and make sure short-term measures also prepare us for the future.”
The government has also scrapped the heavy vehicle road user charge, moved to guarantee fair and timely payments for truck drivers, and legislated a national strategic reserve to ensure shipments of fuel, fertiliser and other essentials continue to flow.
PM confirms he’s cancelled trip to Turkey
Liberal frontbencher Andrew Hastie pressed the government to cancel travel in April.
“Ministers have cancelled travel and events in April. Has the government received advice of any additional fuel ships bound for Australia that have been delayed or cancelled?” he asked.
In response, Anthony Albanese confirmed he had cancelled his planned Anzac Day trip to Gallipoli, citing the need to focus on the domestic response.
“I thank the member for his question. If he’s referring to what was a proposed trip by myself for Anzac Day in Gallipoli on April 25 — yes, because of the circumstances of travel to Turkey at the moment, I have cancelled it,” the Prime Minister said.
“I’ve prioritised what we are dealing with at the moment, engaging with our regional partners. That’s a responsible and the right thing to do.”
Leaked Coalition talking points
However, leaked Coalition talking points reveal the opposition is preparing to attack the government for not ruling out “heavy-handed mandates” to control fuel supply — a claim Treasurer Jim Chalmers dismissed as irresponsible and designed to provoke panic.
“The contrast is clear,” Dr Chalmers said in parliament.
“This is a government working through serious issues in a serious way,” he said.
“Those opposite are desperately hoping that Australia fails. We know from their talking points, they’re desperately hoping that Australia fails because they see a political opportunity in that for them.”