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Unlike his predecessors, Scott Morrison during the COVID-19 pandemic or Kevin Rudd during the Global Financial Crisis, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese did not introduce any groundbreaking policy or legislation after keeping the nation on edge for several hours.
This morning, Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles stood by the decision, explaining that addressing the nation is part of the prime minister’s responsibilities.
“Australians are understandably concerned about the developments in the Middle East conflict,” he stated on the Today show.
Marles added, “At times like this, it’s crucial for the Prime Minister to directly communicate with the Australian people.”
When questioned about whether the high-stakes nature of a national address was warranted, Marles argued that it was essential to convey a significant message and that Albanese had clarified the government’s actions.
“The fundamental point, in a calm way, is for the prime minister to be speaking directly to the Australian people at a moment where there is significant anxiety and understandable anxiety about what’s playing out in the Middle East and the uncertainty of the future,” he said.
“That’s exactly what should happen.”
Meanwhile, Marles also said the government supported Western AustraliaA Premier Roger Cook’s actions after Cook enacted a state of emergency, directing fuel companies to hand over sensitive supply information.
However, Marles did not say whether the federal government considered the situation a national state of emergency, commenting only that the decision was within the auspices of the WA premier.
”We support that government in taking the steps it has,” he said.
“We will continue to make decisions in a calm and methodical way.”
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