In a heated exchange on the Today show, Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles, found himself at odds with host Karl Stefanovic as tensions rose regarding the government’s handling of the fuel crisis.
During his appearance on the morning program, Marles defended the government’s measures, acknowledging the growing difficulties Australians face in affording fuel.
“We are actively releasing stockpiles and ensuring fuel reaches areas in need,” Marles stated.
“We’re not denying the existence of a challenge here, Karl, we are fully aware of it,” he added.
“Our approach is to tackle this issue with calmness and careful consideration,” Marles assured.
Stefanovic, raising the concerns of fisherman, farmers and builders, accused the government’s actions as being “amateur hour”.
He posed the plight of independent petrol stations, who had run out of fuel two weeks ago, to which Marles said that “nine out of 10 stations have fuel”.
“I don’t know what you’re saying,” Stefanovic said. “[The fuel] is just not getting there.”