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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called on Australians to contribute to the nation’s efforts during these “uncertain times” amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. This appeal came during his first national address, where he highlighted the challenges arising from the current geopolitical tensions.
The brief, three-minute message was pre-recorded and aired nationwide at 7 p.m. on Wednesday. The timing coincides with the escalating economic impact due to Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil transportation. As the situation develops, the economic ramifications are becoming more pronounced.
While the disruptions in the global fuel supply chain have led to soaring crude oil prices and localized shortages driven by panic buying, Albanese stopped short of declaring the situation a crisis. His decision to employ this rarely used form of communication underscores the gravity of the situation, reminiscent of past significant national announcements, such as the decision to engage in the Iraq War.
In his opening statement, Albanese addressed the nation with empathy and encouragement. “My fellow Australians. By nature, we’re an optimistic country. But I understand that right now it’s hard to be positive,” he acknowledged, urging the public to stay resilient and united.
“My fellow Australians. By nature, we’re an optimistic country. But I understand that right now it’s hard to be positive,” he said in his opening remarks.
“The war in the Middle East has 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.”
The address contained no new measures, instead reiterating announcements made in the previous days.
These included the National Fuel Security Plan adopted by the National Cabinet on Monday, a three-month fuel excise cut of 26.3 cents per litre and a slashing of a heavy vehicle road user charge for truck drivers.
He advised Australians to go on their Easter breaks but conserve fuel where possible and “do their bit” to get through the challenging times ahead.
“If you’re hitting the road, don’t take more fuel than you need – just fill up like you normally would. Think of others in your community, in the bush and in critical industries,” Albanese said.
“And over coming weeks, if you can switch to catching the train or bus or tram to work, do so.”
He acknowledged economic shocks would “be with us for months”.
Albanese noted that if the situation gets worse, “we can coordinate the next steps together,” but didn’t elaborate what that would contain.
SBS News has been told by a senior cabinet source that fuel restrictions are not imminent, instead urging voluntary measures, but the situation is highly volatile.
Minutes following the address, Opposition leader Angus Taylor was quick to label it “re-run” that lacked “more detail” or a “clear plan”.
“There’s a lack of confidence around Australia, there’s confusion around Australia about the state of the fuel system,” he told 7News.
Pressed about what else the government could do, Taylor demanded “daily updates on what the situation is”.
A rare address saved for times of crisis
The address stands in stark contrast with the last few times the nation was addressed, most recently by former prime minister Scott Morrison in March 2020 at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In February 2009, former prime minister Kevin Rudd used the method to deliver an apology to the Stolen Generations.
Former prime minister John Howard addressed the nation in 2003 to announce that Australia would be joining the war in Iraq.
Australia is currently at level two of a four-stage national fuel response plan, and the government has continued to assure the public supply levels remain steady, although demand has spiked prices.
Albanese is expected to further questions about Australia’s position and the possibility of a recession on Thursday, when he appears at the National Press Club.
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