Prime Minister Anthony Albanese warns Australians of economic pressures from the Middle East war, urging public transport use and announcing fuel tax relief.
SYDNEY: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has warned Australians that the months ahead “may not be easy” due to the ongoing Middle East conflict, in a rare national address broadcast across television networks.
“The months ahead may not be easy, and I want to be upfront about that,” Albanese said, adding that no government could eliminate the pressures caused by the war.
The conflict, which began with US-Israeli attacks on Iran, has expanded throughout the region and sent global energy markets into turmoil.
Albanese urged Australians to switch to public transport to preserve fuel for rural communities, essential services, and workers like nurses and miners.
“Australia is not an active participant in this war, but all Australians are paying higher prices because of it,” he stated.
He acknowledged that farmers, truck drivers, small businesses, and families were facing significant hardship from the economic shocks.
The government has announced temporary tax relief for small businesses and halved a fuel tax to help motorists cope with soaring petrol prices.
Australia remains heavily exposed to global fuel supply disruptions, as it imports most of its petrol and holds only about 37 days’ worth in reserve.
“No government can promise to eliminate the pressures that this war is causing, but I can promise we will do everything we can to protect Australia from the worst of it,” Albanese added.
Such national addresses are typically reserved for grave circumstances, with previous examples including Kevin Rudd during the 2008 financial crisis and Scott Morrison at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
US President Donald Trump is also scheduled to address his nation, having previously stated the war could be over in “two weeks, maybe three”.
