Australia’s Fuel Security Plan and Petrol Tax Cut Amid Middle East War

My fellow Australians, by nature we're an optimistic country, but I understand that

right now it's hard to be positive. 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. I know that you're seeing this

at the servo and at the supermarket, and I understand farmers and truckies, small businesses

and families are doing it tough. And the reality is the economic shocks caused by this war

will be with us for months. Tonight I want to speak directly with you about what the

Government is doing to shield Australia in these uncertain times, and also what all of

us can do to help our country and help each other in the period ahead. On Monday, National Cabinet

adopted the National Fuel Security Plan. Leaders from both sides of politics, from right around

the country, working together to keep Australia moving, making sure that we are prepared so that

if the global situation gets worse and our fuel supplies are seriously disrupted over the long

term, we can coordinate the next steps together. 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. For our truckies, we have cut the heavy vehicle road user charge to zero. Both these

measures will be in place for the next three months. We are working to bring the price of fuel

down, to make more fuel here and to keep it on shore, and get more fuel here, using our strong

trading relationships with our region to bring more petrol, diesel and fertiliser to Australia.

Now it's the Australian way that people want to do their bit, and there are simple ways that you can.

You should go about your business and your life as normal. Enjoy your Easter, and 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. 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.

The months ahead may not be easy. I want to be upfront about that. No government can promise

to eliminate the pressures that this war is causing. I can promise we will do everything

we can to protect Australia from the worst of it. These are uncertain times, but I'm absolutely

certain of this. We will deal with these global challenges the Australian way, working together

and looking after each other, as we always have. Thank you and good evening.