Albanese reads the room with cheaper fuel
The Prime Minister has announced the fuel excise will be halved and the heavy vehicle road user charge reduced to zero for three months. It comes as National Cabinet also agrees to an energy security plan, with four levels of action. Treasurer Jim Chalmers says the reductions are "temporary, timely and responsible", but they come with a $2.55 billion dollar price-tag. While it's welcome relief for drivers, Jacob tells PK cheaper petrol won't necessarily push down demand — which will be an "interesting test". And Anthony Albanese has also changed his language on the war in the Middle East, calling for more "certainty" on the US' objectives and urging de-escalation. Patricia Karvelas and Jacob Greber break it all down on Politics Now. Got a burning question? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected] Read PK's latest piece here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-03-30/australian-fears-about-iran-war-and-fuel-shortages/106508802
Politics Now · Australian Broadcasting Corporation
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Show Notes
The Prime Minister has announced the fuel excise will be halved and the heavy vehicle road user charge reduced to zero for three months.
It comes as National Cabinet also agrees to an energy security plan, with four levels of action.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers says the reductions are "temporary, timely and responsible", but they come with a $2.55 billion dollar price-tag. While it's welcome relief for drivers, Jacob tells PK cheaper petrol won't necessarily push down demand — which will be an "interesting test".
And Anthony Albanese has also changed his language on the war in the Middle East, calling for more "certainty" on the US' objectives and urging de-escalation.
Patricia Karvelas and Jacob Greber break it all down on Politics Now.
Got a burning question?
Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at [email protected]Read PK's latest piece here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-03-30/australian-fears-about-iran-war-and-fuel-shortages/106508802