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What we learned today, Wednesday 1 April
That’s it for today, thanks for reading. Here are today’s main stories:
Anthony Albanese addressed the nation about the crisis in the Middle East, warning of “uncertain times” in the months ahead, and urging Australians to do their part amid fuel shortages.
The prime minister also confirmed he cancelled a trip to Gallipoli for Anzac Day to prioritise dealing with the fuel crisis.
Keir Starmer and Donald Trump were also expected to make national addresses about the Middle East conflict later today.
Fuel prices started to fall immediately across Australia after the government’s fuel excise cut, unexpectedly accelerating the delivery of cost-of-living relief.
The tax office will provide temporary relief for businesses unable to meet their tax obligations, while the government will help small businesses access faster credit, as part of measures to keep small businesses afloat during the fuel crisis.
Under emergency powers, Western Australia will compel industry to provide information about their supplies, so that fuel can be directed to where it is needed most.
Moira Deeming could secure the top spot on a Victorian Liberal ticket – if she still wants it – after potential challengers were given only 36 hours to prepare nominations for a rerun preselection ballot, in what some insiders call a “stitch up”.
The Albanese government’s long-awaited plans on gambling reform, and its response to the report of the late MP Peta Murphy, could come as soon as tomorrow. But reported elements of the plan have been slammed as “half-arsed” by the independent senator David Pocock and others who have long called for a strong response to curb gambling ads.
Martin Parkinson, a former Treasury secretary, said Australia’s obsession with migrant numbers had overshadowed the urgent need to reform a migration program that had left half of all permanent arrivals working below their skill level.
We will see you here again for more news tomorrow.
Updated at 04.59 EDT
Here’s our story on Albanese’s national address:
You can read the national address in full here:
Albanese finishes his national address by saying:
double quotation markThe 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 am 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.
Updated at 04.11 EDT
double quotation markEnjoy your Easter.
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.
Updated at 04.10 EDT
Anthony Albanese says:
double quotation markWe are working to bring the price of fuel down.
To make more fuel here and to keep it onshore. 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.
Anthony Albanese speaks in his office at Parliament House. Photograph: Mick Tsikas/AAPShare
Updated at 04.10 EDT
The prime minister continues:
double quotation markOn 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.
Updated at 04.05 EDT
Albanese pledges to ‘do everything we can to protect Australia’ in fuel crisis
The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, has started his address to the nation:
double quotation markBy 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.
Updated at 05.00 EDT
Albanese among a handful of PMs to address Australia during a crisis
Not long now until the prime minister, Anthony Albanese, addresses the nation – a rare move, saved for times of crisis.
Caitlin Cassidy has taken a look at previous prime ministerial addresses, including Scott Morrison on Covid, Kevin Rudd on the global financial crisis, and John Howard on the invasion of Iraq (you’ll remember how that turned out):
Updated at 03.35 EDT
WA to use emergency powers for fuel supply
Under emergency powers, Western Australia will compel industry to provide information about their supplies, so that fuel can be directed to where it is needed most.
Premier Roger Cook wrote to major suppliers last week demanding the data, but some have failed to provide it. In a press release, the government said using the powers was not the same as activating a state of emergency, like that declared during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Premier Roger Cook in November 2025. Photograph: Hilary Wardhaugh/Getty Images
Cook said in a statement:
double quotation markWe have had success in ensuring fuel is reaching our regions, but our efforts are being hampered by not having full visibility of the fuel supply chain.
That’s why today we will seek orders from the governor to utilise emergency powers under the Fuel, Energy and Power Resources Act and make regulations to compel information from fuel suppliers and distributors.
Today’s actions will enable us to see exactly where fuel is going, and make sure it is getting where it is needed most.
Updated at 03.01 EDT
Moira Deeming could stay on Victorian Liberal ticket after preselection bungle
In the latest twist in a pretty twisty pre-selection saga in Victoria, conservative Moira Deeming could now (again) get the top spot on the Liberal ticket. Benita Kolovos here with the latest:
Moira Deeming pictured in December 2024. Photograph: Joel Carrett/AAPShare
Updated at 02.51 EDT