00:00My fellow Australians, by nature we're an optimistic country, but I understand that right now it's hard to be positive.
00:09The war in the Middle East has caused the biggest spike in petrol and diesel prices in history.
00:15Australia is not an active participant in this war, but all Australians are paying higher prices because of it.
00:22I know that you're seeing this at the servo and at the supermarket.
00:26And I understand farmers and truckies, small businesses and families are doing it tough.
00:33And the reality is, the economic shocks caused by this war will be with us for months.
00:39Tonight I want to speak directly with you about what the Government is doing to shield Australia in these uncertain
00:47times.
00:48And also, what all of us can do to help our country and help each other in the period ahead.
00:54On Monday, National Cabinet adopted the National Fuel Security Plan.
00:59Leaders from both sides of politics, from right around the country, working together to keep Australia moving.
01:06Making sure that we are prepared.
01:08So that if the global situation gets worse, and our fuel supplies are seriously disrupted over the long term,
01:16we can coordinate the next steps together.
01:19Today, we cut the fuel excise in half, cutting the tax on every litre of petrol by 26 cents.
01:27Those savings have started showing up at your petrol station.
01:31For our truckies, we have cut the heavy vehicle road user charge to zero.
01:36Both these measures will be in place for the next three months.
01:40We are working to bring the price of fuel down.
01:44To make more fuel here.
01:45And to keep it on shore.
01:47And get more fuel here.
01:49Using our strong trading relationships with our region to bring more petrol, diesel and fertiliser to Australia.
01:57Now, it's the Australian way that people want to do their bit.
02:02And there are simple ways that you can.
02:04You should go about your business and your life as normal.
02:08Enjoy your Easter.
02:10And if you're hitting the road, don't take more fuel than you need.
02:13Just fill up like you normally would.
02:16Think of others in your community, in the bush and in critical industries.
02:20And over the coming weeks, if you can switch to catching the train or bus or tram to work, do
02:26so.
02:27That builds our reserves and it saves fuel for people who have no choice but to drive.
02:33Farmers and miners and tradies who need diesel every single day.
02:38And all those shift workers and nurses who do so much for our country.
02:42The months ahead may not be easy.
02:45I want to be upfront about that.
02:47No government can promise to eliminate the pressures that this war is causing.
02:53I can promise we will do everything we can to protect Australia from the worst of it.
03:00These are uncertain times, but I'm absolutely certain of this.
03:04We will deal with these global challenges the Australian way.
03:09Working together and looking after each other, as we always have.
03:14Thank you and good evening.
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