‘Enjoy your Easter’: PM uses national address to call for calm

PRIME Minister Anthony Albanese has urged Australians to remain calm and conserve fuel, warning the economic shock of the Middle East conflict will be felt for months, during a rare Address to the Nation on Wednesday night.

In a prime-time broadcast carried simultaneously across all major television and radio networks, Mr Albanese sought to reassure households while outlining the government’s response to the deepening global oil crisis.

“The months ahead may not be easy,” he said.

“I want to be upfront about that… but we will do everything we can to protect Australia from the worst of it.”

The Prime Minister said the war had triggered the largest spike in global fuel prices in history, with Australians already feeling the impact across the economy.

While stressing Australia is not directly involved in the conflict, he acknowledged its consequences are being felt domestically through rising fuel costs and broader cost-of-living pressures.

‘DO YOUR BIT’

In a direct appeal to the public, Mr Albanese urged Australians to take simple steps to reduce fuel consumption, including limiting unnecessary use and turning to public transport where possible.

“If you’re hitting the road, don’t take more fuel than you need — just fill up like you normally would,” he said.

“And over coming weeks, if you can switch to catching the train or bus or tram to work, do so.”

He said such measures would help preserve supplies for those who rely on fuel most, including farmers, freight operators, tradies and essential workers.

At the same time, Australians were encouraged to continue their daily lives.

“You should go about your business and your life as normal. Enjoy your Easter,” he said.

NO RATIONING — YET

The Prime Minister reiterated that Australia remains at stage two of its four-tier national fuel response plan, with no immediate need for rationing.

The government has already moved to ease pressure by halving the fuel excise and introducing support measures for freight and supply chains.

Australia currently holds around 39 days of petrol, 30 days of diesel and 30 days of jet fuel in reserve, with supply chains continuing to operate despite surging demand.

Mr Albanese said the government was focused on securing additional supply through international partnerships while preparing for potential escalation if conditions worsen.

REACTION BUILDS

While the address struck a serious and measured tone, reaction from sections of the public was swift.

Some viewers questioned whether the rare national broadcast — typically reserved for moments of profound national consequence — matched the substance of the announcement, noting the absence of new major measures.

Opposition Leader Angus Taylor also criticised the address, describing it as lacking detail and calling for a clearer plan to give Australians confidence moving forward.

Despite the criticism, the Prime Minister’s central message was clear: the crisis is far from over.

“No government can eliminate all of the global pressure… but we will continue to act in the national interest,” he said.

With global instability ongoing and fuel markets under pressure, the government is bracing Australians for a prolonged period of uncertainty, and calling on the public to play their part.