Albanese warns Australians coming months ‘may not be easy’

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has warned Australians to brace for difficult months ahead, but pledged the government will protect them as well as it can, in an address to the nation on the impact of the Middle East War.

Albanese said he wanted to be “upfront” about the situation.

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

“Australia is not an active participant in this war, but all Australians are paying higher prices because of it.

"And the reality is, the economic shocks caused by this war will be with us for months.”

In his address, Albanese said it was the Australian way for people to want to do their bit, and suggested “simple ways” they could.

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

He said on Monday National Cabinet had adopted the National Fuel Security Plan to keep Australia moving and make sure it was prepared for the future “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”.

The government was working to bring the price of fuel down, to make more fuel here and keep it on-shore, and to get more fuel into the country, Albanese said.

“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.”