Albanese reads the room with cheaper fuel

Albanese reads the room with cheaper fuel

Author: ABC Australia March 30, 2026 Duration: 30:00
Politics Now
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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 thepartyroom@abc.net.au Read PK's latest piece here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-03-30/australian-fears-about-iran-war-and-fuel-shortages/106508802 

Keeping up with the political landscape requires more than just reading headlines; it demands understanding the motivations and maneuvers that shape them. That’s the space occupied by Politics Now, the ABC News production hosted by Patricia Karvelas. This podcast goes beyond the initial news alerts to unpack the significant stories from Australia and across the globe, offering a balanced perspective on the strategies driving the day’s events. Each week from Monday to Wednesday, Karvelas is joined by a rotating panel of the ABC’s own seasoned political journalists, dissecting the latest developments with insight and context. The conversation continues on Thursdays with 'The Party Room,' providing further depth. The aim is to deliver reliable, timely analysis whenever major news breaks, placing trusted coverage directly in your feed. For anyone looking to comprehend the real forces behind the news cycle, this podcast serves as an essential, clarifying resource.
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