SBS Our House

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has delivered his first National Address since being elected in 2022, calling on Australians to remain calm amid the ongoing fuel crisis. The Prime Minister acknowledged the impacts the war in the Middle East is having on rising petrol and diesel prices, and says farmers, truck drivers, small businesses and families are especially vulnerable to rising costs. He's urged Australians not to take more fuel than is needed, and to use public transport wherever possible to keep fuel available where it's needed most. SBS World News host Janice Petersen speaks afterwards to Chief Political Correspondent Anna Henderson for more on what it means.

Australia and the European Union have signed a landmark $10 billion trade and security pact to eliminate industrial tariffs and strengthen co-operation on cyber and maritime defence. The Prime Minister has hailed it as an economic win, but the deal has faced criticism from the National Party regarding agricultural access. SBS Chief Political Correspondent Anna Henderson has been talking to National Party leader Matt Canavan about their objections to the deal and also about the Government's actions over the fuel crisis.]]

The Federal Government has authorised a temporary 60-day easing of sulphur standards to inject high-sulphur petrol into regional communities facing critical fuel shortages. While Energy Minister Chris Bowen maintains that national reserves are stable, critics and analysts warn that Australia’s decade-long failure to meet international stockpile obligations leaves the country vulnerable to prolonged geopolitical shocks.

Queensland Senator Matt Canavan has been elected leader of the Nationals following David Littleproud's resignation, appointing Darren Chester as his deputy. The conservative leader aims to challenge net-zero targets, address fuel crises, and advocate for child care reform.

Australia is deploying an E7A Wedgetail surveillance aircraft and 85 personnel to the United Arab Emirates to bolster regional air defences. The government is maintaining the mission is strictly defensive, while the Greens warn it risks entangling Australia in an illegal conflict.