Overview
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese convened National Cabinet for the sixth meeting since the Middle East conflict began to receive updates on fuel security and wider risks.
- Officials told ministers that Australia’s fuel supply outlook is secure in the near term but the Commonwealth is preparing contingency plans for potential disruptions to fuel and fertiliser supplies.
- The Commonwealth will extend the existing fuel excise cut for one month and reduce the Heavy Vehicle Road User Charge by 16 cents, measures the government describes as temporary cost‑of‑living and freight supports.
- National Cabinet was updated on a discovered H5 avian flu case and the government is developing a coordinated national response with states and territories.
- The government has already allocated $113 million to strengthen avian‑flu preparedness, including an extra $11.2 million in the most recent Budget, and officials say they will continue intergovernmental planning and funding for supply and biosecurity shocks.