Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was enjoying a tennis match at a charity event in Sydney on 28 February when the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran, triggering a war and a global energy shock. The Australian government was not consulted but quickly endorsed the operation, citing the need to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
As the conflict evolved, petrol prices soared in Australia, and the opposition criticised the government's response. Albanese rushed out billions in relief for motorists and businesses and questioned the war's purpose. He framed the turmoil as a reason to pursue structural economic reforms he had previously avoided.
In a national address, Albanese sought to quell fears about fuel supplies but warned that the 'months ahead may not be easy'. The government faced accusations of being flat-footed as smaller retailers struggled to secure fuel, despite assurances that stocks were at their highest in 15 years.
The crisis has highlighted a new reality for the government, with Albanese stating, 'There is no security in maintaining a status quo that doesn’t work for people.' The war may spur him towards longer-term changes he has shied away from in the past.
