Anthony Albanese’s surprise public address amid the global oil shock contained mixed messages and a “whole lot of nothing”, political commentator Andrew Bolt said in a fiery response.
Sky News host Mr Bolt lashed the message straight after it was broadcast across Australian TV on Wednesday night, saying it amounted to “free advertising” for the government.
“I’m surprised by the Prime Minister’s message for three reasons,” he said on The Bolt Report.
“First, you know, big drum roll, address the nation. Everyone’s got to watch.
“And this is absolutely nothing new. Just what a great job he’s being doing. This is just an unpaid advertisement.”
Mr Bolt continued to say Mr Albanese’s message, which encouraged Australians to remain calm, sent mixed signals.
“Didn’t that sound contradictory to you? You know, don’t change anything. Go about life as normal. Hit the road on Easter, if you wish, you know, don’t change a thing,” he said, summarising the Prime Minister’s address.
“But actually, if you can save some petrol for the farmers and the nurses, of course, that would be good.”
The Prime Minister’s 7pm address to the nation was used to allay fears that the Middle East crisis could get worse before it gets better.
“The months ahead may not be easy,’’ he said.
“I want to be upfront about that.
“I can promise we will do everything we can to protect Australia from the worst of it.”
Mr Albanese said the war in Iran had caused the biggest spike in petrol and diesel prices in history.
“Australia is not an active participant in this war. But all Australians are paying higher prices because of it,’’ he said.
“And the reality is, the economic shocks caused by this war will be with us for months.”
Outlining the measures announced to date, including a temporary cut to fuel tax, the Prime Minister pledged he would keep the nation updated.
Mr Bolt questioned how the announcement of a snap televised address ahead of Easter was meant to ease concerns at the current crisis.
It was the first time a Prime Minister has delivered a national message of this kind since Scott Morrison during the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“One cabinet minister, unnamed, told the Sydney Morning Herald, this address is about setting the tone and calming people down ahead of Easter,” Mr Bolt said.
“I just wonder how calming it is to be told ‘don’t panic’ in an emergency message to the nation.”
– More to come.
