2GB with Ben Fordham - 30 March

Ben Fordham 

G'day, Ted. 

Ted O'Brien 

Good morning, Ben. 

Ben Fordham 

You've just heard from our listeners who are traveling a long way to get to work every day, and that's the story of life in a place like Australia. What can Anthony Albanese do today?

Ted O'Brien 

Well, today's a big day, because it's his opportunity to show something he hasn't and that's leadership on this. So, first and foremost, he should be looking at halving the excise. So, every time you fill up your car, you're paying about 52 cents a litre in tax. That should be halved. You can do that for just a temporary period of time, while we're in this fuel crisis. So, three months would be fine. On our calculations that'll save Australians around $16 million every day. And so the human stories you hear, Ben, you've been hearing them this morning, people are struggling big time, and they need alleviation immediately. The government is claiming that there's enough fuel in the country. They haven't been transparent with their data on that. But nevertheless, if the issue is not supply right now, then I tell you what. It certainly is price. And so yes, they need to ensure that supply is looked after. But the imminent issue right now is getting prices down so everyday Australians can continue living a normal life rather than being punished. 

Ben Fordham 

Can we afford to cut the fuel tax for three months?

Ted O'Brien 

We can if we find savings in the budget. And so, in announcing the need for this, the Coalition also provided the government with options to find savings in the budget, so it shouldn't be costing the Commonwealth anymore. The savings are there fully identified. It's now up to the government to say 'Yep, good idea, Let's cut the excise now and take pressure off everyday Australians.' Meanwhile, over another part of the budget, there are savings that will help pay for it. 

Ben Fordham 

He's got a perfect opportunity to do all of this today. There's, a National Cabinet meeting today, Ted?

Ted O'Brien 

Yeah, there is a National Cabinet meeting. And you know, it's not just everyday punters nor the opposition calling on Albanese to start taking some leadership, Ben. So to are State Premiers. You know, we need a coordinated approach here. State Premiers have been calling for it, but the Albanese government, also his ministers, it's not just Albanese it's the likes of Chris Bowen. They spent the first few weeks with this crisis in absolute denial. They've had no plan. They've shown no urgency. But today there's a National Cabinet meeting, and as an opposition, we are hoping that today is the day the Prime Minister might actually step up.

Ben Fordham 

Let's hope so. We appreciate your time. 

Ted O'Brien 

Thanks very much, Ben.