Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will make a rare address to the nation across television and radio networks on Wednesday, outlining Canberra's response to the Middle East conflict.Albanese will make the address at 7:00 pm Canberra time (0800 GMT) and is expected to urge Australians to save fuel for industries that need it.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers announced temporary tax relief for small businesses on Wednesday, and said the longer the war drags on the greater the impact on the economy.
"Australia didn't choose this war, they are paying the price for this war at the petrol bowser and more broadly," he told reporters.
Australia said Monday it would also halve a fuel tax to help motorists experiencing soaring petrol prices.
Albanese's government has sought to reassure motorists that shipments of fuel continue to arrive in Australia, and petrol shortages in rural towns stem from panic buying and distribution bottlenecks.
Australia, a US security ally, last month sent an electronic surveillance aircraft to help defend the United Arab Emirates.
