With fuel supplies under pressure from Middle East conflict and petrol prices spiking across Australia, the federal government's response has been characteristically tepid: tell workers and employers to "make the call" on work-from-home arrangements.
No mandate. No directive. No government action. Just advice to figure it out yourselves.
The approach, reported by SBS, puts the burden squarely on individual workers and their bosses rather than taking decisive policy action to reduce fuel consumption during a supply crisis. It's classic Canberra buck-passing.
"Classic non-response from the government," one Reddit commenter wrote. "They won't actually do anything, just suggest people maybe possibly consider doing something themselves."
The fuel crisis stems from escalating conflict in the Middle East, which has disrupted oil supply chains and sent global prices soaring. Australia imports the majority of its refined fuel and maintains notoriously low strategic reserves - about three weeks' worth, well below international recommendations.
Yet rather than implement temporary measures like mandatory work-from-home for jobs that can be done remotely, fuel rationing, or emergency public transport subsidies, the government has opted for... suggestions.
The contrast with New Zealand's response is stark. Across the Tasman, Wellington announced $50 per week direct payments to 143,000 families to offset rising fuel costs. One government takes action; the other tells people to "make the call."
Mate, there's a whole continent and a thousand islands down here. And right now, our government won't even tell people to work from home during a fuel crisis.
The opposition has criticized the weak response, arguing the government should use its authority to reduce fuel demand immediately. Environmental groups note that mandating remote work where possible would also reduce emissions - a climate action that's literally free.
But Canberra appears paralyzed by the possibility of upsetting business groups or appearing too directive. So instead, it's offering advice. And hoping the crisis sorts itself out.
