Commentary: We seem to be inundated with a torrent of negative news lately.
Conflicts in the Middle East. Fuel prices reaching unprecedented highs. Fuel stations running out. Inflation and interest rates climbing inexorably higher.
In these tumultuous times, we yearn for stability, yet it feels as though our leaders are failing to provide the reassurance we need.
nation, expectations were high. Prime-time speeches from our leaders are rare.
The previous significant address was from Scott Morrison in 2020 amid the Covid pandemic. Prior to that, Kevin Rudd addressed the nation in 2009 concerning the global financial crisis, while John Howard informed Australians about the Iraq war in 2003.
about what Anthony Albanese might reveal, but it turned out to be a major let-down.
There have been no groundbreaking announcements. The messages reiterate points already made in press conferences or media releases, urging Australians to remain calm, conserve fuel, and make the most of the Easter holiday.
There is a noticeable absence of concrete strategies on how the nation will manage if the conflict in Iran persists, and questions remain on how we’ll maintain operations once the anticipated fuel shipments arrive, especially if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, preventing further deliveries.
After that disappointment, the world then watched on as US President Donald Trump walked
up to the lectern in the Oval Office of the White House to deliver a prime-time address to the
American people.
Again expectations were high that big news was coming. Financial
markets rallied on the hope the Commander in Chief would be announcing an end to the
conflict.
was winning hard, delivered more justification for bombing Iran in the first place, and in his
usual style had mixed messages on what’s coming next.
He claimed the war would be over in two-to-three weeks, but vowed to bomb Iran back into the dark
ages, where he said they belonged.
The financial markets tanked on the back of his aggressive tone, reflecting the uneasy
feeling that comes with even more uncertainty.
The gloom also deepened for the rest of the world being impacted by a war we had no say in
from President Trump’s lack of concern about oil shipments being blocked. Just buy more oil
from America he said – or allies should just ‘take’ the strait of Hormuz themselves.
At least we got something to smile about. The launch of the first crewed mission to the Moon
in more than 50 years with the Artemis II is a rare bright spot. Let’s hope the entire 10-day
journey continues in the same way it started – an overwhelming success.
We need all the good news we can get.
