Anthony Albanese has faced criticism for the apparent contradiction of flying abroad in pursuit of securing long-term fuel resources while simultaneously advising Australians to reduce their fuel consumption.
On Tuesday, the Prime Minister journeyed to Brunei, following a recent visit to Singapore. His mission in these travels has been to prioritize access to fuel reserves and ensure the steady flow of essential commodities such as liquefied natural gas.
During his visit to Brunei, Albanese will engage in discussions with Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, the longest-reigning head of state globally, focusing on the ongoing oil crisis and the potential for securing further supplies. Following these talks, he will proceed to Malaysia.
Although Brunei is a smaller producer of fuel compared to Singapore and Malaysia, it still contributes significantly to Australia’s imports, supplying nine percent of diesel, 11 percent of crude oil, and 11 percent of fertilizer-grade urea.
Australia also plays a crucial role in Brunei’s food supply, providing approximately 75% of its meat imports in 2024.
This marks Albanese’s second venture into Asia aimed at obtaining fuel from international partners, coinciding with the government’s launch of a $20 million initiative, “Every Little Bit Helps,” which offers Australians strategies for fuel conservation.
Sky News host Danica De Giorgio led the backlash, branding Albanese’s latest travels as a ‘desperation tour’.
‘Anthony Albanese is on a plane, jetting worldwide, while using up fuel to do so, even though he has told us to conserve fuel,’ she said.
Sky News host Danica De Giorgio branded Albanese’s latest travels a ‘desperation tour’
The Prime Minister flew to Brunei on Tuesday, his second trip to Asia within a week
‘Extraordinary hypocrisy, isn’t it?’
She added Australia would not be in the position it is in ‘if the green dream wasn’t running us dry’.
‘The Prime Minister wouldn’t have to be on this desperation tour if we could actually use our own fuel and our own backyard to fuel ourselves,’ she continued.
‘We’ve got gas, we’ve got coal, uranium. We are sitting on an abundance but instead of using them to our advantage, we export them elsewhere.
‘I really think that our fuel supply crisis has been a comedy act.’
Many other Aussies agreed, slamming Albanese for flying overseas.
‘Albanese flew to Singapore. Came home. Now off to Brunei and Malaysia. Burning jet fuel. Why didn’t he plan the visit to do all meetings on the first trip?’ one fumed.
‘This is the idiot who is telling Australians to take roof racks off and check tyre pressures. Couldn’t plan a chook raffle.’
The Prime Minister has been accused of hypocrisy after urging Aussies to conserve fuel (stock image)
Another added: ‘The deals (such as they can be) are already done. Albanese is wasting precious jet fuel for photo ops. Disgraceful.’
A third wrote: ‘Am I going insane? There’s a critical fuel crisis and Albanese takes a private jet to Brunei.’
Others pointed out Albanese also burned through up to 25,000 litres of jet fuel over a ten-day period in March as the fuel crisis deepened.
‘Says the bloke who is addicted to the fuel-guzzling VIP jet. An utter hypocrite. Another week, this week on the jet,’ one commented.
Another added: ‘Albanese clocked up about 4,850km in air travel to visit five cities in ten days in Australia, burning an estimated 20,000-25,000 litres of jet fuel.
‘Canberra to Singapore return is about 12,400kms. Do the maths. All for another “look at me and how great I am” photo shoot.’
On Wednesday, Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong will also tour Brunei Fertilizer Industries and meet with chief executive Harri Kiiski as part of the government’s push to secure long-term fertiliser stocks which have also been impacted by interruption of trade through the Middle East.
The pair’s visit is front-page news in the local newspapers, with the English language daily Borneo Bulletin reporting on a visit to ‘strengthen energy and supply chain ties’.
