Australia politics live: Jim Chalmers says working from home ‘makes a lot of sense’ during fuel crisis but government will avoid Covid-style measures

Treasurer says Australians should use fuel responsibly rather than cancel Easter road trips. Follow updates live

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Government softens on fuel excise cut

The government has very slightly softened its language around a fuel excise cut, as the Coalition and independents all push for more relief at the bowser. The Coalition called for the excise to be cut in half (to 26 cents per litre) last week.

We have a range of contingencies and fall backs that we keep under more or less constant review. And as you know, Pete, our government is always looking for ways, responsible ways to help people with the cost of living, to try and alleviate some of this pressure, which is coming at people in the in the most recent iteration from a war in the Middle East.

I think as I said as recently as yesterday, that change is not something that we have been considering.

No, I don’t think so, Mel – but of course, governments are meeting, including today, on prudent planning.