PM leans on Asian partners as oil refinery catches fire

In the wake of a major fire at Australia's Geelong oil refinery, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese returned early from an Asian diplomatic trip aimed at securing fuel and fertiliser supplies amid a growing national fuel crisis. While the refinery continues to operate at reduced capacity—80% diesel and 60% petrol production—the government is relying on diplomatic assurances from partners like Malaysia, Brunei, and South Korea to maintain supply chains. The episode highlights the tension between political messaging and practical outcomes, as the PM’s trip emphasized relationship-building over immediate fuel deliveries. Meanwhile, Defence Minister Richard Marles announced a $53 billion defence investment over a decade, though critics argue the figure is inflated by using NATO’s broader spending metric. On the political front, opposition leader Angus Taylor unveiled a values-based immigration policy targeting voters concerned about cultural identity, particularly in the lead-up to the Farrah by-election. The policy, while rhetorically strong, lacks detail and faces scrutiny over its feasibility and long-term appeal. The discussion also touched on Australia’s strained relationship with Donald Trump, with commentators questioning whether Australian leaders should respond more boldly to his public criticisms.