Canberra, August 27, 2025 — Prime Minister Anthony Albanese sat down with ABC News to answer hundreds of public-submitted questions in a dynamic livestream session, addressing a wide range of topics—from sanctions and resource policy to gender violence and childcare reform.
Sanctions: Israel or Russia—Why the Difference?
When asked why Australia has imposed over 1,400 sanctions on Russia, yet only a few on Israeli individuals, Albanese responded:
“We have sanctioned Israeli individuals, both people involved with settler violence in the West Bank. We’ve actually sanctioned ministers in the Israeli government… They need to say sanction what or whom and how.”
He clarified that the large number of sanctions on Russia reflects the scope of its authoritarian regime and global actions, whereas Israel—as a democracy—presents a fundamentally different context for sanctions.
Domestic Violence Survivors and the Homeownership Scheme
On the sensitive issue of domestic violence survivors being unable to access the First Home Owner Scheme more than once, Albanese said:
“That’s something that I’ll speak with the minister about.”
Albanese acknowledged the complexity, noting it requires minister-led consideration rather than an immediate policy fix.
Tackling Gambling Advertisements
When pressed on whether the government supports a recommended ban on gambling ads, Albanese emphasized the delicate balance between regulation and reality:
“People might just go offshore, then there’s no revenue at all… we’ve made changes, such as not being able to use your credit card online.”
“These things are complex with technology today… the small number of people attracted to problem gambling… poker machines are the largest problem area.”
He argued the government must consider unintended consequences before outright bans.
Reforming the Petroleum Resource Rent Tax
Regarding calls for the government to revisit the Petroleum Resource Rent Tax (PRRT), Albanese reaffirmed reforms already made:
“We have changed the PRRT … to produce more revenue earlier … what we’re not willing to do is create sovereign risk.”
He balanced public revenue priorities with investor confidence, drawing a line against unpredictable policy shifts.
Expanding Childcare Flexibility
On proposals to amend the Child Care Subsidy—such as payments to grandparents or nannies—Albanese admitted:
“That would be a very big change to the system … it also is a very different way of looking at the way that families operate.”
He highlighted both the economic and societal implications of such reforms.
National Unity & Open Dialogue
Albanese’s candid responses underscore the government’s commitment to transparency and practical solutions. By engaging directly with the public on pressing issues, the PM reinforced his readiness to transform dialogue into meaningful policy change.
