Australia news live: PM and Wong to visit Brunei and Malaysia to shore up fuel supply

Prime minister says visits will help ‘ensure Australia’s energy supply’Albanese said in a statement on Monday:double quotation markEngaging with critical regional partners such as Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia will help ensure Australia’s energy supply remains secure during times of uncertainty.We are taking every step to reinforce relationships and engage with key partners to keep our fuel supply flowing.My Government is continuing to take every practical action to shield Australians from the impact of the war in the Middle East.Wong said energy security was a “shared challenge” in the region:double quotation markWe know that global supply challenges will be with us for some time, which is why we are focused on supporting Australians through this difficult period.The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, and foreign affairs minister, Penny Wong, will visit Brunei and Malaysia this week as the government seeks to shore up Australia’s supply of diesel, fertiliser and other critical goods in the wake of shortages ccaused by the US-Israel war on Iran.Albanese will travel first to Bandar Seri Begawan in Brunei on Tuesday for a meeting with the sultan, Hassanal Bolkiah, to discuss “energy, food security, and the flow of essential goods between our countries,” according to the PM’s office.Brunei supplies 9% of Australia’s diesel imports, and 11% of Australia’s fertiliser-grade urea imports, while Australia exports food and agricultural products to Brunei.In Malaysia, Albanese will meet the prime minister, Anwar Ibrahim, for similar negotiations, as Malaysia is Australia’s third-largest source of refined fuel and supplies 10% of Australian imports of fertiliser-grade urea, while Australia supplies 95% of Malaysia’s imported natural gas.Wong will then travel separately to Singapore for meetings with her counterparts there.Good morning, and happy Monday. Nick Visser here to bring you the day’s news. Here’s what’s on deck:The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, and foreign affairs minister, Penny Wong, will visit Brunei and Malaysia this week, the latest diplomatic visits meant to shore up Australia’s fuel supplies. Brunei supplies 9% of Australia’s diesel imports and Malaysia is the country’s third-largest source of refined fuel.Australia and the US announced a slate of rare earths and critical minerals projects, including those that will support the mining of nickel, cobalt, gallium and other minerals.The federal government has funded a helpline for paedophiles for the first time. It will consist of a free and anonymous phone helpline, a website and online self-help resources.Stick with us.