Australia attends international meeting to discuss Strait of Hormuz

The Strait of Hormuz is currently experiencing a de facto closure due to attacks on commercial vessels and civilian infrastructure from the Iranian regime.

“Iran’s de facto closure of the strait, coupled with its attacks on commercial vessels, civilian infrastructure, including oil and gas facilities, is causing unprecedented energy supply shocks and impacting oil and fuel prices,” Senator Wong said.

“Iran is deliberately inflicting economic pain on communities worldwide, including the Indo-Pacific, with the costs borne disproportionately by the most vulnerable. Australia joined partners in condemning the Iranian regime’s weaponisation of the Strait of Hormuz.

“Ministers urged Iran to act in line with UNSC Resolution 2817, which reaffirmed that the exercise of navigational rights and freedoms by merchant and commercial vessels, in accordance with international law, must be respected, particularly around critical maritime routes.

“The focus of last night’s meeting was diplomatic and civilian initiatives countries could pursue to make the Strait of Hormuz accessible and safe. Ministers agreed on the importance of continued coordination and collective action.

“Australia is not taking offensive action against Iran and we are not deploying troops on the ground in Iran. The Australian government continues to support de-escalation and the resolution of this conflict.”

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Earlier this month, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese detailed key concerns regarding oil supply through the Strait of Hormuz in a televised national address to the Australian public.

PM Albanese advocated for members of public to help each other, politicians to work together, announced a halving of the fuel excise and cutting of the Heavy Vehicle Road User Charge to zero.

“The war in the Middle East has caused the biggest spike in petrol and diesel prices in history. Australia is not an active participant in this war. But all Australians are paying higher prices because of it,” PM Albanese said.

“The reality is, the economic shocks caused by this war will be with us for months.

“If the global situation gets worse and our fuel supplies are seriously disrupted over the long term, we can coordinate the next steps together.

“If you’re hitting the road, don’t take more fuel than you need – just fill up like you normally would. Think of others in your community, in the bush and in critical industries.

“And over coming weeks, if you can switch to catching the train or bus or tram to work, do so. That builds our reserves and it saves fuel for people who have no choice but to drive.

“Farmers and miners and tradies who need diesel, every single day. And all those shift workers and nurses who do so much for our country.

“The months ahead may not be easy. I want to be upfront about that.”

Robert Dougherty

Robert is a senior journalist who has previously worked for Seven West Media in Western Australia, as well as Fairfax Media and Australian Community Media in New South Wales. He has produced national headlines, photography and videography of emergency services, business, community, defence and government news across Australia. Robert graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Public Relations and Journalism at Curtin University, attended student exchange program with Fudan University and holds Tier 1 General Advice certification for Kaplan Professional. Reach out via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via LinkedIn.