Economists react to government fuel plan | ABC News Top Stories

The federal government's plan to cut taxes on fuel to make it cheaper at the bowser has been met with mixed reaction from economists.

From tomorrow, the government's halving the fuel excise, which it says will save Aussies more than 26 cents less on every litre of fuel.

Some economists say the move will have a flow on effect through supply chains, keeping the cost of food and other goods down, but others are warning it'll worsen fuel shortages and overall inflation.

Global fuel prices have been spiralling thanks to the war in the Middle East, with Anthony Albanese calling on US president Donald Trump to commit to ending the US-Israeli conflict with Iran.

Meanwhile, Mr Trump's threatened to destroy Iran's energy infrastructure if negotiations to end the war don't work.

In a social media post, he says 'great progress' has been made in talks but warns he'll ramp up America's offensive if Iran doesn't allow key oil supply route the Strait of Hormuz to open.

The US president says if his demands aren't met, he'll conclude what he's called America's 'lovely stay in Iran' by blowing up the country's power plants, oil wells, and the oil export hub of Khard island.

It comes as Iran effectively dismisses a US peace proposal, saying it's excessive and unrealistic.

The country's foreign ministry says it'll keep targeting US military bases in neighbouring countries.

Victoria police say they received information about fugitive Dezi Freeman's location days before he was shot dead yesterday.

Freeman was on the run for seven months after he shot and killed two police officers in regional Victoria.

Police found and shot him outside a shipping container in the state's north east yesterday morning.

The state's police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush says the operation was "meticulously planned," after receiving information about his location in the days prior.

A man charged over the attempted bombing of a Perth Invasion Day rally is expected to face court today.

Police allege Liam Alexander Hall tossed a homemade bomb filled with ball bearings and screws into the crowd on January 26th.

The bomb didn't go off, but it sparked a parliamentary inquiry into racism, hate and violence directed at Indigenous people.

The 32-year-old is the first person in WA's history to be charged with a terrorism offence, and is yet to enter a plea.

The government's online safety watchdog is investigaing five social media platforms for potentially failing to comply with the ban on users under 16.

Almost four months after the world first laws came into force, Facebook Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube are being investigated for "potential noncompliance."

Communications Minister Anika Wells says she expects the esafety commissioner to "throw the book" at any company that has broken the rules.

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