Successive Australian governments’ misplaced priority on military “security” against a fictitious threat has left us without adequate fuel, food and transportation security.

The disruption to oil supplies arising from the illegal US-Israeli war on Iran has exposed this vulnerability.

At the time of writing, more than 500 service stations are without petrol or diesel and the cost of both fuels has skyrocketed, impacting the cost and ability to transport produce from farm to supermarket. The cost of everyday foodstuff is escalating.

The recent interest rate hike has put further financial pressure on mortgage holders. Workers are being urged to use public transport or work from home to reduce demand on scarce fuel supplies. A prolonged war could bring in petrol and food rationing.

Even before this round of US-Israeli attacks, Foodbank Australia said around 20% of households nationwide were severely food insecure, meaning people are skipping meals or going entire days without eating.

Its report highlighted how the housing crisis is intensifying the problem, with 48% of renters experiencing food insecurity and having to choose between paying rent and buying food.

Why in a rich country like Australia are so many people are struggling to survive? Why has our fuel, food and transportation security become so vulnerable to overseas war disruption?

The responsibility for these problems lie with successive major party........

© Green Left Weekly