EP74 - Gas Tax Madness, Trump’s Hormuz Play & Harry and Meghan Hypocrisy

In this episode of The Mark Pirotta Show, we go through the political logic, the hypocrisy, and the consequences behind three major stories now colliding at once.First, the push for a 25% gas export tax is gaining momentum in Canberra, backed by Greens figures and crossbench pressure, while Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is simultaneously travelling through Southeast Asia to shore up fuel and fertiliser supply. Brunei now supplies roughly 10% of Australia’s diesel and fertiliser-grade urea imports, and Albanese’s trip comes as Australia tries to stabilise critical supply chains amid the Hormuz disruption.Second, we break down Donald Trump’s Strait of Hormuz strategy. The current U.S. move is being reported as a blockade of Iranian ports and Iranian-linked shipping, not a closure of all Gulf traffic. Reuters reports merchant ships have already turned back under enforcement, while the Strait itself remains one of the world’s most important energy chokepoints, normally carrying about 20% of global oil flows.Third, we look at the Harry and Meghan Australia visit, including the hospital stop in Melbourne, the mixed public reception, and why the optics are again becoming part of the story. Reuters reports their four-day tour is focused on sport, mental health and veterans’ issues, but the trip has also drawn criticism over image management and policing costs.We also touch on the broader Victorian political mess around Jacinta Allan’s cabinet reshuffle, which followed the exit of three ministers and renewed scrutiny over CFMEU-linked appointments.00:00 The setup: Australia’s political class keeps making everything worse00:35 The 25% gas export tax push01:55 Why fertiliser matters more than politicians admit02:45 Albanese in Brunei: what the deal really means04:10 Why taxing gas at the end changes investment incentives06:20 The real problem: production, innovation and long-term supply08:40 Green energy promises versus system reality10:40 EV and electricity cost claims under the microscope13:10 Strait of Hormuz: what actually changed14:20 Trump’s move against Iranian shipping explained16:00 Why this may be helping non-Iranian traffic18:00 Trump’s style: chaotic, abrasive, but sometimes effective20:45 The Liberals shift on immigration22:05 English language expectations and assimilation23:40 Why One Nation’s voter base now matters to everyone25:00 Harry and Meghan in Melbourne26:00 The hospital optics and image-management problem27:00 Jacinta Allan, cabinet reshuffles and CFMEU baggage27:35 Final wrap: energy, immigration, elites and consequencesLinks & Support:• Subscribe & hit the bell → https://www.youtube.com/@TheMarkPirottaShow• Follow on X → https://twitter.com/MarkPirotta• Instagram → https://instagram.com/markpirotta• All links & support → https://linktr.ee/mark.pirotta• Support the show on Patreon → https://www.patreon.com/markpirotta (early episodes, Q&A, exclusive content)The Mark Pirotta Show delivers unfiltered conversations on the ideas shaping Australia in 2026 — accountability, faith, family, and freedom.#AustralianPolitics #CatholicAustralia #MarkPirottaShow #ConservativeCommentary #Australia2026 #FaithAndCultureWhat do YOU think? Drop your thoughts below 👇