Explained:The rise in petrol prices and why politicians need to lay off the X’s aka Tweets

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In today’s digital age, Twitter has become the go-to platform for politicians to air their grievances, challenge opponents, and speak directly to the masses. While this immediate access can have its advantages, it’s time we critically examined the consequences of this unrestrained discourse.

The soaring petrol prices in Australia have recently stirred a tumultuous debate among political leaders. Yet, as petrol prices broke the $2 mark and rose alarmingly by almost 14%, some politicians seemed more invested in pointing fingers than in formulating solutions. The narrative we hear today from those in power is markedly different from their pre-election promises and criticisms. Leaders who were once vocal about the “out-of-control” prices at a dollar 75 have now gone suspiciously silent as the prices surge beyond $2 under their watch. The constant back-and-forth on platforms like Twitter only underscores their inconsistency.

Anthony Albanese’s tweet, which criticised the previous administration for petrol prices at a dollar 75, only to remain silent when prices skyrocketed to over $2 on his tenure, is a glaring example. Such tweets, far from showing leadership, paint politicians as out of touch and opportunistic. Pauline Hanson rightly pointed out that such social media posts risk making leaders look disconnected from the realities their citizens face.

The issue is not just about petrol prices, but a broader problem of using social media to score quick political points. When politicians engage in Twitter spats, they not only divert attention from real issues but also risk making “fools” of themselves when they cannot deliver on the very criticisms they levy on their opponents. It’s high time political leaders understood that in their rush to win the momentary Twitter battle, they might be losing the war of public trust and credibility.

If the core promise of an administration is to lower the cost of living and improve citizens’ quality of life, then let that be the focus of their discourse, both online and offline. Empty tweets that don’t match up with actions only erode public trust.

Politicians should remember that while tweets are fleeting, their impact on public perception and trust can be long-lasting. Instead of engaging in social media squabbles, it would serve them and their constituents better if they used these platforms to communicate genuine solutions and connect with the public in more meaningful ways.