Fuel crisis response and aged care changes spark debate

0:00Well, as conflict in the Middle East escalates and the world economy is said to be facing quote, one of the worst energy crisis in history, the Australian government is relaxing our national fuel standards for 60 days in order to bring in 100 million more litres of supply per month into the market. And for more on this this morning, we're joined by Editorial Director of Travel at the Nightly Richard Kloon and media commentators Sammy Lucas. Hello to you both, Richard. Look, there have been concerns over fuel supply and prices, you know, since the start of this conflict. Is this just too little too late? I don't know if it's too little too late. I mean, the government does have to step back and see what's on what's happening here. And this is a fluid situation. And also one, let's be honest, that Mr Trump said would be over by now, right? But he's going to have knock on effects. He's going to have knock on effects for massive months. But I don't think I don't think we can just pinpoint the federal government net right now. They're doing something they're trying to help. The state government initiatives in and around price gouging that are coming into play in Victoria. I know it in New South Wales are starting to talk about them, which is positive. The big thing here though is we live in a metro. We live in a big city.

1:02We're still going to have choice. My concern is what's going to happen to the people in rural areas that try to where supply is going to be dramatically affected. Yeah, huge impact. Sammy New Zealand officials are considering controversial measures to save fuel. Possibly asking motorists to select a day a week where they don't drive to work. And if they do, they'll get a big fine. Is it fair to ask everyone to chip in and help? Or should this be taken care of up on? I don't think we have a choice. We might not have a choice. I think what the government needs to stop doing is telling people to not panic. Like the Premier of New South Wales yesterday came out and told people to not panic. At the same time as announcing a crisis response team to the situation. So guys, it's a crisis, don't panic. Don't panic, but yes, it's a crisis. So I'm not sure what we can do other than perhaps participate in initiatives like that. But I think for the average Australian citizen, what we have the right to do is ask one of our news outlets to keep us informed and to report the facts and not use this as an opportunity to sensationalise the news. And we can also ask the government to keep

2:06us informed and stick to the facts and not use this as an opportunity for political points scoring. What else can we do? All right, guys, let's move on. And a major aged care provider has begun begun trying a new two-tier menu and payment system. Essentially stripping residents of hot breakfasts, homemade cakes and access to free-to-wear TV. With some arguing, this is a blatant cash grab. Sammy should meals and facilities be standard across across the board for all residents. I guess it depends on what you're paying. I've got some friends who've had to investigate aged care for their elderly parents recently. I had no idea how expensive this can be. It is extraordinary. And for the amount of money you're paying, you'd kind of think you're entitled to some scrambled eggs with your breakfast. But at the same time, maybe they've realised there's a lot of food wastage. The world we're living in, you pay what you get, you get what you pay for, right? And the reality is there's probably a lot of senior people who don't want to hot breakfast, they don't eat that much and would be happy to pay less to just have yogurt and fruit for breakfast.

3:08And maybe it'll help eliminate some food wastage as well and save some money. Changes like this, they don't just impact the residents. There are those with cognitive decline, richer that are experiencing things. I mean, it does create more work for employees as well. So, I mean, there has to be a solution in this. I think it does put pressure selling absolutely back on the work. It's already dealing with a great deal and now they're getting in, probably, engaged in certain arguments all day about what's happening with lunch and what's happening with dinner. I mean, we need to do better. Ultimately, we need to do better. We're already paying way too much in this in residential aged care. And I just think they need to do a much better job to look after these people who've led a life. Towards the end of life, let's look after them. Yep. And more of our population, unfortunately, entering into that sort of bracket as well with an aging population. Okay, let's change gears. Friendship stress. A new study has revealed some types of people can cause you to age faster. Haslers regularly create problems or make things more difficult and can elevate your risk of disease and inflammation. Now, Richard, should we just

4:09ditch our mates who are causing us to age prematurely? Yeah, do you know what I call friends who give me or who cause me stress? Strangers, right? It's pretty simple. It's pretty simple. As we get older, our friendship groups, our circles shrink. And that's for a good reason, right? If someone's causing me drama, that is not a friend. That is not someone I'm looking to spend time with, watching the footy with at the pub on a Friday night, whatever it may be. And also, I mean, where did this come from? New York University? Maybe I can get a gig there based on the fact that they're coming up with, you know, people who has what you cause these things. Yeah, phenomenal, phenomenal work. Hey, Chevy, nobody is perfect, but if your friends cause you inflammation, do you move them on? There's frames for that. You know, one of the, one of the few really positive things about menopause is that it gives you this magical ability to set boundaries that you were not able to set before and eliminate unwanted stress from your life. I have removed a few hasslers from my friendship circle in the last five years and look at me. I look 10 years younger.

5:09You do? Don't know. I mean, look at me. I feel like it's true. I feel like it's about to break up with us now. Yes, it is the chip though. If you are looking at removing hasslers, there's a few other friendship types you can remove as well. The passive aggressive friend, they can go. The always turning up late friend who thinks their time is more important than yours, they can go. And the friend with benefits, 100% do not recommend. That's a big step. Okay, that's a big step. That's a big step. Does it work for anyone? Really? Come on. Friends, I've got friends who have had benefits anyway.