CANBERRA: The Albanese Government has begun making contingency plans for Australia’s involvement in the upcoming World War III by meeting US President Donald Trump’s call for allied nations to send warships to maintain oil tanker movements through the Strait of Hormuz.

The Bug understands that despite initially indicating it would not agree to the President’s demand, war-gaming exercises have begun in Canberra to send a Royal Australian Navy vessel to help patrol the strait and ensure global oil supplies.

The change in tack is believed to be part of the government’s efforts to outflank One Nation and follows a call by former deputy prime minister, former National Party leader, now One Nation MP, Barnaby Joyce, backing Australia’s involvement in the Trump plan.

Speaking between interruptions from host David Speers on the ABC’s Insiders program today, Mr Joyce (main picture) agreed that Australia should respond positively to President Trump’s call because “you have to be part of a global effort if you are the beneficiary of it being resolved”.

Subtle signs have emerged in Canberra that the Albanese Government will heed the Trump call.

Foreign Minister Senator Penny Wong has been seen practising her repertoire of serious, downcast looks in readiness for any news conference announcing the despatch of any RAN vessel.

While Mr Joyce did not detail what vessel or vessels the Albanese Government should send to the Middle East, The Bug understands that the choice has already been narrowed as a result of the government’s war-gaming.

Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, Richard Marles, was overheard detailing the choice of vessel (below).

A bystander fluent in Marles said the minister had indicated that Australia would respond in an appropriately timely manner and would not hesitate to send one or more of the new nuclear-powered submarines the RAN was acquiring under the AUKUS deal.

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