Interview with Alan Jones, 2GB
29 May 2020
ALAN JONES: Well, I'm not too sure who's asking the questions here this morning, but the Prime Minister of Australia is on the line. Prime Minister, good morning.
PRIME MINISTER: Good morning, Alan, the Jones boy.
JONES: Who is going to ask the questions?
PRIME MINISTER: How are you? Have you had a good morning?
JONES: Oh, well, it's a bit overwhelming, to be honest with you. It's a bit overwhelming, but I never imagined it was like this. But people are very kind, as you know, and I think they're very fair.
PRIME MINISTER: Well, they're very appreciative, mate, of the 35 years. I mean, people who are listening to you over the last few years or longer than that. It's an extraordinary career by any estimation. And beyond that, there's a broader contribution to public life on so many issues, which your programme this morning is rehearsing all of those. But can I recall one on behalf of the grateful members of the Southern Districts Rugby Club. Back in 2007, I was running for Parliament and that year the then New South Wales Rugby Union was trying to boot Southern Districts out of the premiership, together with Penrith and who are sadly… sorry, not Penrith, Illawarra and Penrith. And you stood up with us and I mean, you came out to the club and you've been to the club many times since then. And Southern Districts has gone on from strength to strength since then and so I'm sure all of them would want me to pass on to you, mate, our thanks for that. But there are so many stories like that everyone can tell. Some were at a big national global scale, but some of them are just saving a great footy club. So, mate, thanks very much, and Jenny and I want to wish you all the best for your future.
JONES: Thank you so much. Can I just ask you two political questions? I didn't say they would be tough. I just and I know you'll sympathise with this, but I'm sure you're aware of Teddy Sheean who, according to historical records, was extraordinarily brave in December 1942 under torpedo attack of HMAS Armidale by Japanese bombers. He was an 18 year old from Tasmania. He saw his mates in the lifeboats under fire from the Japanese planes. He turned back to his gun post, 18 year old Teddy, and he continued to fire at the Japanese as he and the Armadale sank. There was a 2019 review by the Defence Honours and Awards Appeal Tribunal recommending that Teddy be awarded a VC. The Minister for Defence Personnel Darren Chester agreed. That apparently he's been overruled by the Defence Minister, Linda Reynolds. I'm just wondering, would you implement the recommendation of the Defence Honours and Awards Appeal Tribunal and award a VC posthumously to the then 18 year old Teddy Sheehan?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, Alan, there's no doubt that the bravery and the story of Teddy Sheean is truly remarkable, like so many stories that were remarkable of that time. And you point rightly to the valour- there was a Valour Inquiry that was held back in 2016 [sic], the ‘19 Inquiry followed that it didn't identify additional evidence as I'm advised. The VC is the most important of all awards. Actually, not that long ago it was the New Zealand Government that made such a recommendation to the Queen and it was rejected. Les Carlyon, who I know you are a great fan of, said doing this sort of thing for a reconsideration of a VC says it creates two classes of VCs. And Keith Payne VC, who I know you greatly respect, and other VC holders have always taken a very strong view about these issues and they don't want to see a two class system of VCs. But Teddy Sheean, there is a Collins Class submarine named after Teddy and this is an issue that is a very difficult one. So the Chief of the Defence Force and Chief of the Defence Forces past also have supported the Minister's decision and so have I. That doesn't mean to say that it says anything negative about Teddy's bravery. He's an extraordinary Australian, an extraordinary Tasmanian. But at this point, one can only conclude the same way, I think, that the Chief of the Defence Force and others have. So that's reluctant. But it's where the situation sits.
JONES: I want to say one thing to our listeners now. Look, people may not believe this, but the Prime Minister has no idea I'm going to ask that question. The Prime Minister has never been the Defence Minister. He's never been the Defence Personnel Minister. He'd been the Treasurer, the Prime Minister and this is the key to all the young people out there. How does he manage? Because he's across the detail and you can't succeed anywhere if you're not across the detail. This Prime Minister won an election because he was across the detail. And that question I asked him here, I had no idea that he could even provide an answer. Some people would say, oh, Alan, I'll take that on board and I'll come back to you. But you just heard the answer. Comprehensive, understands it all. It's to your great credit. Can I just say thank you for your comments this morning. We will meet up on another medium.
PRIME MINISTER: For sure.
JONES: Good luck in the very difficult times ahead. And my love to Jenny and the children.
PRIME MINISTER: Well, thank you, Alan. I appreciate that. Enjoy the rest of the morning and enjoy a bit of time off, too. And I'm glad you're taking the medical experts advice. I'll be doing that a little later today at the National Cabinet. A lot to do there again today. But, you know, you've been one of those who've been championing the current cause of opening our economy up again, getting going again.
JONES: And opening the borders.
PRIME MINISTER: A lot of... absolutely. And a lot of Australians, a lot of hope every morning, not just recently, but for 35 years. So thank you very much.
JONES: All the best. Thank you, Prime Minister Morrison.
