Tough new laws to protect Australians from live-streaming of violent crimes

30 March 2019

Prime Minister, Attorney General, Minister for Communications and the Arts

The Morrison Government will legislate tough new laws to prevent the weaponising of social media platforms and to protect Australians from the live-streaming of violent crimes, such as the Christchurch terror attack.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the new legislation would be introduced into Parliament next week as part of the action the Government was taking to keep Australians safe in the wake of the Christchurch terrorist attacks.

“Big social media companies have a responsibility to take every possible action to ensure their technology products are not exploited by murderous terrorists,” the Prime Minister said.

“It should not just be a matter of just doing the right thing. It should be the law. And that is what my Government will be doing next week to force social media companies to get their act together and work with law enforcement and intelligence agencies to defuse the threat their technologies can present to the safety of Australians.

“This is about keeping Australians safe by forcing social media companies to step up and do what the community expects of them to stop terrorists and criminals spreading their hate.

“A new taskforce bringing Government and social media companies together will also ensure we are all working together to deny terrorists the opportunity to use social media as part of their hatred and violence.

“These responses will form the basis of a model approach that Australia can take to the G20 to get our global partners on board to bring social media companies into our collective net of responsibility and accountability. We are already working to this end with our G20 and five eyes partners, including New Zealand.”

The Attorney-General Christian Porter said, “the Criminal Code Amendment (Unlawful Showing of Abhorrent Violent Material) Bill 2019 will include new offences with penalties of up 10 per cent of a company’s annual turnover and potential prison sentences for executives of social media companies who fail to act to remove abhorrent violent material from their platforms.”

“The Morrison Government will always act to keep Australians safe, and that includes keeping Australians safe online.”

Minister for Communications, Mitch Fifield said that “social media companies, like Facebook, which met with the Prime Minister, the Attorney-General, myself and Minister Dutton earlier this week did not present any immediate solutions to the issues arising out of the horror that occurred in Christchurch.”

“We will not allow social media platforms to be weaponised by terrorists and violent extremists who seek to harm and kill and nor would we allow a situation that a young Australian child could log onto social media and watch a mass murder take place.”

The Attorney-General said the amendments would be modelled on existing offences in the Criminal Code which require platforms to notify police if their service is being used to access child pornography.

“Mainstream media that broadcast such material would be putting their licence at risk and there is no reason why social media platforms should be treated any differently,” the Attorney-General said.

“These companies have a social responsibility and they have clearly failed to meet that responsibility in their response to Christchurch. The Morrison Government will force action from these companies through these new laws.”

The Bill will include new provisions to deal with the showing of “abhorrent violent material” which is material produced by a perpetrator, and which plays or livestreams the very worst types of offences. It will capture the playing or streaming of terrorism, murder, attempted murder, torture, rape and kidnapping on social media.

It will include two new sets of offences:

• It will be a criminal offence for social media platforms not to remove abhorrent violent material expeditiously. This will be punishable by 3 years’ imprisonment or fines that can reach up to 10% of the platform’s annual turnover.

• Platforms anywhere in the world must notify the AFP if they become aware their service is streaming abhorrent violent conduct that is happening in Australia. A failure to do this will be punishable by fines of up to $168,000 for an individual or $840,000 for a corporation.

The e-Safety Commissioner will be given the power to issue notices that bring this type of material to the attention of the social media companies. As soon as they receive a notice, they will be deemed to be aware of the material, meaning the clock starts ticking for the platform to remove the material or face extremely serious criminal penalties.

“The Bill will not impact the ability of news media to report on events which are in the public interest,” Minister Fifield said.

“Australia’s mainstream media already adopt a sensible approach to broadcasting material which can cause harm to individuals, as is required under their licensing arrangements.”

“The focus of this Bill is to put responsibility back on the social media giants to prevent their platforms being co-opted by terrorists, criminals and violent extremists,” the Attorney-General said.

https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-42237

Doorstop, Christchurch

29 March 2019

PRIME MINISTER: It’s been a great privilege to be here today with Jenny, the Governor General and Lady Cosgrove and Bill and Chloe Shorten, to stand together as Australians. To stand with New Zealanders, to stand with our Muslim brothers and sisters here, the first responders and all those who have been so directly and more broadly impacted. The service today was a thing of absolute beauty.

Today, New Zealand has responded to hate with love. They've responded to violence with peace, and I think that is a very, very powerful message. The outpouring that we saw today and as we've seen over the last fortnight - from New Zealanders, from Australians, from all around the world - I think has been a reminder of the goodness amongst the darkness that is often present.

I suppose one of the most touching moments today was when Farid Ahmed spoke as someone who is a survivor of that horrendous attack, that terrorist attack. He spoke of love and he spoke of peace and he spoke of forgiveness. These are very powerful, powerful things. Far more powerful than the hate and the violence that he encountered on that horrible day.

To hear the names of the 50 souls that were lost, particularly the last name spoken by his daughter, was overwhelming, overwhelming. But out of this comes a great hope and that's been expressed, I think, so beautifully by the people of New Zealand in the only way they know how to; with a smile, with a beautiful Maori song and a sense of strength which Christchurch and New Zealand has responded to that call for kia kaha by doing exactly that, by staying strong. For that, we embrace our Kiwi brothers and sisters, our cousins and we stand with them, as we always will. I'm also very grateful to the appreciations of support from New Zealand for the great work that Australians have been doing here, both in the police work that is being undertaken, the other support which is coming again in this next week - I understand New South Wales Ambulance counsellors will be here in New Zealand, providing support.

Whether it's state or federal - it was great to see the Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, here today - no Kiwi will ever forget the silver fern on the Opera House. I think that was such a wonderful gesture and I want to thank Premier Berejiklian for arranging that so quickly, to send that message on behalf of all Australians.

Today I had the privilege and the opportunity to talk to survivors directly, to talk to first responders directly. The shift that turned up on that horrible day two weeks ago, was the same shift that turned up to the Christchurch earthquake. So you can only imagine what those first responders were going through, as the horrors of the Christchurch earthquake, were now confronted with the horrors of violent terrorism in their midst. So it has been a deeply moving day for Jenny and I. There is much work to do. I've just finished a bilateral with the Prime Minister, where I have commended her for the work that she has done and the leadership she's shown here in New Zealand. We have worked very closely over the last few weeks, whether it was on gun laws or whether it was on the immediate response and the support that was provided. And now working together - and I appreciate her strong support for the G20 initiative, taking forward these measures on social media - as you know, we're working very consistently on that path. We appreciate their support and equally New Zealand is working on this as well. We'll continue to form a strong team, a strong ANZAC team, when it comes to pursuing these issues globally as well as domestically.

For Australia, while this didn't happen on our own shores, it certainly felt like it did, because of the closeness of our two countries. All those years ago, when John Howard responded to Port Arthur and the response for us today is to ensure that social media is not weaponized, in the same way that guns were available in Australia all those years ago and are no longer, thanks to that important reform. So a very somber day, but amongst the darkness there was a bright stream of light today.

JOURNALIST: PM do you get the sense at all, I mean in your time here, about the fact that Australia is viewed at the centre of all this and the ramification that might have on our relationship? The very [inaudible] between the two peoples?

PRIME MINISTER: No, I don't believe it does and I don't believe it will. The bonds between Australians and New Zealanders are too strong and too deep. So no, I don't believe it will. I think there is a way that we have shared this pain together that I think conveys an empathy and understanding that all Kiwis understand.

JOURNALIST: Is there a sense of guilt, a sense of responsibility [inaudible] given that the [inaudible] Australian citizen?

PRIME MINISTER: The crime was perpetrated by an extremist terrorist and extremist terrorists have no nationality. Their only nationality is hate and violence. That's not our country and it's not New Zealand either. So we proclaimed to the world that here, where we all live, we stand for peace, we stand for tolerance, we stand for living together in a harmony that frankly, the rest of the world, I know, would want to emulate. Australia and New Zealand are the most successful immigration countries and multicultural countries in the world. Australia, in particular, is a standout success on that front. I think that is the face of Australia.

JOURNALIST: Did you discuss bilateral efforts to combat right wing extremism and terrorism with Prime Minister Ardern and if so, what were the outcomes?

PRIME MINISTER: I'm not going to go into the details of the bilateral on a day like today. We work closely on those matters and all matters, particularly our focus at the moment is working very much on ensuring that we have coordinated action in relation to social media reforms.

JOURNALIST: Was there a discussion about whether Jacinda Ardern would like the alleged perpetrator extradited to Australia?

PRIME MINISTER: There was no discussion of that and there's no planning on that basis.

JOURNALIST: So no [inaudible]?

PRIME MINISTER: No.

JOURNALIST: Australia and New Zealand of course now share a tragedy, for us Port Arthur for them Christchurch, does it disturb you that conspiracy theories about Australia's own tragedy are now finding purchase 20 years on?

PRIME MINISTER: Look I've commented on those matters already in Australia, I don't intend to give that any oxygen in this city.

JOURNALIST: When you spoke with survivors, what did they tell you?

PRIME MINISTER: They are getting through, every day, but the one thing they did say to me was, they were so aware of the love and support that had come. Not just here in Christchurch and around New Zealand, but from Australia and all around the world. They felt quite overwhelmed with the expressions of support and love that have come from everywhere. That's why I say love conquers hate, peace conquers violence and that is what is happening in Christchurch.

JOURNALIST: You spoke of the little girl who read her father's name. You, as a dad, is that why it hit home so much?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, of course, of course. This is … this is a shocking terrorist event that will touch each of us differently and so for me as a father, hearing a daughter say the name of her father, who she now can't kiss goodnight ever again, obviously impacts me as a father. Jenny was talking to mothers today, she was talking to other women today. We will all connect with this in different ways, but in doing that, I think we all connect to each other.

Today is a day to celebrate the strength of humanity, the strength of love, the strength of peace and our shared commitment to it, as two great nations. Two great nations who have fought for peace all of our existence and we'll stand together in peace today.

Thank you very much.

https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-42236

$2.2 billion boost to road safety

29 March 2019

Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, Treasurer

The Morrison Government will deliver an additional $2.2 billion in road safety funding to save lives on our roads.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said this funding boost is about getting parents, kids, and workers home more safely.

“Keeping Australians safe is my Government’s number one priority.

“When you get in your car to drive home you don’t usually think about it being dangerous. The truth is fatal road accidents are far too common.

“More than a thousand Australians died on our roads last year. That’s devastating.

“These are mums who didn’t make it home from work, or children that didn’t make it to school.

“These programs mean local councils decide where the money should be spent. They are in the best position to identify black spots and problem areas.

“This is why a strong economy is so important. It allows us to invest in safer roads that save lives.”

Today’s announcement locks in:

• An additional $1.1 billion in funding for local governments under the Roads to Recovery program, which allows investment in road safety infrastructure in regional Australia.

• An extra $550 million for the successful Black Spot Program, which targets known high-risk locations and reduces serious crashes by 30 per cent, on average.

• A further $571.1 million to improve the safety and efficiency of heavy vehicle operations through the Bridges Renewal Program, Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program and Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiatives (HVSI).

Deputy Prime Minister, Nationals’ Leader and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said a new Office of Road Safety will also be established.

“The Office of Road Safety will provide a national point for collaboration and leadership on key road safety priorities, working closely with states, territories, local government, and key road safety stakeholders,” Mr McCormack said.

“Safer roads save lives. They also create jobs in construction and boost productivity.

“The Liberals and Nationals are building safer roads and bridges. This means safer heavy vehicle operations, which is critical to our goal of reducing road trauma on the nation’s roads.

“New funding to the HVSI will build on the other 30 projects delivered through the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator to date.

“2018 saw 81 fewer deaths nationwide compared to 2017, but there is no room for complacency. We must push ahead with practical measures and infrastructure funding to drive road deaths towards zero.

“These measures will also include a new $12 million Road Safety Innovation Fund to support research and development in priority areas such as regional road safety, driver distraction from mobile devices, protecting vulnerable road users and reducing drug driving.”

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said safety on our roads was a key concern for every member of the community and that the public would benefit greatly from this important investment.

“Road widening, new overtaking lanes and intersection improvements are all important steps we can take to make our roads safer.”

“As a Government we are able to deliver important investments like our $2.2 billon Road Safety Package as a result of our strong economic management.”

The Government is committed to working in a bipartisan spirit to progress the 12 recommendations made by the National Road Safety Strategy Inquiry in September 2018.

The additional funding announced today builds on the Australian Government’s current investment of around $2.6 billion in safety-enhancing projects, bringing the total investment to $3.1 billion per year over the period 2019–20 to 2022–23.

https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-42232

Doorstop, Perth WA

28 March 2019

PRIME MINISTER: Good morning. Well overnight, in relation to the revelations of One Nation’s officials engaging in behaviour overseas which were putting at risk Australia’s gun laws, I made a very simple pitch, a very simply statement - to those who have voted for One Nation in the past and maybe considering doing it again - that the answers you're seeking to the legitimate questions that you're asking about issues like population management, rural and regional Australia, the need to deliver water infrastructure, the security of jobs and traditional industries in this country, whether it's in the mining industry, the agricultural sector, forestry. The answers to those questions you will not find in the One Nation party. You will find them in the Liberal and Nationals Parties. That's where my appeal to those Australians, good Australians with legitimate questions about the future of this country, my appeal to them is to come to the Liberal and National Parties because we have a track record of delivering on these issues and we will continue.

I also said earlier in the week that I found the behaviour of those officials particularly appalling and I have left it for a few days to see what the response of the One Nation leadership would be to those events and sadly I'm disappointed and I find the response to the action of those One Nation officials unsatisfactory. There have been further revelations overnight also which have led me to the position this morning having consulted with the Party organisation, I have been in touch directly with them today and overnight - because ultimately this is a decision for the Party organisation - but my recommendation to them which they're accepting is that One Nation will be put below the Labor Party at the next election by the Liberal Party. Now, this is a decision which is based on our strong view about the sanctity of Australia's gun laws and to ensure that at no stage that those things should ever be put at risk. And it's very important, having been the Party that introduced those laws, that we ensure that they are forever protected and there can be no compromise when it comes to those issues or any trading on the issue of those gun laws.

Now, I know there are many other issues that surround the One Nation party and that has been the topic of commentary for a long period of time. But when it comes to this matter, I haven't rushed into this decision in the same way that John Howard, who I have been consulting with closely on this matter, in the same way that he, indeed, did not rush into this decision when he took it 20 years ago, I have followed a similar considered process. I was waiting to see what their reaction would be to those events earlier in the week and I'm disappointed by that reaction.

So I say to those One Nation voters, those who have looked to One Nation in the past, you will not find the answers there and I think the events of this week demonstrate that once again. Looking for national security, looking for a stronger economy, looking to ensure that Australians work together and stay together to create a stronger nation, well, the answer is the Liberal and National Parties and we'll be putting ourselves forward in that same way as we do at every election and we'll be seeking their primary support as I said on Tuesday.

JOURNALIST: Have you spoken to Pauline Hanson in the past 24 hours and is there anything she can say today because she is holding a media conference? Anything she can say today to explain away her comments about Port Arthur?

PRIME MINISTER: That's for Pauline Hanson to say and do. It's been several days now and the actions of those One Nation officials and I made no comment about the actions of Pauline Hanson in relation to those issues at all. They were the behaviour of those One Nation officials. There's further revelations from these tapes, and I know that there is some commentary about the nature of that investigation and how it is done, I'm not making commentary on that either. But the comments particularly last night and the linkages to Port Arthur, I'm sure all Australians would be shocked about. I was shocked by them and, you know, these gun laws have kept Australia safe for 20 years and had led the world and it's one of the Liberal Party's most proud achievements together with the National Party. And when it comes to this issue, we cannot allow it to be compromised or sliced away. That's not something we can have.

JOURNALIST: So below Labor, but not below the Greens?

PRIME MINISTER: Well if the Labor Party wants to create some equivalence between the Labor Party and the Greens and suggest that they're somehow the same political movement, I'll let them explain that, that's the Labor Party. I mean, when it comes to how the ultimate tickets are determined, it's exactly as I said the other day, we have to wait til nominations close, there can be any number of parties. There's a lot of competition for who you put last from a lot of these parties. Frankly, I always found the Greens to be a real serious danger to Australia. The Greens have opposed us on almost every element of national security legislation we have put into this Parliament. They have actively worked against the safety of Australians. So I don't think there's any comfort in the Greens' position either. But if the Labor Party want to draw an equivalence between the Greens and Labor on dealing with this issue, well they can. And I think the people of Australia should know - if Bill Shorten thinks Labor and the Greens are the same, well, tell them, Bill.

JOURNALIST: So the Greens are more of a danger than a party that seems to believe that Port Arthur is a conspiracy theory?

PRIME MINISTER: All I'm saying there's a lot of parties who have a lot of extreme positions and I'm not goings to equate the Greens with one of the mainstream parties in this country which is the Labor Party, the Liberal Party and the National Party. So I think we have made our position very clear on that.

JOURNALIST: Two One Nation officials, one of them is a Senator. Can and should Parliament pull him into line?

PRIME MINISTER: I know the Senate will be looking at a number of measures when they regather next week to deal not only with those issues, but also issues relating to Senator Anning and I'll leave that to my Senate colleagues to deal with those issue there in the Senate. But, you know, this is an issue and a decision I have not come to lightly, in the same way that John Howard didn't all those years ago. And this is a decision I have taken in concert with the Party organisation and discussing it with the Federal President, State President, particularly the Queensland LNP President, who I have had discussions with this morning. What the Nationals do is a matter for them, that's a separate issue. I'm speaking for the Liberal Party. Thank you very much.

JOURNALIST: Was the impact on the Liberal vote a consideration at all in some marginal seats where One Nation preferences do matter?

PRIME MINISTER: My primary focus is always to keep Australians safe. And to keep Australians safe, you need to keep your gun laws sacrosanct, and that's what I'm doing. Thank you.

https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-42250

Q&A, Leadership Matters Breakfast

28 March 2019

QUESTION: Haven’t seen much of you recently.

PRIME MINISTER: I was here two weeks ago. And go down and have a chat to the people at the Stirling Pool still the pool where I do my laps when I'm here. They were happy to see me again when I was down there last night. This is a place I'm a regular visitor to and have been over 20 years. I always love being here. Well I can understand why Bill Shorten might want to come here and try and explain to people why he tried to work against us getting a fairer deal for GST for W.A. Perhaps he's just got a lot more to explain to people over here in the West. But when it comes to our government, I think Western Australians know exactly who we are and exactly what we're about. And when we make a promise we deliver on it.

QUESTION: Bob Menzies served as Prime Minister for six thousand, seven hundred and thirty-three days. Howard was four thousand, two hundred and eighty-two. Bob Hawke; three thousand two hundred and four and Malcolm Fraser; two thousand six hundred and seventy-five. Now if as many people think you call an election on May 11, and, if as many people think you could lose that, you will have been Prime Minister for two hundred and fifty-three days, which doesn't sound that great compared to Bob, Malcolm and John. But, compared to Earle Page; 19 days after the death of John Lyons, compared to Frank Forde, just a week after the death of John Curtin two hundred and fifty-three days sounds pretty good. The reason I thought I'd put this in context is because you've achieved quite a lot in two hundred and fifty-three days. So could you tell us what the highlight and also the lowlight has been of your Prime Ministership thus far?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, I just sort of answered that question there. The most exciting thing I think for our government which I've been central to has been our job creation record. That's the thing that floats my boat. That's what excites us as a government, is when we can create those jobs. Of course, there are many other initiatives that we've lead, particularly over these last six months. The privilege of leading the National Apology to the victims of institutional child sexual abuse was I'd have to say the most difficult day, but also the most important day. Those are the moments where Australians are expecting their Prime Minister to properly convey the deep sense of hurt and grievance and empathy. And I found it an incredibly humbling day as I sat and listened over several weeks and longer than that before. And I often think about that day and the people that I met. See the great privilege of doing this job is how many people and how many Australians you get to meet in so many different circumstances. And you get a window and a connection to Australian life that probably not many others really get to see. You see its greatness. You see its beauty in its people and you also see the things you need to address. So I love doing this job. It's the great privilege of my life. And the best players, whether it's in AFL or anything, they don't care how many games they've played, they care about how they play the game each and every day. I was talking to Paul Gallen the other day - I know it's Rugby League, so just give me a break - But Paul Gallen played 328 games for my beloved Sharks on the weekend. That is the all time club record. And I sent Paul a message before the game just congratulating him. And he sent me a text back saying "Thanks mate, I just want the win today." And that's how I approach every single day. Just doing the job with Australians that I have the privilege to do for Australians and to seek their mandate at the next election to keep doing that job for them.

QUESTION: You were going through a pretty ordinary trot for a while there with Cabinet resignations and what not. You seem to have a bit of your mojo coming back here, just pay homage to Kerry which is always a good thing to do and you talked about the GST which ticks a box for us over here as well. I've got to say, a few months ago when we heard that you were coming over, we were billing this as a farewell tour. But now, we think maybe this guy could be in for a win. We're not sure exactly -

PRIME MINISTER: I'm glad you've come round.

[Laughter and applause]

QUESTION: When you're looking at the polls and are constantly saying 'it's not going to happen', how do you keep positive, how do you keep punching on?

PRIME MINISTER: I think of the West Coast Eagles.

[Laughter and applause].

PRIME MINISTER: I was there. The Collingwood supporters were pretty cocky after that first term, that first quarter. But the boys had a great plan to get themselves back into that game and they didn't get distracted. They just kept their head down and they kept going. I'm sure there are plenty of fans in the stadium, supporters indeed, 'ah, this is done'. They didn't believe that. And I'm the same, and my team is the same. We know what our job is. We know what's at stake here. I'm not kidding when I say you vote Labor, you pay for it for more than a decade. The economy you will live in, your kids will live in, the business that you run, that someone may want to start, the school fees you might want to pay. That's all going to be determined by the economy you live in, in the next decade. And the decision that Australians will make at this next election will determine that environment. And this is very important because people express a lot of opinions on politics. They are even known to write it in the newspaper from time to time. But opinions are interesting but votes change the course of a nation and when people go to vote, they're not expressing opinion. They are actually taking part in what is going to set the economic climate for the next decade. And I think Australians know, and here in Western Australia you are on the way back with your economy. You're on the way back. And I would say to you at this time, more than ever, you do not want to hand the economic wheel to someone in Bill Shorten who does not know how to drive.

QUESTION: The subject of leadership is one [indistinct] why we created this series Leader Matters and we've seen two examples of very different types of styles of leadership over the last month or so. First of all with New Zealand Prime Minister Ardern and then Turkish President Erdogan. How do you think Donald Trump would have reacted to a Turkish president threatening the lives of US citizens? You were tempered in your response.

PRIME MINISTER: I wouldn't have described my comments as tempered to be honest. I said that President Erdogan had failed on the promise made by Ataturk to the mothers of Anzacs. If that's tempered, well I must be quite a diplomat. I was furious about it and I'm pleased that the responses that have been made since that has reflected, I think, a respect for the Australian position.

So no, I would say that my response was incredibly strong and swift. And the result of that always has to be me thinking about the safety of Australians and ensuring that our interests are legitimately protected. See, we have a very good relationship with the Turkish people. And I think there is a bond between Australians and Turks that descend from that great conflict over a hundred years ago. And that's what I rely on. The bonds between the people. Of course, I rejected absolutely and condemned the comments that were made. But what I didn't do, is I didn't ascribe them to the Turkish people, or importantly, I did not ascribe them to Turkish Australians because I know because I spoke to Turkish leaders in Australia that morning and discussed this issue with them. And so my remarks were designed to do what a responsible Prime Minister would do; express our very deep outrage about this but also ensure that we continue to get on with the job of protecting Australia's interests and the safety of Australians.

QUESTION: You've said safety of Australians quite a lot. You get the unvarnished reports about domestic security. How worried are you as a father of two?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, worried enough to ensure that I have a national security plan which keeps them safe. I would never put - I think about my kids and my wife a lot in this context. I want to keep them safe. And I extend that to every Australian. I'm not looking for some special deal for my family and something different for everyone else. Quite the contrary. And so that's why we've invested in our security agencies and our services. That's why our Defence Forces will get back to 2 percent of GDP years ahead of schedule. Last time I was here - I stress just a couple of weeks ago - when I was out at the SAS regiment and I was going through and looking at their capability of deployment and what they're able do, I was incredibly impressed with that. I mean that's what we're investing in. I just saw the new centre that we built out there and our investments in safety and security, though, aren't just about protecting our borders - and you know what Labor will do on that front - and it's not just about our Defence Forces.

Keeping Australians safe is about keeping Australians safe from domestic violence, keeping Australians safe is about keeping kids safe from sexual predators whether in the physical world or online. Keeping Australians safe is what I have been raising with the social media companies. And that's why I've raised that with Shinzo Abe, the Japanese Prime Minister and current president of the G20. These companies, if they create these platforms, they need to make them safe and not allow them to be weaponised by terrorists or other predators. And so right across the board, my plan is to keep Australians safe. To do that, you've got to keep the economy strong. Because if you don't have a strong economy, you can't do that. Countries with weak economies don't have strong defences. And that's why having a strong economy is so important. Countries with weak economies don't have strong health systems. Countries with weak economies don't have a PBS where you list 2000 pharmaceuticals which is what our government has done. And under the Labor Party when they were in government, they stopped listing affordable medicines because they couldn't manage their budget. A strong economy is the ticket to essential service. At this election, health’s your major issue? That's the case for many Australians - the way I'm guaranteeing those health services is because we know how to run a budget and we know how to run a strong economy. That's what guarantees health services, not pledges from platforms.

QUESTION: Prime Minister, I understand that I am not the most important ginger in your life moment because One Nation is causing all sorts of dramas and most of the questions that we have coming through on this iPad pertain to One Nation and how you are going to deal with them. First of all, you've said you were shocked at some of the revelations that we've had in regards to the NRA and with comment about Port Arthur. Do you think that preferencing One Nation under Labor is going to draw a line under this issue for you?

PRIME MINISTER: Well that's the decision that we've taken and I've announced this morning and the final decision on how preferences are allocated right across the ticket, you can only do once you know who all the nominations are. Sadly, there will be a lot of competition for who goes in the final last spot. There are a lot of extremist views on the left and on the right in Australian politics and we'll work through that once we know who all the nominations are.

But, what happened this week was shocking. It was deeply concerning as the party that actually introduced our strong gun laws. And I don't care if they were drinking scotch or not, who cares, that's not an excuse. Even flippantly if it were that, and I don't think it was, the idea of our gun laws being traded for political donations is abhorrent. Now, I waited to see what the response of the One Nation leadership would be to those events and I was very disappointed. I thought it was unsatisfactory and that's why we've taken the decision that we have.

QUESTION: There's probably going to be some people that say you should preference them last.

PRIME MINISTER: Well what if Fraser Anning's running? What if Reclaim Australia is running? What about all of them? I mean there's no shortage of candidates for going lost on our ticket, I can tell you. That's alright, Bill Shorten's going to put Fraser Anning above One Nation and he's going to put Reclaim Australia above One Nation. See this is the thing. You've got to think this stuff through. It's alright for Bill to get up there and give his grab on this sort of thing. But this is the same bloke who had a six day delay, not a six second if you go on 6PR, but a six day delay on actually calling out Michael Daley, the Labor New South Wales leader going to election for saying Asian migrants take your jobs.

Now the question I have is will Bill Shorten have called him out if Michael Daley had won the election? Why did he wait till the election was over? Can't get himself off WeChat today and yesterday. But this bloke took six days and an election and only a few weeks before he was getting up there and saying Michael Daley was the saviour to everybody in New South Wales. You've got to think this stuff through. When John Howard made the same decision that I've made today, he did it in a similar way. He didn't rush into it. He thought about it carefully. And the other thing I've done, as John did - One Nation is one thing, the people who vote for them are another. Any comments I make about the behaviour of One Nation, particularly in this past week, that does not in any way extend any commentary on those who voted One Nation or considered to vote for One Nation. They are Australians with real questions about real issues going on in their communities. And my appeal to them is these other parties, they're not going to answer those questions. They don't have the answer to those questions. They're not parties in government. They have no responsibility. They'll say what they think you want to hear, but they don't have any answers to water, they don't have any answers to managing population, they don't have any answers on national security. The Liberal National Parties, the Liberal Party here in Western Australia, have those answers. And so if you're looking to answer those questions, then we are the answer to those questions. Don't flirt with these minor parties. We've seen what it's done in the Senate. Senator Reynolds here, our newly minted cabinet minister from Western Australia, congratulations Linda. We've see what that's done in the Parliament. And it's put another 10 years on Mathias’ life in negotiating these arrangements through the Senate. Both Mathias and I once used to be very good looking guys. Dealing with those things is sort of had a pretty big impact on that. But, that's what the chaos of these other parties do. And so that's why One Nation will go below Labor.

QUESTION: We've got a couple of questions about tourism. We've got a tourism problem in this state at the moment in that no one's coming here anymore and you used to be the boss of Tourism Australia. And so someone's asked, what would you do to fix this problem?

PRIME MINISTER: Well it's not always a marketing problem. But these things can be relevant. When I was Managing Director of Tourism Australia I ensured that the eight Australian tourism exchanges came here twice. And why did I do that? Because the world is always looking for, or the world's tourism buyers, are always looking for new and amazing experiences and they're all here. I mean, there are a lot of known experiences around Australia and they're fantastic, and we've got a lot to sell. But I always thought Western Australia had quite an edge in terms of the types of experiences that are on offer here in WA. So I think it is relying very much on that freshness and that newness and that more exotic side of the tourism experience here in Western Australia. Of course the accommodation and so on, but there's been real improvements here on that in Western Australia. And so it is about getting your share of voice, it is actually about connecting with those customers all around the world. But I think you've always got to focus on the things that give you the edge in any business or anything like that. And I think WA's edge has always been these incredible, quite amazing, natural experiences that you literally don't get anywhere else in Australia let alone the rest of the world.

QUESTION: You were thrust into the Prime Ministership very very quickly and it obviously has a huge impact on your family life and I remember back in August when we were seeing you frantically working the phones with everyone trying to get the numbers up, I was thinking to myself, 'I hope one of these phone calls is to his wife'. And I had this image of you coming home and Jenny answering the door and say 'How was your day, love?' and you say 'Oh, yeah I went for a walk and had breakfast with Mathias, and became Prime Minister, and picked up some milk on the way home, and changed offices, et cetera et cetera.' How did you actually keep your family abreast of what was happening on that frantic day?

PRIME MINISTER: Well you're right. Things did happen very quickly and very late for me in that piece. Pretty much the last 24 hours or so, or thereabouts, but I did call Jenny and I said, 'You might want to pick the kids up from school and jump in the car and come down', and talked to her about what was happening. I've been blessed with my family in a way that it's hard for me to put into words. They are so incredibly supportive. But what I'm trying to teach my girls is you believe in things, then you put the effort in and you champion them. I was raised by my parents that life was not about what you accumulate but what you contribute. My parents served in their local church and their local community. My dad was a policeman. My mum and dad ran a thing called Boys Brigade and Girls Brigade for 45 years every Thursday and Friday night of a school night. For 45 years. So that's the model of community service and I was brought up to go 'you're here to make a contribution', and I'm trying to teach, with Jenny, my girls the same thing. But I'm so blessed with Jen because Jenn has continued to provide a nurturing environment for our family. Her focus is very much all there and they allow me to come home every now and then and spend some time which I love more than anything else. Going down the footy with my girls, with Lily and so on or whatever we might be doing, reading books with Abbey. Precious moments, you grab them, but I'm blessed to have a great family who supports what I do.

QUESTION: You got the numbers, and so there would have been that first night in The Lodge. You made it. You're the Prime Minister of Australia. The 30th Prime Minister. Did you look around a bit, go into every room? You've seen the film Love Actually, there's this scene with Hugh Grant as Prime Minister does a dance -

PRIME MINISTER: Someone's done a meme and put my head on it. You should check it out. My wife thought it was hilarious. You'd never see me dance like that, I can tell you.

QUESTION: It must be a bizarre situation when the reality hits, when you're looking at the view in Kirribilli or sitting in The Lodge.

PRIME MINISTER: Yeah. For me it was more when I was at Kirribilli because I'd spent obviously a lot of time at The Lodge as Mathias does and all senior pollies do. So that was a fairly familiar environment for a Minister. It was more when, I suppose, we had to move our family from our beloved shire in southern Sydney, largely because of security reasons and practical reasons. I remember my youngest daughter said to me - and I explained that we had to move and she wasn't that flash about it because we had a small pool in our place, like a backyard pool – she goes “is there pool?”, “Well no, there's not, next door's got one”, which is the Governor General's place in Admiralty House. And she said, “well can you ring them and ask them if I can swim in their pool?” And I said okay. So I rang Lady Cosgrove and I said, “Lily wants to know if she can use the pool”. Now Lady Cosgrove grew up in Cronulla, so she has the Shire link, and she said 'of course, of course, of course'. So I told Lily and she said “that's all good, yep, we're good Dad, we'll move, we got a pool”. That was when John Howard - and for me John Howard has been just like when I was Treasurer with Peter Costello - they are the great role models for me in my political life. And Bruce Baird who was the former member in my electorate had been just a massive influence on my political life. And I always feel like when I'm at home in Kirribilli that I'm staying at John's house and I keep expecting him to walk out of a room somewhere and say 'Oi, what are you doing here?'

QUESTION: We sometimes do a thing at the end of these events where we ask a few quick questions of the person that's our guest. All we ask is you try and keep it brief and answer it, which is going to be counterintuitive for a politician. So I'm just asking if you're ready?

PRIME MINISTER: All good.

QUESTION: Name three nice things about Bill Shorten.

PRIME MINISTER: Chloe Shorten. She's lovely. We share a commitment to at least what we believe in, I suppose. Otherwise, you wouldn't go into public life and as a fellow parliamentarian, there is respect for other parliamentarians. I've put it in those terms and don't worry, I wasn't getting too generous there. And thirdly, he's a mad Collingwood fan. I'm not. But anyone who likes going to a game, I think good for them.

QUESTION: Who's your favourite Prime Minister?

PRIME MINISTER: John Howard.

QUESTION: Who's the most under-appreciated Prime Minister?

PRIME MINISTER: That's a good question. I would say Joe Lyons.

QUESTION: Biggest foreign policy challenge for Australia?

PRIME MINISTER: Managing our independence and our national interests within the competing demands of the great powers of the world today, in our region.

QUESTION: Have you ever Googled yourself? I wouldn't if I were you. Some people -.

PRIME MINISTER: You know, it's an occupational hazard. Otherwise, you walk into an FM radio interview and they will say, 'we're doing this Google game, we've just Googled you' and then they'll hit you with five questions, so it's an occupational hazard to keep abreast of these things.

QUESTION: Are you and Waleed Aly Facebook friends?

PRIME MINISTER: No, to the best of my knowledge. I don't think I am. I might have to check those who - nope, I don’t believe we are. But you know, that's alright.

QUESTION: If you're a dictator for a day and can change just one law that you think would benefit Australia, what would it be?

PRIME MINISTER: That’s a very good question. Not that I aspire to the title you've just outlined because I think that's the best thing about Australia, is that will never happen. Take a look around the world and you see where that has happened and it reminds you just how precious our freedom is. But you know what? That law was passed. The one I'm interested in. It's called the Constitution.

QUESTION: Have you ever eaten an entire raw onion?

PRIME MINISTER: I haven't, but I've got to tell you one story on that. I was down at the markets in Melbourne, at Epping, the other week. And there's every single piece of fruit and vegetable known to humankind. And I think, if you're going as a politician and you're engaged in kicking the ball or bowling, you can't help but remember back to that image of John Howard bowling - sorry John - but any time you go anywhere near fruit and vegetable you just say 'don't eat the onion'.

QUESTION: What is your least favourite part of Australia? What do you see now is a man doing electoral maths at a speed a super computer would be proud of [crosstalk] some oxygen before you answer this, but is there one area you just think [crosstalk].

PRIME MINISTER: I've had the great privilege in many different roles both inside and outside of politics and I've got to say I've never visited a part of the country I haven't liked. I really haven't. And remember, I was in tourism before and I've seen probably more of this country than most people. But what makes every part of Australia so great to visit, and this was a key part of the tourism message that I was trying to pitch when I was responsible for it, it's actually us that's the attraction. What makes all of these places so great? Yeah, physically magnificent, beautiful, it's great. But the things that impact you are the people that you meet and Australians are awesome wherever you go. They're awesome.

QUESTION: Last question, and actually several questions have come in this, if you win a second term, what will your number one priority be?

PRIME MINISTER: Jobs. The economic strength of the country. Because from that, everything else flows. You want to do something in health, you must have a strong economy. If you want to do something in education, you must have a strong economy. You want to defend the nation, you must have a strong economy. If you don't have a strong economy, you don't have a plan for anything else.

QUESTION: Well speaking of jobs, you've got to go and get back to yours. Please thank Scott Morrison.

https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-42235

Doorstop, Carlisle WA

28 March 2019

THE HON STEVE IRONS MP: Good morning we're at the Oats Street railway crossing in my electorate of Swan and the Prime Minister is back in Western Australia again and back in my electorate of Swan so, we're here to hear about the congestion busting announcement of $1.6 billion, so Prime Minister, over to you.

PRIME MINISTER: Thanks very much Steve. It's great to be here with all of my colleagues from far and wide around Western Australia and it is an important and big day for Western Australia. Next week's Budget there'll be $1.6 billion worth of projects announced here for Western Australia that are doing things to really improve the lives of Western Australians. Whether it's right where we are here and we've got about five minutes before the bells ring again on this level crossing and these level crossings are things that infuriate people as they try to get around the city. And over $200 million being invested in getting rid of those level crossings alone here in Steve's electorate. And that's an important part about congestion busting projects, so people get home sooner and safer and people can get work.

But as far down as Bunbury and Albany and as well down in the electorate of Canning, where we've also invested in major projects, we have the big trucks on the road. These are big projects that ensure the continued growth of the Western Australian economy. This is an economy that is on its way back, that is powering back and that's its future. For its for its future to be secure, we need these significant infrastructure investments which are a key part of our national economic plan to create a stronger economy so we can deliver on the essential services, like a stronger Medicare. I mean, we have the highest rate of bulk billing today in Medicare in our history. Why is that being made possible? Because our Government has been managing a Budget and delivering a stronger economy. When you're delivering a stronger economy, you can make the investments like the ones we're talking about here today in the Budget next week. $1.6 billion to upgrade further major projects right here in Western Australia.

So it's an exciting day from that point of view for Western Australia. It's a good day for the national economy as well. Because when the Western Australian economy is surging ahead, so does the Australian national economy surge ahead and we're looking forward to that great contribution of the Western Australian economy in the years ahead so we will be able deliver on our one and a quarter million jobs pledge to all Australians and we want to see so many of those jobs created right here in Western Australia. I'm going to ask Mathias to go through some of the projects, because as always, as Finance Minister - and he and I did quite a few Budgets together - but Mathias has been working closely with the Western Australian State Government here to deliver on these packages. Now, whether it's here in Western Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, wherever I might be. I am going to work with every state government to deliver on these projects and I want to commend Mathias for the work that he's done working with our local members here, Andrew Hastie particularly in the electorate of Canning on the projects we’re announcing today as well as Steve Irons. Because when you work together with the state government, you just get this stuff done. So well done again Mathias on making sure that we can bring the two levels of government here together to deliver on these important projects for Western Australia and our national economy.

SENATOR THE HON MATHIAS CORMANN, MINISTER FOR FINANCE AND THE PUBLIC SERVICE: Thank you very much Prime Minister. It is great to have our Prime Minister Scott Morrison back here in the West and we welcome him here together with my WA Liberal Party colleagues. Today we are announcing another $1.6 billion federal investment into key infrastructure across Perth and across Western Australia. It is an investment in key congestion busting infrastructure, economy growing infrastructure, infrastructure to create more jobs, but most importantly infrastructure to help ensure that people across Perth and Western Australia can get home faster and safer at the end of the days work. Now another $1.6 billion federal investment announced today, which comes on top of $4.8 billion in additional federal investment into WA infrastructure over the last two years and nearly $10 billion in additional federal investment since we were elected to Government in September 2013. The Prime Minister is quite right, we have been working together with the State Government here in Western Australia, both the previous Liberal-National Government, but also this current McGowan Labor State Government, to ensure that we deliver the best possible outcome for the people here in Western Australia. That is what people expect us to do. Whether it is investing in level crossing removals, $207.5 million to remove level crossings here, which force people to wait instead of being able to get home or whether it is investing in regional infrastructure. Albany Ring Road, Karratha Tom Price Road, Bunbury Outer Ring Road, you name it, the Tonkin Highway expansion project. These are all important projects, which will bust congestion, which will help grow our economy, create more jobs and most importantly help families around Australia get home safely and faster. Thank you.

PRIME MINISTER: Thank you. Let's take some questions on the particular announcements and obviously happy to take questions on other matters as well after that.

JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, your announcement about One Nation this morning…

PRIME MINISTER: Let’s deal with infrastructure first, happy to come back to those.

JOURNALIST: Is this just a reflection you’ve got several seats in WA that you’re worried about holding on to?

PRIME MINISTER: It's a reflection of the fact that Western Australia needs this investment in infrastructure and that's what we're doing. Let me take you through them, one at a time. $535 million under the Roads of Strategic Importance Initiative. That's in addition to $220 million already announced. A further $348.5 million towards three key projects on the Tonkin Highway, taking up government's total commitment to $929 million to these projects. That will complete the Tonkin Highway interchanges, the Tonkin Highway gap and the Tonkin Highway Stage 3 extension. $207.5 million for the removal of these level crossings here, three of them as Steve has pointed out. We have $140 million for constructions of stage 2 and 3 of the Albany ring road. A further $122 million to construct the remaining stages of the Bunbury outer ring road, bringing our total Government's commitment this project to $682 million. $115 million for the Fremantle traffic bridge at Swan River crossing and a further $10 million towards intersection improvements at the Thomas Road and Nicholson Road under the urban congestion funds and this builds on $96 million towards five congestion busting projects that I announced here in Perth on the 8th of March. So that's why we're investing it - because the economy needs it.

SENATOR THE HON MATHIAS CORMANN, MINISTER FOR FINANCE AND THE PUBLIC SERVICE: Let me just say, your suggestion implies that this is the first time that we have done this. We have actually done this every single year. WA Liberal Members and Senators work together with their local communities to identify the priority projects that need Federal Government support and every single year we have fought for a fair share for WA to ensure we got the Federal Government investment into key infrastructure that we needed here, the same way as WA Liberal Members and Senators fought very hard to ensure that Western Australia got a fair share of the GST, which Scott Morrison as Treasurer delivered and which we legislated through the Parliament. We are not Johnny come latelies here. We have done this year in year out. We have fought hard for Western Australia year in year out and that is what we will do after the election if the people of Western Australia give us their confidence again.

PRIME MINISTER: Other questions on the projects today? Well, I’m glad I’ve comprehensively covered the interest. I know you’re excited, Nick, I know you're excited as a Western Australian. You're excited.

JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, does your decision on One Nation preferences make any difference if it's disregarded by the Queensland LNP as some have indicated?

PRIME MINISTER: Well it might be disregarded by the Queensland LNP. The Liberal Party and the Liberal Party members and seats that are in the LNP framework in Queensland. This is the position that the Liberal Party will be following. What the National Party does is a matter for them. These aren't decisions taken by governments, the distribution of preferences. They’re decisions taken by political parties and the National Party and the Liberal Party, we're separate parties. And so we will make our decisions independently of each other on these issues. The Liberal Party and those seats under the LNP framework in Queensland, which are the domain of the Liberal Party, this is the position that will be adopted in those seats.

JOURNALIST: Your tough stance this morning declaring Australia's gun laws are sacrosanct though was the reasoning for this decision. Should the government not be united on that, would you expect your Coalition partner to be united with you on that?

PRIME MINISTER: Again, I'm not going to make decisions for the Nationals. They will make their own decisions. They are they are an independent political party. And political parties make the decisions about preferences, not governments. But I would say, talking about gun laws, let's not forget it was the Labor Party that did a deal in New South Wales just last weekend with the Shooters Party. So, read into that what you will

JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, there are a lot… I suppose youth unemployment in this state. It's in double digits particularly between the day before 24 years old. A lot of people do want a job. What's your message for young voters and are there any commitments in this election for young voters?

PRIME MINISTER: My message to young people in Western Australia who want work is to vote Liberal. That's my message to them, because our government has the track record of delivering jobs. And the Western Australian economy has been under the pump. It's gone through a very difficult time, but the Western Australian economy is on the way back and jobs will not be created in Western Australia by a Labor Party that wants to drag the economy down with $200 billion dollars in higher taxes that will only make it harder for small business to employ people. I mean, the Labor Party is pursuing an industrial relations policy at the moment which is going to force small and family businesses to sack workers to pay others. And the biggest victims of Labor's policy will be young people. They’ll be the casualties. The ones who want extra hours, the ones that want their first job. These young people will be the first victims of Labor's recklessness when it comes to economic management. So young people wanting jobs in Western Australia - the Liberal Party is the answer to your question.

JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, you made some comments earlier about a Budget surplus for 2018-19.

PRIME MINISTER: 2019-20.

JOURNALIST: 2019-20 sorry. So there won’t be a Budget surplus in 2018-19?

PRIME MINISTER: The Budget is next week. All the financial details will be revealed in the Budget. I'm saying very clearly as I have now for the months and months that this will be the first Budget surplus handed down next week by Josh Frydenberg, with the great assistance of the Finance Minister since the Liberals were last in power in 2007-08. So it's have been a 12 year wait to get the Budget back into balance. You vote Labor once, you pay for it for a decade. And now is not the time, having achieved that, to hand over the wheel of economic management to the Labor Party and Bill Shorten when it comes the economy who don't know how to drive.

JOURNALIST: Is that budget forecast surplus?

PRIME MINISTER: I’m talking about the Budget surplus we will hand down the 2019-20 on the 2nd of April which is next Tuesday.

SENATOR THE HON MATHIAS CORMANN, MINISTER FOR FINANCE AND THE PUBLIC SERVICE: Sorry, when you just talk about forecasts, let me just say, contrary to the Labor Party, where every final Budget outcome that they delivered was worse than their forecast, if you look at our performance, the actual Budget outcome, the final Budget outcome, both in 2017-18 and 2016-17 was materially better than forecast. Last year by more than $19 billion better than forecast. When we deliver a Budget people can actually trust that we know what we are doing, whereas the Labor Party always hoped for the best and delivered the worst.

PRIME MINISTER: And that's why the Triple A credit rating previously had been under so much risk because Labor's estimates of their budget and their forecasts proved to be so hopelessly wrong. I mean, Western Australians would have a good idea of this. Wayne Swan put in the budget an iron ore price of $150 a tonne. And he assumed it forever. I mean, that was just sheer recklessness. He then went and spent the money that was never there and then got surprised that he delivered a massive deficit. So that's how the Labor Party runs budgets. How we run budgets, and particularly how I as a Treasurer ran budgets, was to over perform every single time.

JOURNALIST: Is that surplus tangibly real if it's a forecast? How can you guarantee it?

PRIME MINISTER: Because on every single Budget I delivered, on the final budget outcome, I bettered it. That's our record, because Australians know that the Liberals know how to manage money and they know the Labor Party don't know how to manage money and our form in government and Labor's form in government speaks very plainly.

JOURNALIST: Does this mean you’ve got more money to spend on election promises, including perhaps tax cuts?

PRIME MINISTER: Every opportunity I get I want Australians to be able to keep more of what they earn. That's always been my view and it's not just been an opinion, it's been legislation. In the budgets that I've handed down, we handed down the biggest reforms to our tax system that we've seen since the GST. I mean, $144 billion worth of tax relief legislated for all taxpayers, not just some. See, the Labor Party thinks to make some better off, you’ve got to make some worse off. That’s the Labor Party economic plan, the politics of envy. Our Budget will be a Budget of aspiration, Budget for people who are going to be going to continue to work hard and I want them to be able to keep more of their hard earned.

JOURNALIST: Will the debt be significantly higher because of the new accounting standards, including the operational [inaudible]?

PRIME MINISTER: All of the financial metrics will be set out in the Budget and that's next Tuesday. It's not too many more sleeps and I'm sure you'll be able to wait.

JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, you’ve come here promising a fair bit of money today obviously. Will this be it for major WA projects or will there be more during the election campaign?

PRIME MINISTER: It's not a promise, I should say. This is $1.6 billion. That is in the Budget. So it is in the Budget. It's not perhaps it will be done - this is in the Budget

SENATOR THE HON MATHIAS CORMANN, MINISTER FOR FINANCE AND THE PUBLIC SERVICE: And without increasing taxes.

PRIME MINISTER: That is a very good point Mathias. Every time you see Bill Shorten's lips moving about spending money, understand that he's also increasing taxes at the same time. That's how Bill Shorten's plan works. Tax, spend. Tax, spend. That's Bill Shorten's plan. That's not our plan. Our plan is lower tax, drive the economy forward. That's how you guarantee essential services like Medicare. What's the proof of that? Medicare bulk billing is at the highest level on record because of the strong economic management of our government.

JOURNALIST:  Will there be more to come here in WA though?

PRIME MINISTER: Well there's a whole election campaign to come and beyond the Budget and I'll look forward to coming back from Western Australia on many occasions.

JOURNALIST: Pauline Hanson's press conference is [inaudible].

PRIME MINISTER: I have just announced, in a bipartisan way, and I think our fight against domestic violence must be bipartisan. And I believe it is. And I always seek to ensure that we pursue it in a very bipartisan way. We've put $328 million into the Fourth National Action Plan to combat domestic violence, that is the single biggest package of funding ever for combating domestic violence. It is true, and I agree absolutely with the statement that violence against women begins with disrespect against women, something Malcolm Turnbull used to say. And I absolutely agree with that. And that's why it's so important that we build a culture of respect for women and children in our community. And that's what our domestic violence package is designed to deliver. And that's what we'll continue to live up to. But I would really hope that matters like that would remain matters of a bipartisan commitment and not the subject of politicking.

JOURNALIST: Pauline Hanson's press conference today has been delayed an hour and counting. Does she need to front up to the Australian people about her Port Arthur comments and explain them.

JOURNALIST: Well I'm going to leave all of that to the leader of One Nation. That's what I'm going to do. Our Party has made its decision and when John Howard introduced those gun laws, as I said this morning, that was an act of absolute bravery. And it was done in partnership with the Nationals and Tim Fisher was also an incredibly brave politician. And they did it in lockstep. And we remain today in lockstep on the issue of gun laws. These laws have protected Australian lives. I think Australian know where the Liberal Party and the Nationals stand when it comes to gun laws. Our stand has been consistent ever since John Howard introduced those laws and we will never entertain anything or anyone that would seek to undermine those laws. Thank you all very much.

https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-42234

Leadership Matters Breakfast - Perth WA

28 March 2019

PRIME MINISTER: Well thank you very much for that very kind introduction. I love being in Western Australia, I love being here in Perth. I always get such a warm welcome when I'm here. So many friends here from so many years of coming across to Western Australia. And there's something very special about today's gathering and I could make many acknowledgements this morning because there are so many great and good Western Australians who are here amongst us, including of course my colleagues led by Mathias Cormann. Of course, I want to acknowledge the traditional owners, Elders past and present and those emerging. I also want to acknowledge our servicemen and women who are in the room today and say simply to those who have served and veterans, thank you for your service. There's a very proud history of service here in Western Australia.

But a person I want to acknowledge this morning is Kerry Stokes. This event, this vision - I'm going to talk to you about my vision today, but the vision that you’ve seen realised through Kerry here at the Seven West Telethon is something truly remarkable. $37 million raised in the last event alone. More than 40 incredibly worthy and amazing organisations have been the beneficiary of this tremendous initiative. And what I really like about this initiative is it isn't Seven West is writing out the cheque, it’s Seven West harnessing the goodwill of Western Australians for each other. That's what's happening here at this event, that's why I think it's such a great thing. Yes, it's generous. Yes, it's impactful because I know Richard Goyder who leads the charge on this understands and manages that process incredibly well. But its great beauty is how it harnesses the passion and empathy of Western Australians and people around the country to support these incredible causes. So if can you join me in thanking Kerry Stokes.

[Applause]

A fair go for those who have a go. You’ve probably heard me say that before. That’s why I like Western Australia. Because here in Western Australia, there is no better example of that way of doing things. That expectation of every single resident of this incredible state. And I believe this is a fundamentally Australian value. A fair go for those who have a go. Fairness isn't just about everybody gets the same. We didn't build this country on that principle. We built it on a very different principle that you have to show up. That you have to make an effort. That you have responsibility for yourself. But also to extend that to those around you. This notion of responsibility as the trigger, the entry if you like. Being able to benefit from this country's great opportunities, I think, is a fundamental principle. And I particularly think about it when I think of the migrants who've come from all over the world. Unless we’re Indigenous, like Ken, then we have all come from somewhere else at some point in time. And people have come to this country for this very principle - a fair go for those who have a go. And our migrant history of this country is one of our migrant communities doing exactly that. That's what they were hoping for. That's what they were looking for. To make a contribution, not to take one. And that's what a fair go for those who have a go means. And that's why it is the fundamental principle that sits underneath every single plan, every single policy, that me and my team, my Liberal National team, are implementing now as we have over the last five and a half years and seek to continue to implement into the future.

Now this principle of a fair go for those who have go was deeply violated by the way GST was being distributed in this country. The decisions I took as Treasurer to take action on this was not borne out of any sort of sentiment or, you know, sweet beliefs about Western Australia or how lovely you all are - of course that’s the case. But it wasn't about that. It was about ensuring that the way that the GST was distributed was distributed on the principle of a fair go for those who have a go. And this is the ‘have a go’ state. And the ‘have a go’ state was not getting a fair deal and that needed to change. And that was the point being made by The West Australian. And they gave me quite a good stick, I've got to tell you, when I became Treasurer. Just like Steve Irons, who was my flatmate in Canberra who would give me quite a bit of stick on this issue every single day, as a proud Western Australian. And I remember the day after I resolved in my own mind, and working within the senior levels of government, that this was something we had to fix. That it could not be kicked down the road any longer, that we had to take it head on, and we had to deal with is, and it would not be easy. And I want to thank Seven West because they had rightly been advocating on this issue. They have rightly been championing this issue, just like so many of my colleagues here in Western Australia have. Whether it was Christian Porter, who as a state treasurer here was also such a strong advocate, and all of my team. But The West Australian, they led the charge and so I remember the meeting I had. And I said, “Look, you better be rough with me. But I want to know one answer to one question when we sat down. Do you want to fix this, or do you just want a campaign?” And you won't be surprised that the answer from Seven West is no, we want to fix it. We want to see this fixed. That's why we’re in this. And so I said, “Look, this isn't going to be easy. An eastern state Treasurer who has got to go and convince not only everybody back on the other side of the country, but we have to work out how we can actually achieve this.” And I said this is going to take you some time. And so you need to give me some room and some space to go and get a solution and get people on board for the switch. And I want to thank Seven West and The West Australian for giving me that time. Because without that time, then I think it would have been very difficult to achieve and I think what that shows is the pragmatic advocacy that was brought to this issue in the public arena from The West.

So I think people understood here that the argument was never going to be won on some parochial argument. It had to be won on its merits, and the merits were that the principle of a fair go for those who have a go was not operating. Now, I'm pleased to say it is operating now because together we've with Mathias and the whole team, we have legislated this. That deal is done. It's locked, it’s in by none less than the Governor-General of Australia. To give security to Western Australians about their access to that fair share forever. And of all the things that I think they've been able to achieve here in Western Australia, I think this is a very significant moment. Not just because of how it enables Western Australia to be able to guarantee the essential services that Western Australians rely on. But I think it says something very clearly on behalf of my government to Western Australians - when I say I'm going to do something, I will do it. I won't lead people along. I won't give them false promises. But if I say I'm going to do it, you better look at out, because I’m going to. Whether it's on stopping the boats. Whether it's on reforming our welfare system, getting the Budget back into balance. Reforming the GST, the first of its kind since Federation began. If I set my mind on that and I believe that is in the country's interests, wild horses will not drag me away from achieving that goal. I'm often criticised for being a little too hard-headed on these things. But I'll tell you what, problems require some hard-headedness sometimes to be able to crash through. All of the naysayers and all of those who think it can't be achieved. But this why I like Western Australia, because you get this. You get this notion of vision, you get this notion of achievement.

So let me tell you in 10 quick points what is that plan for a stronger economy for Australia. It's the plan we've been delivering. A plan that has delivered more than one and a quarter million jobs in the last five and a half years. That has reduced unemployment down to the lowest level in a very long time. It now has a 4 in front of it, 4.9 per cent. And I know things in Western Australia are still on their way back. It is a plan that has already ensured that the proportion of Australians of working age in this country who have a job is at the highest level in our history. That's right, higher than what it was under the Howard/Costello government. It is now at the highest level. That our welfare dependence of the working age population is at its lowest level in more than 30 years. That our expenditure is under control. The lowest level of spending growth of a federal government in more than 50 years. This plan is based on ensuring, of course, that the government lives within its means and next week we will hand down the first Budget surplus in 12 years. 12 years. Why is that so important? Well, if you vote Labor once, you will pay for it for more than a decade. In 2007, going into that election, the government had a $20 billion dollar surplus and there was $40 billion dollars in the bank. Labor reversed that in the space of a year. And then they just kept going. And it has taken us more than 10 years for a Treasurer to stand at the despatch box again, as Josh Frydenberg will do with Mathias’ support next Tuesday night and announce a surplus. And that comes from just the sheer determination and will to get expenditure under control. To put in place the measures that drive your economy forward. And just the sheer everyday competent discipline of running a responsible government.

So next Tuesday will be a very important day, because it's the day we got back. It's the day Australia got back to where the Howard government left us and it's taken us more than a decade to achieve it. And so no one should be under any mistake that if you vote Labor in this next election, you're voting for a decade and more of economic hardship and difficulty, setting the nation on the wrong course for our economy. Lower taxes is part of our plan. And it's not just a promise because we've legislated. $144 billion worth of personal income tax relief right across the board, I stress. See, our view on taxes is you don't have to tax some people more to tax other people less. I think that violates the fair go principle for those who have a go. I don't buy into the politics of envy. I am a fully signed up member on the politics of aspiration and the economics of aspiration, which I think Western Australians understand. Lower taxes is about ensuring that when you earn more, you keep more of what you want. And I want Australians to earn more and that will come from a stronger economy, not some magic wand in the union movement or a Labor prime minister who thinks he can wave his magic wand and all of a sudden everybody's wages go up. That is a cruel hoax and it is a cruel thing to say to Australians, because that policy he is speaking about will cost other Australians their jobs. Someone always suffers under Labor for them to do something for someone else. Not under our government.

Under our government, we want tax relief for all Australians. We want tax relief by backing small and family and medium sized businesses. Whether it's been our plan to reduce the payment terms for small businesses down from over 30 days down to 20 days which comes in place on the 1st of July of this year. Where there's the small business tax relief, the instant asset write-off which we have raised to 25,000 for companies up to $10 million. Whether it's the investments we're making in the small business loan securitisation fund so small businesses can get access to capital. Ensuring affordable and reliable energy. Now, in Western Australia that’s a more achievable goal because of the sensible arrangements that you have here, particularly in relation to gas. But for all of Australia to do better, including Western Australia, then all of Australia has to do better. And that means having sensible energy policies for both households and businesses. And just this week, we've announced a series of initiatives to ensure that we're getting, in the east coast, some 4,000 megawatt capacity additions to the market through the underwriting proposal that is being put forward to us by the ACCC which we've adopted. And that comes on top of our series of investments that will see our emissions reduction targets achieved, while not costing us our economy. Investing in hydro and other important energy sources that will provide reliability and sustainability for the future and keep electricity prices down. Get them down, keep the lights on while at the same time meeting our emissions reduction targets.

Building the transport and technology infrastructure Australia needs in the future. Now today I'll be joined by Mathias and many others from my team. We'll be announcing $1.6 billion additional, which will be in next week's Budget, for an investment in Australian infrastructure here in the West. Now, we have already been big investors here but this will be on roads of strategic importance. Projects like the Tonkin Highway. Projects like METRONET. All of these things which are designed for Australians, frankly, to get home sooner and safer, or to work sooner and safer and people can get out of the traffic and onto the site. These are practical projects. Our congestion busting projects. We've currently got a rolling program of infrastructure investment around the country, some $75 billion dollars, and that continues into the future. We've got to drive all of our industries forward, all of them. Sure, the bright shiny new ones, they’re tremendous. The exciting innovation that’s taking place there [inaudible] in the medical instruments industry and the health industry. This is fantastic, but we want agriculture to go forward. We want mining to go forward. We want forestry to go forward. We want our traditional industries to continue to go forward. We need all our industries to continue and a diversity in our industries. And so no, we won’t embrace policies like the Labor Party will with their 45 per cent emissions reduction target which will wipe out aluminium smelters in this country and hit industry. We won’t do that. Or increasing the costs of agricultural production and to this day, I can tell you tonne by tonne where we will be meeting our emissions reduction targets. Our opponents still, after all these years, cannot answer the most basic questions. Will you use the carry over targets from Kyoto? Will you use taxpayers’ money to buy foreign carbon credits as part of your emissions reduction costs? What’s the overall emissions abasement budget you have to meet? Is it 1.1 billion tonnes or 1.4 billion tonnes? I can tell you what ours is, it’s 328 million tonnes and we have a plan to meet all of that over the next 10 years. The reckless targets of an emissions reduction target of 45 percent will shut down industries and it will and shutdown jobs and particularly the cuts here in WA.

We need to ensure Australians of all generations have the skills they need. I'm frustrated as I'm sure many of you are, that our current schools arrangements delivered across the country are not hitting the mark. And you know it's not about just money. You can chuck more money down the funnel and just see it go to the same place it's going now. We need to rethink how we're achieving things in the skills area across this country and that requires a closer collaboration about what is needed on the ground, on the shop floor, in the office, in the business and we'll have more to say about that.

I want to keep Australians working together. I hate this idea of setting one Australian against another. When I walk into the small and family businesses around the country, the thing I love hearing, “So how have you been here?” “I’ve been here about 12 years. 18 years, 7 years.” Men, women. Been to each others’ christenings and weddings. So has the boss. That's Australians working together in small and family businesses medium sized businesses around the country. They understand that it's an enterprise and you will do better by all working together. And the industrial conflict that Labor wants to bring to this country I think is very, very serious. I was down in Geelong the other day. And as I was announcing this project for fast rail between Melbourne and Geelong, there they were, standing behind me, chanting away – “union power, union power, union power”. Well that's what it's going to look like on your site, in your office, in your community. We don't want that. Australians want to work together. Australians want to get on together and we need to have an industrial system which doesn't try to set people against each other. Of course, we’ve got to keep big businesses accountable and pay the taxes. They need to keep investing in the future of the country. They need to ensure that they do the right thing by small and family businesses and those in agricultural sector and our competition laws need to protect against that. We’re seeing that in the banking and financial industry, certainly seeing it in the energy industry. We need to hold them to account and we will be, and we will continue to do that.

And we need to keep expanding our horizons with our export opportunities and our government has been so successful at this like none other before us, I believe. More opportunity into the future. That's what we want. More business opportunities because that means more jobs. It’s all about jobs. I’ll finish on this. It's all about jobs. Warren Mundine, as some of you may know, told me that when his grandfather got a job, it changed their family. And look at Warren now. A job changes a life. A job changes a family, a job changes a community and jobs change nations. You want to know what I’m about? Jobs. The thing I'm most proud of what our government has achieved is over one and a quarter million jobs for Australians. We've had record growth of jobs for young Australians, over 100,000 in one financial year, never achieved before. Those young people's lives are changed forever. You know, when I talk to businesses and they talk about employing young people, that's when their heart beats, that's when their chest pumps up. Because they know by running a good business, a competitive business, a business that's successful, they know they can employ people and change their lives.

So we're all in the same occupation here - creating jobs for Australians to create a stronger Australia. That's my plan. I will be seeking the support of all Australians to back, particularly here in Western Australia, so all Australians get a fair go for those who have a go. Thank you.

https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-42233

Budget to lock in Western Australia’s big infrastructure build

28 March 2019

Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Finance and the Public Service, Minister for Cities Urban Infrastructure and Population

The 2019–20 Federal Budget will lock in an additional $1.6 billion of our Liberal Nationals Government’s investment into critical road and rail infrastructure across Perth and regional Western Australia, busting congestion and driving stronger growth, while enhancing road safety to ensure people across WA get home sooner and safer.

This builds on the $9.81 billion in our Government’s commitments to West Australian road and rail infrastructure since we came into Government in September 2013, including $4.8 billion over the past two Budgets.

The Liberal Nationals Government will boost investment in congestion-busting urban projects including $207.5 million to fund the removal of three level crossings at Oats Street in Carlisle, Welshpool Road in Welshpool and Mint Street in East Victoria Park while also investing $115 million for the Fremantle Swan River Crossing Traffic Bridge.

Those level crossings are some of the worst across Perth. Removing them will deliver significant amenity, productivity and congestion busting benefits.

The 257-metre Fremantle Traffic Bridge will include both a road bridge with a track rail bridge and improve freight productivity and access to freight gateways across Perth.

The Government is also committing an additional $151.5 million towards the Tonkin Highway Stage 3 extension bringing lifting our contribution to $404 million (or from 50 to 80 percent of the total project costs of $505 million) to ensure this project can get underway in earnest as soon as possible.

We will also provide $10 million towards intersection improvements at Thomas Road and Nicholson Road under the Urban Congestion Fund, which comes on top of our announcement in early March of $96 million towards five congestion-busting projects in Perth.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said this year’s Budget also locked in further federal support for crucial infrastructure projects across regional WA, including the Albany Ring Road, the Karratha to Tom Price Road sealing, additional funding towards the completion of the Bunbury Outer Ring Road and other regional road corridor upgrades such as funding towards the Pinjarra Heavy Haulage Deviation.

“The upcoming Budget will continue the Liberal Nationals Government’s firm commitment to ensuring Western Australia gets its fair share of infrastructure funding now and into the future,” the Prime Minister said.

“We are prioritising investment in the major projects needed to better support regional areas, ease congestion in and around Perth and reduce the terrible impact of road trauma by delivering safer roads.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Nationals’ Leader Michael McCormack said the investment from the Liberals and Nationals will make roads safer and boost productivity by investing in freight corridors..

“The Budget will commit $535 million towards key regional road investments across the state under the Government’s Roads of Strategic Importance initiative,” Mr McCormack said.

“This investment is yet another part of the Liberals and Nationals vision to get people home sooner and safer, no matter where they live.

“It will increase efficiency, productivity and improve the supply chain.

“By making the freight system more efficient, local businesses will also have more money to invest in their operations, creating more jobs and providing a vital shot in the arm for WA’s agriculture and mining sectors.”

Minister for Finance and the Public Service and Senator for Western Australia Mathias Cormann said the Budget built on the Government’s strong existing infrastructure investment record in the state.

“The Budget will also include a total of $348.5 million towards three projects on the Tonkin Highway bringing out total commitment to $929 million and a further $122 million for the Bunbury Outer Ring Road, bringing our total commitment to $682 million,” Senator Cormann said.

“These are not just numbers. These are commitments to a better quality of life for our commuters who will be able to spend more time with their families, while also delivering a stronger economy through more efficient freight and transport links and less tragedy on our roads on the back of safer road infrastructure.”

The Australian and Western Australian governments are also continuing to work together to negotiate the Perth City Deal, which will focus on securing the wider benefits of METRONET and to ensure there is a shared long-term vision to effectively address the future growth of Perth.

Funding for key WA infrastructure projects in the upcoming Budget includes:

LEVEL CROSSING REMOVALS

• Oats Street/Welshpool Road/Mint Street Level Crossing Removal (Federal Government investment: $207.5 million)

ROADS

• Albany Ring Road (Federal Government investment: $140 million)

• Fremantle Traffic Bridge (Swan River Crossing) (Federal Government investment: $115 million)

• Tonkin Highway projects (Stage 3 extension; Great Eastern Highway to Collier Road; Kelvin Road, Hale Road and Welshpool Road East intersection upgrades) (Federal Government investment: $348.5 million of additional funding bringing our overall commitment to those three projects to $929 million)

• Bunbury Outer Ring Road – Stages 2 and 3 (Federal Government investment: $122 million of additional funding taking our overall commitment to $682 million)

ROADS OF STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE INITIATIVE

• Western Australian section of the Newman to Katherine Corridor (Federal Government investment: $70 million)

• Western Australian section of the Alice Springs to Halls Creek Corridor (Federal Government investment: $75 million)

• Karratha to Tom Price Corridor (Federal Government investment: $248 million)

• Wheatbelt Secondary Freight Network (Federal Government investment: $70 million)

• Western Australian section of the Port Augusta to Perth (Federal Government investment: $50 million)

• Pinjarra Heavy Haulage Deviation – Stage 1 (Federal Government investment: $22 million)

URBAN CONGESTION FUND

• Thomas Road and Nicholson Road in Oakford (Federal Government investment: $10 million)

• Transforming Freeways - widening and introduction of Intelligent Transport System (ITS) (Kwinana and Mitchell Freeways) (Federal Government investment: $50 million)

• Lloyd Street Extension (Federal Government investment: $20 million)

• Abernethy Road Upgrade (Federal Government investment: $13.25 million)

• Lakelands Station (Federal Government investment: $10 million)

• Shorehaven Boulevard / Marmion Avenue Intersection Upgrade (Federal Government investment: $2.5 million)

• More Parking Bays at Mandurah Station (Federal Government investment: $16 million)

MAJOR PROJECT BUSINESS CASE FUND

• Future Road and Rail Connections for Perth (Federal Government investment: $25 million) – to investigate future road and rail links to support the growth of the transport network in Perth

• Westport project (Federal Government investment: $10 million) – development of business cases and corridor preservation to support the Westport: Port and Environs Strategy, which is currently being developed by the WA Government.

https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-42231

New Zealand's National Remembrance Service following Christchurch terrorist attack

28 March 2019

I will travel to Christchurch with my wife Jenny to attend New Zealand’s National Remembrance Service for the victims of the 15 March terrorist attack.

The Christchurch attack was the most shocking and horrific of events.

The National Remembrance Service is an opportunity for Australia to stand in unity and solidarity with New Zealand as the global community comes together to honour the victims and their loved ones.

The Governor-General and the Leader of the Opposition will also attend the National Remembrance Service.

On behalf of the Australian Government and the Australian community, our delegation will represent Australia in offering every support we can provide our New Zealand brothers and sisters, and the Muslim community around the world.

https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-42230

Appointment of Chief of Air Force and Chief Joint Operations

28 March 2019

Prime Minister, Minister for Defence

The Government is pleased to announce that Air Marshal Mel Hupfeld, AO, DSC, will be Australia’s next Chief of Air Force. The appointment was made by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the Government for a period of four years from 4 July 2019.

Air Marshal Hupfeld is currently serving as the Chief Joint Operations and has extensive leadership and operational experience through senior positions including Air Commander Australia and Head Force Design.

His experience in these roles makes him ideally suited to continue the development of the Air Force as a modern and effective force capable of undertaking regional and global operations.

The current Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Leo Davies, AO, CSC, will complete his tenure on 3 July 2019, after what will have been 40 years of exemplary service.

The Government extends its sincere gratitude to Air Marshal Davies, who has been relentless in embedding a culture of innovation and integration that will continue to shape the Air Force for generations to come.

The Chief of the Defence Force, General Campbell, AO, DSC, has advised the Government that Major General Greg Bilton, AM, CSC will be promoted to Lieutenant General and appointed as the Chief Joint Operations, from 28 June 2019.

Major General Bilton is currently serving as the Commander Forces Command within Army and is a highly experienced officer with extensive leadership and operations experience through senior positions including Deputy Chief Joint Operations, and Commander 7th Brigade.  He has also served as Deputy Commanding General United States Army Pacific.

The Government congratulates Air Marshal Hupfeld and Major General Bilton on their selection and wishes Air Marshal Davies well in all his future endeavours.

https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-42226

Busting congestion across Sydney and the Central Coast

27 March 2019

Prime Minister, Minister for Cities Urban Infrastructure and Population

Motorists across Sydney and the Central Coast will be spending less time in traffic and more time doing what’s important to them after a $253.5 million congestion-busting funding boost.

The package includes upgrading King Georges Road and Blaxland Road at Balaclava Road in Eastwood, the Princes Highway at Waratah Street in Kirrawee, The Horsley Drive and Homebush Bay Drive in Sydney Olympic Park, while also investing $50 million into commuter car parking.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the investment would mean Sydney-siders and people on the Central Coast would be getting home sooner and safer.

“Our investment means people can spend more time with friends and family and tradies can be earning more on site rather than being stuck in traffic,” the Prime Minister said.

“This is a significant investment in tackling the congestion hotspots that are costing people precious time and losing businesses money.”

“People living in Sydney know better than anyone the very real impacts road congestion has on people’s lives and we are doing something about the pinch points and bottlenecks that lie at the heart of the problem.”

Funded through the Government’s $1 billion Urban Congestion Fund, projects include:

• $95 million to upgrade The Horsley Drive in the city’s south-west;

• $50 million toward widening King Georges Road in the city’s south;

• $50 million to upgrade Homebush Bay Drive, including investigating options to improve traffic flow at the intersection of Australia Avenue and Underwood Road;

• $4.5 million to upgrade Blaxland Road at the Balaclava Road intersection in Eastwood;

• $4 million to upgrade the Princes Highway at Waratah Street in Kirrawee;

• $7.5 million for commuter car park upgrades at Panania;

• $7.5 million for commuter car park upgrades at Hurstville; and

• $35 million for commuter car parking at Gosford Station and Woy Woy Station on the Central Coast.

Minister for Cities, Urban Infrastructure and Population Alan Tudge said the Urban Congestion Fund was designed to eliminate congestion issues where they are hurting the most.

“This is not only the major freeways but the local pinch points which cause daily headaches to commuters,” Minister Tudge said.

“This package shows we are not slowing down in NSW, and builds on the $26 billion we already have invested in game-changing infrastructure in Sydney and across the State since coming into power.”

The Morrison Government’s existing investment across urban New South Wales includes WestConnex, NorthConnex, the M1 Productivity Package, the Northern Road Upgrade and the transformational Western Sydney International (Nancy Bird Walton) Airport, which will support tens of thousands of jobs and connect western Sydney to the world.

https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-42224

Doorstop, Hurstville NSW

27 March 2019

THE HON DAVID COLEMAN MP, MINISTER FOR IMMIGRATION, CITIZENSHIP AND MULTICULTURAL AFFAIRS: Well good morning everyone, welcome to Hurstville. It’s great to be here with the Prime Minister who is a regular visitor to our area. He was just here a few weeks ago for our Lunar New Year Festival and has visited many times over the years in his different capacities in the Government.

I’m really pleased to have the PM in Hurstville today particularly to make this important announcement about infrastructure in Hurstville. Now, Hurstville is the beating heart of the St George district. Hundreds and hundreds of small businesses, literally thousands of people are employed in this area. So many small businesses that have been successfully created by people who have immigrated to our nation over the years. And the big issue, or one of the big issues in Hurstville of course is car parking. It’s really hard to get parking in Hurstville and this has been an issue for some years and it’s something that I have been raising within the Government and seeking to get federal support for. So it’s really terrific that as part of the Government’s broader urban congestion fund that the PM is committing $7. 5 million towards a carpark here in Hurstville. That’s going to make a big difference to people in the Banks electorate and indeed people all around the St George area who come to Hurstville for shopping, to dine out at one of the dozens of great restaurants and for commuting as well.

Really pleased to have the PM back here in Hurstville for this important local announcement today.

PRIME MINISTER: Well thank you very much David and it’s great to be with my neighbour here in Sydney in Hurstville, a place I know extremely well going back a very long time. What I’m here today to talk about is a number of things. Last week, David and I together with Alan Tudge, outlined our serious plan to manage population growth across Australia. Now, we know living here in Sydney, as they do in Melbourne and parts of South East Queensland, in particular, the real pressures that have come with managing population growth and the impact that it can have on Australians' quality of life. Getting home sooner, safer, spending time with family. If you're a tradie, you spend more time sometimes in traffic jams than you do on site and this needs to change and this needs to be properly managed and it needs a serious plan that deals with everything. A sensible and responsible balanced migration program that meets Australia's economic needs as well as our need to manage our growth. It needs a serious infrastructure plan that we've been rolling out now for years, $75 billion rolling infrastructure plan and a key component of that plan was the urban congestion-busting fund that I announced in last year's Budget, of which we are making announcements here today. It's about better coordination between state and local governments, together with the Commonwealth Government, to ensure that we're planning together for population growth, whether that's important health services or education services. And last year, as we went into COAG, we were able to get an agreement from all the states and territories, and I particularly want to thank Gladys Berejiklian for her strong support, as we built together that coalition of both sides of politics, at state and federal levels, to ensure that we were getting a coordinated approach to planning and population management. And of course fourthly, it's about investing in the social cohesion of our cities and our communities, something I particularly want to commend David for, as Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs. We invested some $80 million-plus, $90 million, thereabouts, in new social cohesion measures to bring people together. So we grow together, we don't grow apart as our population continues to move forward.

So today I'm announcing $253.5 million out of the congestion-busting fund for projects here in New South Wales, and that includes $7.5 million for the commuter carparking, the park and ride arrangements here in Hurstville. As David said, getting people onto public transport, getting people off the roads - well, to do that, they've got to be able to get to and park at a train station and that's just not true here in Hurstville, but we're also making announcements in Gosford, for Panania as well and in Woy Woy, all critical commuter suburbs, where people want to take that option of the train and to work together with the state government and how they're improving rail services here in New South Wales, to ensure that that becomes the best choice available for people. And so that $7.5 million we'll spend here in Hurstville I think will benefit many, many Australians and families living around southern Sydney.

Now, on top of that, we are announcing a series of projects, of road projects which includes $95 million for the Horsley drive in south-west Sydney, a widening of the King Georges Road in southern Sydney, which David and I are both very familiar with and that's a $50 million project we're doing with the state government. That's our contribution. Works on Homebush Bay drive of some $50 million. The Blaxland Road at Balaclava Road Eastwood, $4.5 million being put into that. Down my neck of the woods in the Shire, there's Princes Highway, at Waratah Street just near the car yards. These are projects that involve right-turn lanes, they involve dealing with pinch points that actually clog our cities.

This is surgical-like attention to our road network, working with the state government to deal with these real pinch points that cause such frustration for people getting around our city. Our city has enjoyed significant growth here in Sydney, but that growth comes with pressures and it comes with challenges that need to be managed. And so what we're announcing here today are real, practical initiatives that bust congestion, that get families home sooner and safer, that get them to work sooner and safer, and ensure that they can get on site, they can get to where their small businesses need them to be, rather than sitting in traffic jams around our growing city.

So that's what the plan is about. It's not just about a carpark here in Hurstville. It's about a national plan to manage our population growth, which I know Australians are looking for leadership on and we're delivering on it. I'm happy to take questions. Why don't we deal with what we're announcing today and the broader $253 million and there'll be plenty of time to address other matters, which I'm happy to address.

JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, clearly though just how far does this money extend? Like, how much would you get done for the projects there for $250 million? That’s $5.5 million per lane for one kilometre in NSW.

PRIME MINISTER: I think you misunderstand the program. $7.5 million matched by the state government here builds a carpark. Same thing in Woy Woy, same thing in Gosford, same thing over in Panania. If you go down to a small project, only $4 million, which deals with a pinch point in Kirrawee on the Princes Highway at Waratah Avenue, that deals with a significant choke point on our roads. So a quarter of a billion dollars being invested in choke points in our road networks in Sydney, identified by our local members and local communities. I think that goes a long way and it's real money. It's not a promise. It's in the Budget, it’s actually in the Budget. It was in last year's Budget when we announced the overall fund and those funds have been allocated to these projects so they go ahead.

JOURNALIST: Is the state going to match the Federal Government on most of these projects, is that your understanding?

PRIME MINISTER: Yes.

JOURNALIST: How many extra car spaces will this bring in?

THE HON DAVID COLEMAN MP, MINISTER FOR IMMIGRATION, CITIZENSHIP AND MULTICULTURAL AFFAIRS: That'll be worked through with the state government. They're matching the funding. And we'll announce further details in due course but it's a big deal for Hurstville because we very much need more parking.

JOURNALIST: The state government focused a lot on transport infrastructure in their election campaign and commuter carparks are actually a local issue that won them a lot of votes. Is this sort of a strategy that you think is a vote winner, focusing on transport infrastructure?

PRIME MINISTER: Well what it does is it helps people get to work and get home. That's what it does. That's what it is about. We've been announcing these projects around the country now for some time. We've got similar projects, which are running in Victoria as well, which we announced some time ago, quite a while ago, and so it's important that this infrastructure is put in place. I mean... but I stress again the point about managing population growth. Managing population growth is not just about your migration program. It's about all of these things. It's about choke points on roads. It's about commuter carparking stations. It's about, you know, satellite cities like Geelong or Newcastle or Wollongong and how people can have faster connections into the major cities in each of those states. That's how you manage population growth. We've got a serious and comprehensive plan to manage population growth in our cities, to protect the quality of life of Australians, whether they're living in Sydney or whether they're living in Melbourne or they're living in South East Queensland in Brisbane or, indeed, in Perth or the other cities that will face these congestion problems into the future.

JOURNALIST: The Federal Government dealing with roundabouts...

PRIME MINISTER: Yeah. I make no apologies for our government focusing on the things that Australians want us to focus on. I think that's a good plan.

JOURNALIST: As we know, the Australian Government is encouraging young immigrants to work in regional areas such as South Australia and Western Australia.

PRIME MINISTER: Yes.

JOURNALIST: Please let us know the plan of how to allocate skilled migrants, how they could find a job opportunity and support in that regional area?

PRIME MINISTER: You're right to highlight that part of our population management plan is the process to ensure that we are giving greater incentive and greater support for people who are coming to Australia to take up the opportunities that exist outside our big cities, and that doesn't just mean regional areas of the country. It means cities like Adelaide, Darwin, Hobart. In Tasmania, their population is growing now and their economy is strong and there are real opportunities there and we want to provide the opportunity for people who are coming to Australia to see those as real opportunities. There is 47,000 job vacancies in regional Australia. So the opportunities are there and people will go to where the work is and where the services are and we've been able to ensure that there are more visa places in regional areas for skilled visas but on top of that, we're giving more of a say to the states and territories, including here in New South Wales, about how many of those visas they wish to pursue. So states now will go from having less than one-fifth of a say over the program, to say, over almost a third of the program. That's what I mean about state and federal governments working together on our migration program. In the past these two things have been disconnected. We all remember here in this city when Bob Carr famously said Sydney is full. How did that help anyone? They basically stopped building infrastructure and people kept rolling in and Sydneysiders have been living with the consequences of Labor's failed approach to migration and population planning for the decades since. So we're working together with state and territory governments to manage our population and managing the intake of new migrants to the country and encouraging them to take up places, and not just new skilled migrants. It's students as well. Students will get an extra year of work rights if they're studying in regional locations around the country. Eddy?

JOURNALIST: How can it be justified for an MP to spend so much time overseas in a...

PRIME MINISTER: I'm happy to come to those questions but any more questions on urban congestion or parking stations or...

JOURNALIST: … from these skilled migrants who are moving to the regional areas that they can’t find a job there, what has the government done, or will be doing, to help increase these opportunities?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, the state component of the program actually has those incentives built into it. So in South Australia, for example, they have programs to support migrants also finding jobs and settling in South Australia, in Adelaide. In Darwin, in the Northern Territory, they have similar programs. In Tasmania, they have similar programs and there is the normal processes that go around with job placement services that assist with connecting people with work in these areas. Now, you know, we're very familiar with the fact that people know about the economic opportunities in Sydney and Melbourne in particular. But we also know that there's a lot of pressure on our cities and we are going to continue to ensure that there is a positive migration program to Australia, but we're going to ensure that the benefits of that are spread more broadly across the country. OK. So we've got one more here and then one over here.

JOURNALIST: Will the subclasses for the new visas be identified?

THE HON DAVID COLEMAN MP, MINISTER FOR IMMIGRATION, CITIZENSHIP AND MULTICULTURAL AFFAIRS: Yes. So basically it will be the two new regional visas. There's the employer-sponsored, which is basically you need an employer to sponsor you to come to regional Australia. 9,000 spots within that program. And then there's what's known as the state and territory-sponsored which is 14,000 spots under the regional program and there's a strong pipeline of demand both from the states and from employers for those two programs. Basically, what will happen is people will be able to come to regional Australia, work anywhere within regional Australia over a three year period, and then have the opportunity to get permanent residency at the end of that three years. And we think that's really important because, as the PM said, the needs are very different in different parts of Australia. In South Australia, there's a great need for more skilled immigration to help grow that economy, and a lot of gaps in the economy down there. So what this is about is about better balancing the immigration program to be reflective of the different needs around the country.

PRIME MINISTER: We should stress there's no changes to the amount of visas that will be available under the families program. That is maintained. We had a question from this gentleman.

JOURNALIST: I'd like to know if a visa or [inaudible]

PRIME MINISTER: The ultimate incentive that has been working now for many years, when it comes to our regional-based migration programs, is people will need to be there in order to gain permanent residency. And so that is the positive incentive. And that is the great sort of prize to which new migrants are working towards is permanent residency and so this would just basically be a proof of compliance requirement on the individual. If they don't stay outside of the big cities during that period, they won't qualify for permanent residency. These are programs that already have their compliance arrangements. But we are putting in place improved hubs in the regional areas and outside the big cities to better facilitate the migration application process and connect people better to some of the opportunities that exist in the regions. We’re not expecting people to go where there are no jobs. As David just said, we’re expecting people to take up opportunities where there are states that are rebounding strongly economically. South Australia us a great example of that. So is Tasmania, and there are great opportunities there and we want to ensure that our migration program backs in those states that are looking to grow like that , while working closely with states like New South Wales and Victoria and Queensland, where they're looking for a more managed approach to migration.

JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, One Nation - this is about survival for you, isn’t it? It’s about you getting One Nation preferences in order to survive, that’s what it’s about.

PRIME MINISTER: What I said yesterday is people shouldn't vote for One Nation. They should vote for the Liberal Party. I'm in the business of attracting the primary votes of Australians. And what I've been saying to One Nation voters - and I want to be very clear here - when I make comments about One Nation, I'm not making comments about One Nation voters. They're two very different things. Of course what we saw yesterday - and frankly, being drunk is no excuse for trading away Australia's gun laws to foreign bidders - that's the conduct of One Nation officials. What I'm talking about is directly to those who have either voted One Nation in the past, or are considering voting One Nation in the future, that across all of these smaller parties, these minor parties, you won't find those answers there. You won't find a serious program to manage our population growth in the minor parties or in One Nation or any of the others. You won't find it. You won't find answers to Australia's water challenges in these parties either. These are not parties of government. They're parties of grievance. And what we're about is actually responding to, listening to, and meeting these concerns, which are very legitimate, that have been raised by people who are considering voting for these other minor parties. So my message to them is very simple - don't vote One Nation. Don't vote One Nation. Don't vote for any of the other minor parties or the independents. Vote for the party that can actually deliver on the things that you're interested in and don't allow the Labor Party, in cahoots with the Greens, to put the Australian economy on a negative path for the next decade. Because last time the country changed to Labor in 2007, we've been paying for it ever since. It has taken us over 10 years to get the Budget back into surplus. It has taken us over 10 years to get the percentage of people employed in this country back to, and above, the levels that were left by the Howard government. You vote Labor once, you pay for it for more than a decade. That is the history of politics and government in this country.

JOURNALIST: Have Ashby and Dickson actually broken laws? Will you be referring them to the AFP?

PRIME MINISTER: I would expect the law enforcement authorities to take all and every action available to them to pursue any possible criminal offence or unlawful offence. That's what I would expect. That's their job, so I'd expect them to do that. The evidence that has been reported is all out there in the public domain.

JOURNALIST: Should there be a reference?

PRIME MINISTER: I assume they're doing their job, which I expect them to do every day. If there's an unlawful act, I would expect the AFP or other relevant law enforcement authority to take that action and for them to face the full force of the law.

JOURNALIST: Sorry I asked a question earlier and I want to get to it. How can it be justified for an MP in a marginal seat to spend so much time overseas?

PRIME MINISTER: All I can say is George hasn't spent a day in the Philippines since I've been Prime Minister. Not a day.

JOURNALIST: Have you spoken to him about it?

PRIME MINISTER: I endeavoured it contact him actually yesterday but we were both travelling at the time - in Australia I should stress - and I've spoken to the leader of the National Party about it and he's making comments about this as well. But I can tell you it hasn't happened on my watch.

JOURNALIST: It's not a good look. Is it just coincidence that he hasn't been overseas since you became Prime Minister?

PRIME MINISTER: Well all I'm saying is he hasn't and I expect members to be in their electorates doing their job.

JOURNALIST: What briefings have you had from the AFP on their inquiries into his travel?

PRIME MINISTER: I don't know what you're suggesting.

JOURNALIST: Apparently the AFP has enquired into his travel. Have you had any briefings?

PRIME MINISTER: Again, I don't comment on whether AFP briefings exist or don't exist. I think that would be a very reckless thing for a Prime Minister to do in any situation.

JOURNALIST: Do you know what he was doing?

PRIME MINISTER: It's his private business. I don't go into his private business.

JOURNALIST: No crimes have been committed?

PRIME MINISTER: He wasn't travelling there officially, as my understanding was, and so what he does in his private time is a matter for him.

JOURNALIST: It’s not a good look though is it?

PRIME MINISTER: I’ve covered the issue.

JOURNALIST: On the NDIS, s there going to be more money in this year’s Budget for the NDIS?

PRIME MINISTER: The NDIS is fully, 100 per cent funded and every demand, every need that the NDIS has is fully funded in the Budget.

JOURNALIST: There are service providers who say they're having trouble with funding, that they’re being crippled by cost. What do you say to them?

PRIME MINISTER: That the NDIS is fully, 100 per cent funded for now and into the future as it always has been. The board's meeting, as I understand, NDIS board is meeting and they're considering a number of matters that the Social Services Minister has been supportive of the issues they’re dealing with currently and he'll have more to say in the near future about some of those issues reported in the Australian today. But all I can say is the NDIS, I have a passion for, I think people understand the reason for my passion. I don't think there are many Australians who don't have some direct or personal connection with an Australian who lives with a disability. I'm looking forward making the announcement about the establishment of the Disability Royal Commission. This is something I have taken on fully, not in a half-hearted way. The Labor Party thought they could do a Royal Commission on disability without the states for $27 million. That is just ridiculous, that just shows there's no serious policy on the issue. If you were serious, you'd do what we're announcing in the not too distant future. We've been consulting with states and territories on this and you'll get a real Royal Commission from me when it comes to people with disabilities and that's what we'll continue to focus on.

JOURNALIST: [Inaudible]

PRIME MINISTER: What we announced yesterday was responding to the ACCC report. They recommended that there be an underwriting, which I stress is not an investment. It is not an investment of taxpayers' money in any form of energy power generation. The projects we announced yesterday were predominantly gas and hydro projects. There was one upgrade to an existing coal project up in Vales Point and I think people understand that we need to ensure that our existing baseload generation capacity is not lost and that we're able to maintain it for as long as possible, as the further transition in the energy sector takes place. But what we announced yesterday was around 4,000 megawatts of additional reliable generation capacity in Australia that we'd be facilitating, making possible. Now that's, you know, depending on what level of capacity it's running at, that's at least around about two Liddell power stations that we're putting with reliable energy into the eastern energy markets, the national energy market. And on top of that there are investments we've already made in Snowy 2.0, the biggest project other than one other in the Northern Hemisphere in the world today, and the MarinusLink interconnector between Tasmania and Victoria is going to tap the mainland into a very big battery which is the hydropower of Tasmania. They have capacity there to go to about 4,000 or 6,000 megawatts in addition to what they're doing now.

JOURNALIST: What about a yes or no on coal-fired power?

PRIME MINISTER: I announced what the project was. It's an assessment as to whether there'd be an underwriting. That's the next stage of the process the ACCC recommended. In North Queensland what we're dealing with is a very different situation. In North Queensland and Central Queensland, we have to deal with the challenge of supporting big industries up there, in particular the Boyne Island aluminium smelter. So what we're doing is a project to ensure that their reliable energy needs are catered for into the future, so their jobs are secure. Now, the Labor Party has a 45 per cent emissions reduction target. Bill Shorten cannot explain to anyone in this country even the most basic answers to questions on his target. Will he use carry-over credits? Will he not? Will he use taxpayers' money to buy foreign carbon credits to meet his objective? What will be the implications for the agricultural sector? What does it mean for the Boyne Island aluminium smelter? Well, I can answer that one for him. At 45 per cent, and even if he carries over the credits, that's 1,000 jobs. And you know who told me that? The people who work at the Boyne Island aluminium smelter just outside of Gladstone. So Bill Shorten's 45 per cent emissions reduction target - it's reckless. It's going to cost Australians $9,000 a year. It's going to put up the price of their power. It's going to put up the price, reports say, of their petrol. It's going to put up the price of agricultural products in this country, as he hits them with his emissions tax from farm to petrol station to power station, all around the country. That's why the real risk at this election is not of any other minor party. The real risk at this election is that Bill Shorten and the Labor Party would form a government and put our economy on the wrong track. You know, when you face the sort of difficult conditions ahead, you don't hand the economic wheel over to someone who doesn't know how to drive, and that’s Bill Shorten and the Labor Party. Thanks very much.

https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-42227

Australia and Hong Kong pen historic trade deal

26 March 2019

Prime Minister, Minister for Trade Tourism and Investment

Australia and Hong Kong have today signed the Australia-Hong Kong Free Trade Agreement (A‑HKFTA) and associated Investment Agreement, securing more certainty and opportunities for Australian farmers, businesses and investors.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the agreements marked a new chapter in Australia’s close and mutually beneficial relationship with Hong Kong.

“Australian farmers, businesses, service suppliers and investors are the big winners from the certainty this agreement will bring,” the Prime Minister said.

“Hong Kong is our fifth largest source of investment, and a platform market to showcase our premium goods and services to Asia and the world.

“Our complementary economies share the same underlying principles of openness to trade and investment, and this will provide new opportunities for Australian businesses.”

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Simon Birmingham said the agreements would cement a number of important outcomes for Australian businesses and investors.

“Under this agreement zero tariffs will be locked-in on goods, market access will be guaranteed for services suppliers, and conditions for two-way investment will be significantly improved,” Minister Birmingham said.

“We also agreed to a series of cutting-edge rules – particularly on data flows and data storage – to facilitate trade and investment and provide certainty and confidence to Australian investors.

“Modern trading rules on e-commerce including data flows and data storage, financial services, telecommunications, and intellectual property will provide regulatory certainty for Australian businesses and the confidence to make long-term investment decisions.”

Australia now has free trade agreements with seven of its top eight export markets for goods and services, covering close to 70 per cent of Australia’s total trade.

The A‑HKFTA complements the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement and our other trade agreements in Asia, including bilaterally with Japan and South Korea and regionally with ASEAN and through the TPP-11.

The signing of this agreement is another demonstration of the Morrison Government’s commitment to delivering a stronger economy for Australians and creating more jobs through open trade and investment.

The Government is committed to fully ratifying A‑HKFTA as soon as possible so Australian farmers, businesses and investors can start to gain the benefits of this agreement.

https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-42222

Press Conference - Brisbane QLD

26 March 2019

PRIME MINISTER: Well thank you for your patience. Today the Cabinet met and we took further decisions on the action we must take to ensure reliable, affordable, sustainable power for all Australians right across the country. Our goal is very simple - we meet our emissions reduction targets, we keep the lights on and we keep the prices down.

That’s what our approach to these issues is all designed to achieve and that means you’ve got to get the balance right across a whole range of challenges in meeting those goals. It was a recommendation of the ACCC in a report that I commissioned as Treasurer that came back and supported the view that the Government should move to seek to examine projects where they would be in a position to underwrite - I stress not invest in, not provide money to, not provide any taxpayers funds to - but seek to underwrite the price position for particular energy projects that would be necessary to shore up their finance, to allow those projects to proceed. That’s what the ACCC recommended and that recommendation has been widely supported, including by AEMO and others within the energy sector.

This is important to ensure that we get sufficient reliable power generation into the east coast market. We have record levels of renewable investments coming into our markets currently. We have significant capacity in renewables and those renewable projects, into the future, of course will be supported by investment in projects like Snowy 2.0 which provides that firming power, the MarinusLink between Victoria and Tasmania, all of that is important. But equally we need to ensure there is reliable, affordable power.

Now we’ve already made a lot of progress on this. The reliability guarantee that has been adopted by all states and territories now provides the missing link that was present before on the national energy market on the east coast of Australia. This now ensures that reliability of supply is a key factor in the supply of energy to our national energy market. But as the ACCC recommended, we needed to go further.

So today the Government was able to agree a shortlist of projects which will now be examined in closer detail before any final decision is made on any underwriting on the price position for those projects that would assist them to secure their project finance. Now those projects are a mix, those projects have been drawn down from 66 proposals down to a dozen. Those projects will deliver around about 4,000 megawatts, which is about twice the size of what we’re talking about currently at stations like Liddell and other major coal fired power stations. So this is providing reliable power generation. It is across a range of projects in gas, hydro and one very small project which is a coal upgrade project in New South Wales in Lake Macquarie. The other projects are in East Gippsland in Victoria, a gas project; Reeves Plains in South Australia; Gatton in Queensland, which is also gas; in Dandenong, a gas project and also in Port Kembla, a gas project. A series of hydro projects from South Australia, in Lincoln Gap and Baroota, Armidale in New South Wales, Cressbrook Reservoir at Crows Nest in Queensland; projects on the Eyre Peninsula and also in Tasmania.

So we’re talking about a range of projects across the various fuel sources. Our approach has always been to have an agnostic approach when it comes to the fuel source, that’s often been referred to as being ‘technology agnostic’. What we are talking about is ‘fuel agnostic’. Wherever it comes from, we just want what is going to provide the reliability that is necessary. So these projects have been selected to undergo further examination and they’ll be able to present their case, these 12 projects, for us to form a position on using the underwriting mechanism that was recommended by the ACCC.

In addition to that, we have a very specific problem in northern and central Queensland. That is, to meet the very specific industrial needs of north and central Queensland in terms of power usage. That relates especially to things like the aluminium smelter and the other heavy industries in and around Gladstone. They need reliable power and so what we're also commissioning and providing funding for, is a feasibility analysis across a range of projects to see what best can meet the industrial power needs of north and central Queensland. Now, that will engage in a range of projects, which will also include looking at the Collinsville proposal, which is a proposal that has been around for some time. But there is no commitment to underwrite or support any of those projects, we want to do the proper analysis to work out which project or which group of projects actually delivers on the need. See, we spend a lot of time focusing on process on the questions. But what matters? Thousands of jobs in Gladstone matter and those thousands of jobs - particularly in Gladstone, but more generally in central and northern Queensland - those jobs require a reliable power supply. What my Government wants to do, is to ensure that they get that power supply. They get it at the lowest cost and they get it in the best form.

Now, in terms of the plant, the Collinsville proposal is there, that will actually have an emissions intensity which is lower, lower than the current average for the entire east coast grid. So these are projects which at the end of the day, will continue to help us meet all of our emissions reduction targets. None of those are put at risk by this, in fact they're enhanced I believe by what we're proposing here. Certainly at a global level, ensuring that we can keep industries in Australia that operate on a far more environmentally friendly basis here in Australia, than they would if they actually went offshore.

So I want to particularly thank Angus Taylor, the Minister for Energy. I also especially want to thank the Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack and the Resources Minister Matt Canavan, as we've worked together to deliver the outcome that we have arrived at today. I think it strikes the right balance which understands the challenges that our energy markets face in the short term and also over the long term. In the long term, of course we are transitioning to, obviously, renewable base reliable power supplies. That is why we have put so much precedence when it comes to hydro projects and you know where the Government has been heavily investing in those projects.

On another matter, in a few moments I will be meeting with my colleagues, the Minister for Communications, the Attorney-General and the Minister for Home Affairs, with representatives of the major social media companies. My objective is quite simple, particularly in the wake of the terrible terrorist attacks we saw in Christchurch. That is we want the same rules to apply in the online social media world, that exist in the physical world. Now, there are many challenges in this space, whether it's online bullying or predatory behaviour, child pornography, all of these sorts of things. There’s the way that social media is used to try and blacklist businesses and try and shut them down as we're seeing in some parts of the country. There is the way that these sites can be used to put forward very dangerous information for children, who may be susceptible to eating disorders. We're aware of all of those risks and these are important things that need to be addressed. But particularly today, what we will be seeking from the companies is an understanding from them about how they are going to make their products safe.

You know, if you build a car and you sell it in Australia, it has to meet with our standards of safety. The same thing is true when it comes for those who want to provide social media services here in Australia. If they build it, if they make it, then they have to build it and make it safe. Building and making it safe means you can't let a terrorist atrocity be filmed and posted and streamed and be online for 69 minutes. 69 minutes - that’s not acceptable. That has to change. We're keen to understand today, how they will use their great technological capability, which is significant. They can get an ad to you in half a second, they should be able to pull down this sort of terrorist material and other types of very dangerous material, in the same sort of timeframe and apply their great capacities to those very real challenges, to keep Australians safe. So I will be looking forward to understanding from them how they plan to meet these challenges to keep Australians safe.

But I won't be going in empty-handed. We are working on new laws that would seek to apply criminal penalties to companies that don't act in the interests and the safety of Australians. We will have more to say about that at another time. We'll be discussing some of those issues this afternoon. What I'm looking for, is for these companies to come to the table as responsible corporate citizens and to simply make sure their products are safe here in Australia and don't risk our national security.

The third thing I wanted to say to you today is in relation to the revelations regarding One Nation. There are many reasons not to vote for One Nation, it's a long list. We've seen some of those on display in recent times. Today, we saw further evidence of that; where we have reports that One Nation officials basically sought to sell Australia's gun laws to the highest bidders, to a foreign buyer and I find that abhorrent. When John Howard put those laws in under a Coalition Government, they were put in to protect Australians. No law should be up to the highest bidder, and some part of foreign interference. It is our Government that has actually put in place the laws that would make that impossible, at least it would make it unlawful in this country to do that. Those laws took effect on 1 January this year. But the fact that they were prepared to do it - if you're ever wondering why you shouldn't be voting One Nation, there’s a pretty good reason.

See, I'm not interested in getting One Nation's preferences, I'm interested in getting their primary vote. I separate One Nation voters from the One Nation Party. I know that people who have voted for One Nation in the past, have done so because of frustrations on a whole range of issues, issues that do trouble Australians. Managing the population, ensuring that our regions have jobs, that we're dealing with water infrastructure and we're supporting our farmers going through drought. They have been frustrated about these things and we saw some of this in the New South Wales election just on the weekend. The answer is not One Nation, the answer is not to go to those extremes. The answer is the Liberal and National Parties of this country and the LNP here in Queensland. Voting One Nation won't give you a stronger economy. It won't give you a stronger Budget. It won't keep your job. It won't get you a pay rise. It won't manage population growth. They're not a party of Government.

We are a party of Government that is delivering all of those things and that is keeping Australians safe. So I say to the people of Australia who have voted One Nation and are contemplating voting One Nation at the next election, good Australians, inviting them to vote for a party of Government that can deliver on the issues that concern you.

I'm not running to run second or third or fourth. Our Party is running to be returned as a strong Government that is doing the right thing for Australians. So, I believe there are questions to answer by One Nation today, about how they will be dealing with these very serious issues.

So I believe there are questions to answer by One Nation today, about how they will be dealing with these very serious issues. Our gun laws that John Howard put in place under a Liberal National Government have been keeping Australians safe for decades. How dare they seek to trade those for money and votes from a foreign buyer? That's not on. I won't put up with it. That's why I don't want their preferences, I want their primary votes, because that's the right thing for Australia. Happy to take questions.

JOURNALIST: So will you put One Nation last now in the seat of Cook?

PRIME MINISTER: I've already answered that question previously. We will be determining that at the time of nominations closing, because frankly, there are many candidates for who should go last. You won't know all those names and all those individuals and all those parties, until nominations close. I have been very consistent about this. Under our Party's structure, those decisions are made at the time of nominations closing. I said that last week, my position hasn't changed. But I'm not after peoples' preferences, I'm after their primaries.

JOURNALIST: Will you advise the LNP in Queensland to put One Nation below Labor and the Greens?

PRIME MINISTER: I just answered that question.

JOURNALIST: You didn't, Prime Minister, with respect, you didn’t.

PRIME MINISTER: I said we will make those decisions at the time of nominations closing, Stephen, and that’s when we’re going to do that.

JOURNALIST: What will your recommendation to the Party be?

PRIME MINISTER: That will be made known at the time, once we see all the nominations. See, tell me this; Fraser Anning runs a candidate in Queensland in every single seat, who goes last?

JOURNALIST: Will you run him below Labor?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, I’m asking. When we know who all the candidates are, then that's when I will make my decision and the Party will make its decision about where the preferences go.

But let me tell you this about the Greens. We have stopped 15 terrorist attacks here in Australia. The Greens have opposed us on almost every single piece of national security legislation that we have put forward into the Parliament. The Greens are in favour of death taxes. Now do you think the Labor Party should be putting the Greens ahead of the Liberal Party? Fair question. There are plenty of extreme views out there and those extreme views that are a danger to Australia, are not hostage to the left or the right of Australian politics. So I'm not competing for preferences, this is the point that the bubble never understands. I'm in this race as the Prime Minister to be re-elected and the way you seek to do that in this country, is to not squabble over preferences. We saw that with the Labor Party in New South Wales and the Shooters and Fishers Party on the weekend. I mean how long did it take Bill Shorten to denounce the comments made by Michael Daley in New South Wales? One Nation called it out before him, Mark Latham called it out before Bill Shorten did. The Labor Party went to the last election in New South Wales with a leader who said “Asian migrants take your jobs” and Bill Shorten was as quiet as a lamb.

So I'm not going to take lectures from a Labor Party that can't even call out that sort of behaviour from the leader of their party in New South Wales that they wanted to be Premier.

JOURNALIST: On energy in north and central Queensland, is that limited to underwriting or could subsidies be a part of that program?

PRIME MINISTER: In North Queensland, what we’re looking to do is establish what is the most viable approach. There are no proposals for us to invest in those projects. What we have always been looking at is the underwriting provisions that can assist in those projects, gathering finance. But we’ll look at the case studies.

The key point is this; what is the most effective, most sustainable and most affordable and reliable way to save the jobs and keep the jobs of people working in north and central Queensland? We will take the best answer and once we know what that best answer is - and this project will be able to determine that once and for all.

JOURNALIST: So you wouldn't rule out subsidies?

PRIME MINISTER: We have no plans for subsidies at all, no, we don't have such a plan. What we have a plan to do, is work out what's the best project and then work out what is the best way to make that project happen. The only things we presently have in our toolkit are the underwriting powers on price, which is what we would be applying if those other projects were successful.

JOURNALIST: On social media, you mentioned the campaigns to blacklist companies. Is that a suggestion that you would ask social media or require social media to try to crack down on those kinds of ‘boycott movements,’ like Sleeping Giants?

PRIME MINISTER: All I'm simply saying is that social media is often weaponised. Weaponised to damage peoples' business, damage their lives, involve themselves in hatred and any of these sorts of issues. I think they're the negative elements of social media. I'm simply highlighting the fact that that's what happens in this country and it happens in countries all around the world. The one I'm most interested in right now, is making sure that these companies make their products safe by ensuring that, particularly in the case of terrorism, that it’s not weaponised to be actually part of the process of inflicting the terror, not just on a country but on the world.

Thanks very much.

https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-42229

Partnering with Indigenous Australians to Close the Gap

26 March 2019

Prime Minister, Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Patricia Turner on behalf of the Coalition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peak Organisation

An historic agreement is set to change the way governments and Indigenous Australians work together on Closing the Gap.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the new Closing the Gap Partnership Agreement between the Federal Government, states, territories and the National Coalition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peak Organisations (Coalition of Peaks) would ensure decision makers worked closer than ever to deliver real change for Indigenous Australians.

“The Closing the Gap Partnership Agreement will focus all of our efforts to deliver better health, education and employment outcomes for Indigenous Australians,” the Prime Minister said.

“It recognises that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples must play an integral part in making the decisions that affect their lives. This agreement will put Indigenous peoples at the heart of the development and implementation of the next phase of Closing the Gap, embedding shared decision making and accountability at the centre of the way we do business.

“In order to effect real change, governments must work collaboratively and in genuine, formal partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples because they are the essential agents of change. The change we all want to see will only come if we work together.”

The Agreement was developed collaboratively with the Coalition of Peaks, the largest group of Indigenous community controlled organisations, and committed to by all levels of government. It builds on the December 2018 decision by the Council of Australian Governments to  establish a formal partnership on Closing the Gap between governments and Indigenous Australians.

The partnership will include a Joint Council on Closing the Gap, which for the first time will include ministers nominated by jurisdictions, together with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representatives chosen by the Coalition of Peaks.

Minister for Indigenous Affairs Nigel Scullion will co-chair the first meeting of the Joint Council alongside Pat Turner, CEO of the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation and on behalf of the Coalition of Peaks.

“The Joint Council represents an historic step forward in the practical working relationship between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and governments,” Minister Scullion said.

“This is the first time Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representatives and ministerial leaders have met formally as part of a Joint Council to progress the Closing the Gap agenda and improve the lives of Indigenous Australians no matter where they live.

“To support this historic partnership, we will deliver $4.6 million to the National Coalition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peak Organisations to ensure the representatives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians are able to engage and negotiate as equal partners with governments to design and monitor Closing the Gap.

“This is a new way of doing business that reflects that the top-down approach established in 2008 while well-intentioned, did not truly seek to partner with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Australians. We enter this partnership recognising that Canberra cannot change it all and that we need more then lofty goals and bureaucratic targets.

"Finalising the refresh of the Closing the Gap framework and monitoring its implementation over the next ten years is critical to the future and prosperity of all Australians.

“We are committed to working closely with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across Australia to improve the lives of Indigenous Australians.”

Patricia Turner on behalf of the Coalition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peak Organisations said almost 40 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peak Bodies across Australia had come together as partners with governments on Closing the Gap.

“The historic Partnership Agreement means that for the first time Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, through their peak bodies, will share decision making with governments on Closing the Gap,” said Patricia Turner.

The refreshed Closing the Gap framework and targets will be finalised through the Joint Council by mid-2019, ahead of endorsement by COAG. The Joint Council will meet for the first time on 27 March 2019 in Brisbane.

“Closing the gap is not just about targets and programs. It is about making sure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples can share in the decision making about policies and programs that impact on them and have a real say over their own lives.

“The Partnership Agreement is a significant step forward in this direction and the Coalition of Peaks is looking forward to working closely with the Council of Australian Governments to honour our shared commitment to closing the gap.”

https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-42225

Victoria to lead the world in cancer treatment and medical research

25 March 2019

Prime Minister, Minister for Health

The Morrison Government is investing almost half a billion dollars to deliver world-leading cancer treatment for Australian patients, extra hospital infrastructure, more mental health services and new medical research projects.  

The $496 million investment backs Victoria’s position as a global leader in health and medical research and provides new support for patients while creating Australian jobs. 

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said $80 million would help create a new national cancer treatment centre at Peter Mac, providing access to treatments previously only offered overseas. 

“This investment will be life-changing for so many of our sickest Australians, including many children battling cancer,” the Prime Minister said.  

“Our strong economic management means we can provide world-leading treatment options for patients in Melbourne, who have previously needed to travel to the United States to get support.

“Today’s Health and Medical Research Plan cements Melbourne’s place as a global leader in health and medical research, creating jobs while importantly providing support for Australian patients.”  

Peter Mac will also be investing $25 million to create the Centre of Excellence in Cellular Immunotherapy. 

This new national centre will provide CAR T-cell therapy, helping the body’s own immune system to fight cancer and has the potential to cure certain types of cancer.

CAR T-cell therapy involves removing a patient’s T-cells (a type of immune system cell), re-engineering them in a lab and reinserting them back into the body to attack and kill the cancer cells. 

Minister for Health Greg Hunt said the Victorian Health and Medical Research Plan  would support our doctors, nurses and brightest researchers to treat patients and help find new breakthrough cures for cancer through CAR T-cell therapy.

“The Victorian package puts Melbourne at the global forefront of cancer research and gives our patients the best chance of treating and beating cancer.

“This plan builds on the more than 55 per cent increase in Commonwealth funding to Victorian hospitals, record bulk billing and more than 2,000 new medicines subsided under the PBS,” Minister Hunt said.

$30 million will be invested in St Vincent Hospital’s Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery - Australia’s first hospital-based biomedical engineering research and training hub.

This will create a new research facility, which will support more research projects, which are already improving and saving lives.

$16 million will be invested to support the mental health of young people by developing eight new headspace services in Victoria, in addition to the previously announced Wangaratta service.

Australians with cancer and rare diseases will have access to clinical trials no matter where they live, including regional and remote Victoria, with a $25 million investment in the Australian Clinical Trials Network’s TrialHub.

Hospitals in Rosebud, Casey and Bendigo in Victoria will be the first hospitals to partner with the TrialHub.

$25 million will help establish a new national Drug Discovery Centre that aims to turn scientific discoveries into new medicines faster.

The Centre, at Melbourne’s Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, will help bring lifesaving medicines to patients with the help of advanced robotic gear.

$40 million will fund new paediatric emergency departments inside the existing emergency departments of Geelong, Maroondah, Frankston and Casey hospitals. 

This project will develop emergency department facilities that are appropriate for families and children, leading to better clinical outcomes.

$32 million will be invested in a new medical Health Futures to be lead by Peninsula Health and Monash University. The Frankston-based Hub will focus on community health issues including aged care, addiction and mental health.

This will mean that the Mornington Peninsula and Frankston communities will see the direct benefit from research that is undertaken in their community.

Ten new MRI licences will be available across Victoria, which will allow patients to receive life-saving Medicare subsidised scans.  

MRI machines with Medicare eligibility will be available at sites including Epping, Heidelberg, Lilydale, Keilor East, Parkville, Moorabbin, Berwick, Olympic Park, Geelong and Brighton.

An MRI is a commonly used medical scan used by doctors to diagnose and monitor a number of different medical conditions including cancer and trauma or sporting injuries. 

The investment in the Peter Mac Centre of Excellence in Cellular Immunotherapy will see:

• Establishment of capacity and capability to provide more than 200 patients accessing lifesaving treatments for leukaemia and lymphoma cancers or accessing life-changing clinical trials using CAR T-cell therapy and other immunotherapies.

• Over 140 new manufacturing jobs created.

• 15 new clinical and pre-clinical research jobs will be immediately created.

• 1,700 square meters of space will be fitted out with Good Manufacturing Grade clean rooms for cellular immunotherapy manufacturing.

• 900 square meters of space will be fitted out to create a 14 bed/chair clinical unit.

https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-42221

Press Conference with the Minister for Health

25 March 2019

PRIME MINISTER: Australia is the best place in the world to live and the future of our country depends so much on our economy. Why am I saying that today? Because the announcement I am making today, to invest almost half a billion dollars in our medical infrastructure, in our cancer-fighting infrastructure and our health infrastructure here today is made possible because of the strong economy and the Budget management that we’re pursuing. Today I’ve had the chance to talk to Lauren and to Finn and many other patients and it is a devastating prognosis that often attends the diagnosis of cancer. As difficult as all of that is, to see the courage and the hope on the faces of the patients I've met today as a result of what's happening here at Peter Mac, I think is an absolute tribute to everybody who works here, everybody who researches here, everybody who contributes, whether through the Foundation or other means, the volunteers and others who come here and give people hope. Melbourne is leading Australia's fight against cancer through facilities such as this. They're leading Australia's fight in the world today and that is happening right here at the Peter Mac Centre.

So today we are making a series of announcements which will mean that, for Australians who are diagnosed with cancer, the one thankful thing there is in that, is that they can fight it here in Australia, because of the services and the infrastructure and the medical professionals and the treatments that are available in this country, because of the strength of our society and the strength and prosperity of our country. So today we are making a series of announcements; $80 million to establish the Peter McCallum Cancer Centre National Centre of Excellence in Cellular Immunotherapy. This is groundbreaking work that is happening here. This will enable this centre to take its treatment and capability from its current level, to a much greater scale. To reach out and touch the lives of just so many more Australians. I've met Australians being treated here today from Tasmania, from South Australia, from my home town in Sydney, from here in Melbourne. This is a centre for all Australia and this is why our investment here today is for all Australians. But it is very much a recognition of Melbourne leading not just here but around the world in what is taking place here. Very much, if you like, the Boston of the Southern Hemisphere is what we're seeing right here in Melbourne.

As a Government, we are investing here. We are doubling down here. We are backing this centre in and everyone who works here, with this significant investment of $80 million further today. Now, Greg will take you through more of the details of our announcement, which in total funding of some $116 million to the cancer research and treatment programs here, new hospital infrastructure worth some $152 million, including new emergency departments for families and children worth $40 million, focusing particularly on pediatrics. I will ask Dr Katie Allen, our candidate for Higgins to speak more about that as Greg will. Medical research into medicines and treatment of some $112 million. More mental health care, especially for young people, some $16 million and more MRI units for patients when and where they need them, of some $100 million.

This is what you can do when you manage an economy well and we prosper as a country. This is how we can invest the dividend of a strong economy, back into the health and wellbeing of all Australians and recognise the compassion and the brilliance of the people who work here to change lives and give so many Australians hope. It is a great privilege to be here today to be making this announcement a Government committed to the healthcare of all Australians. The person who has made this possible, in leading this announcement today, is Greg Hunt.

Greg Hunt is the best Health Minister a Coalition Government has ever had, his leadership on these issues, his compassion and his dedication to seeing these projects through has never been matched, in my view. We've had a lot of good Health Ministers, I'm pleased to say, but none better than Greg Hunt. I want to commend him for the work that he's done and invite him to make some remarks. Thank you, Greg.

[Applause]

THE HON GREG HUNT MP, MINISTER FOR HEALTH: Thanks very much to the Prime Minister and Katie, to Nicole and your amazing, amazing staff. To Brenda Shanahan and the incredible team from Aikenhead at St Vincent's, along with Tom and others. But above all else, to Lauren and to Finn and to Patrick, whom we met by chance downstairs in the foyer.

Lauren had run out of hope and CAR T-cell therapy gave her hope and gave her life and gave her future. Finn had run out of hope and was in palliative care. CAR T-cell therapy here gave him his life, his hope and his future and the chance to be driven by the daughter, whom he taught to drive. Which he said was the scariest part of all. Patrick, whom I met downstairs, I saw last week at the Epworth Hospital and he is a lymphoma patient who has benefited from a clinical trial of a drug which would otherwise cost approximately $300,000. He has a long, healthy future ahead of him because of this medicine, which we're listing on the PBS as of 1 April. A medicine that nobody, nobody but the rarest few, could ever afford.

So today is about saving lives and protecting lives. It's also about the fact that Peter MacCallum and the Royal Children's Hospital at this precinct and our hospitals and our medical research institutions, are the beating heart of Melbourne and Victoria. When Victorians think of the very things that they're most proud of, our medical research institutes, our hospitals, that's what they turn to and it's our absolute privilege to support that.

So, as the Prime Minister said, there's an $80 million investment here in Peter Mac in bringing the world's leading cancer therapies right here to Victorian and Australian patients. The new National Centre for Cellular Immunotherapies will mean that CAR T will be available here for Australians, but also cellular immunotherapies as they come online. We even met Terry, who was being treated for a hard cancer, a hard tumour, bowel cancer, which is right at the very first stage of trials in humans. We hope, with every fibre of our being, that this treatment will also help him and so many others.

So, Melbourne will help lead the world in terms of its new national centre for cellular immunotherapies. But this is part of a much broader plan. As the Prime Minister said, a $500 million plan, in particular, we're investing in cancer research with $116 million, of which this is the most significant part, with other elements soon to be advised. In addition to that, $152 million for our hospitals, including four new pediatric emergency departments, which are being announced today. They include Geelong and Maroondah and Casey and Frankston, in fact on the advice of the Victorian Government. We're contributing to the work of our research institutions with $111 million. In particular I want to acknowledge Aikenhead and the incredible Biomedical Translation Centre, into which we'll invest $30 million, which will lead to potentially groundbreaking treatment for patients with epilepsy and other conditions. As well as that, $32 million will go to go to Monash University and Peninsula Health for dealing with community primary health, nation-leading research into mental health, addiction and drug and alcohol challenges, as well as ageing. Then finally, a $116 million investment in primary healthcare, $100 million into new MRIs for scans, $16 million into new Headspaces around Victoria, which will make a dramatic difference to people's ability to seek help when they need it and where they need it.

But at the end of the day, what this is about is saving lives and protecting lives. The living proof is Lauren and Finn. I'm delighted to introduce Professor Simon Harrison.

[Applause]

A/ PROF SIMON HARRISON, PETER MAC CANCER CENTRE: Good morning. My name is Simon Harrison and I'm an associate professor, hematologist and researcher here at Peter Mac. It's my privilege to represent the clinical and translational cellular immunotherapy program here both in Peter Mac, Royal Melbourne and the Royal Children's Hospital. Immunotherapies such as CAR T-cell are transformative treatment modalities for patients like Lauren and Finn and they had exhausted all other treatment options. They took the brave step of joining an experiment we call a clinical trial to see whether they can make a difference. They're here with us today because of that decision.

Our patients and the people who participate in these clinical trials are crucial members of the clinical team. Without them these therapies would never be available to others who need them. Today is a remarkable day. In combination with the federal funding, we have contributions from the Hospital and the Foundation, making this $105 million to establish the Centre of Excellence for Cellular Immunotherapies. This is going to transform our ability to be competitive across the world stage and the impact of this investment is going to be felt across the country through our network of collaborators, such as those at Westmead and in Brisbane.

I'd like to thank the Prime Minister, Minister for Health and the Commonwealth Government for their significant, ongoing support of Peter Mac. As part of this process of developing the Centre of Excellence, we're going to establish new research programs focusing on the fast-tracking of new targets and new ideas, to get the body's immune cells to be able to fight cancer. We'll build on the expertise and the clinical and translational research space, leveraging off the strengths in the laboratory research area, led by Joe Trapani and other members of the team. In collaboration with other health institutes across Australia, we're going to be able to run new clinical trials, investigator-led rather than industry-sponsored. This is a great strength across the Australian community. We're aiming to increase our clinical trial program, treating over 50 patients on clinical trials, per year. We're going to expand our GMP-grade clean room for the manufacture of cellular immunotherapy. This is going to dramatically increase our capacity in partnership with cell therapies. We'll increase the number of cell products being able to be produced, from around about 100 to over 1,000 doses per year, creating 150 highly skilled jobs in manufacturing. We're able to also increase our treatment capacity with a new 14-bed unit within the institution.

We're aiming to be competitive in the global landscape, so that Australian patients can have early access to the latest novel therapies and ensure it's affordable in the Australian context. I came to Australia to work at Peter Mac in 2007, because of an opportunity to work in a dendritic cell based immunotherapy trial, developed by my mentor and colleague Professor David Richie, who is the head of the allograft transplant service in Royal Melbourne and Peter Mac. Along with David, I found a unique collection of visionary people, such as Miles Prince and Dominic Wall, who set up cell therapies manufacturing facility 20 years ago, almost to the day, opened by John Howard in March '99. It's Dominic's single minded focus and quality control of manufacture that has enabled us to get a TGA license to manufacture and supply cells here for any clinical trial across the world. We hope this will be extended to commercial products soon. In the research area, Mike Kershaw and Phil Darcy developed Australia’s first CAR T-cell project, developed against the Lewis Y antigen in 2006. Miles Prince led that program and this program is running today, as you heard, in solid tumors. This new trial is run by Ben Solomon as the principal investigator. In 2015, pivotal industry-sponsored CAR T trials were running at Peter Mac, the Royal Children's and Royal Prince Albert Hospital in Sydney. Finnian was treated here in the lymphoma trial by Michael Dickinson and Lauren was treated on the ALL pediatric trial at Royal Children's Hospital by Francoise Michenaud. Both are here today in complete remission, with Lauren focusing more on her acting career than doing what I asked her to do in clinic.

[Laughter]

But ultimately that’s what it’s about. Once again thank you to the Prime Minister, Minister Hunt and your team, the broader Peter Mac team here today and our strategy group, who over the last year have worked on this project to bring our aspirations into reality. Particularly my thanks are to Dominic Wall, Michael Dickinson, John Seymour, our executive leadership team and our collaborators across the country. More importantly I’d like to thank patients and their families for their participation in all aspects of our research program e which allows us to bring our ideas to routine clinical practice. I’d like to invite Lauren to say a few words.

[Applause]

MS LAUREN KRELSHAM: Thank you. So, wow, what an amazing thing we just heard. I’m so excited about his. CAR T-cell therapy has basically saved my life and you know, being a young person who has been battling leukemia on and off since she was seven years old, I’ve been through all the treatments possible in treating acute lymphoblastic leukemia. I can confidently say that CAR T-cell therapy was one of the most efficient, one of the most un-invasive and quickest I guess, treatments that I’ve had that has actually worked. That, like Greg said before, that gave me hope and it has given me hope to live and I’m still hopeful because I haven’t completed my life yet. I’m still quite young and I’ve still got a lot ahead of me. So when I was put into palliative care probably about four years ago, and there was no other options for me, when CAR T-cell therapy came along, I knew I had a life or at least had a chance to life again. That’s what this will provide. This will provide other people, who don’t choose to get cancer, to actually, perhaps have a chance to live and to live the rest of their lives. Because I think that’s a wonderful gift and well done to the Government and to Peter McCallum and also to the Royal Children’s Hospital. Francoise, thank you very much. Great things are happening in Melbourne, I’m so proud to be part of it.

[Applause]

DR KATIE ALLEN, LIBERAL CANDIDATE FOR HIGGINS: I’d just like to introduce myself, my name is Dr Katie Allen and I’ve been a professor of pediatrics here in the Parkville Precinct and I know what it’s like for so many of you, who have been fighting for grants for medical research, but also most importantly, fighting for the outcomes for your patients. The families here and the patients here who have benefitted from all the work that you have done. For me, I’ve often been asked why I’m putting my hand up for a political career and the answer is right here. It’s about being part of a team that is delivering a strong economy and that strong economy is what delivers the funds that help patients and helps medical research each and every day. I know that the Australia research environment has always been very cost effective and very innovative but I think with Minister Greg Hunt, we have a great champion for us. That includes his interest in prevention – as a pediatrician I’m very interested in prevention – mental health and of course, innovation. Today, here, it’s been a total thrill to see this amazing centre and to hear from patients and families who are benefitting from medical research and the innovation that Australia is delivering for patients here in Victoria and across Australia.

I’m particularly delighted in the $500 million investment being made today by the Morrison Government, that it will include $40 million for four pediatric emergency Departments. Pediatric emergency departments enable families and children to have their care in a way that is separated from what is unfortunately rising levels of violence and drugs in main emergency departments. There is investment in separate emergency departments at Frankston, at Geelong, at Maroondah and at Casey and I know that the families and children, who are being served by these fantastic hospitals, will be so delighted by the outcomes, to be able to have a safe and child-friendly environment so that they can get better quicker. It’s been a total privilege to be part of the very exciting presentation today and the investment, the significant investment, the game changing investment in innovation and medical research that is going to help families and patients here in Victoria, but also across Australia. It’s just a wonderful outcome and I’m so thrilled to be part of such a wonderful announcement. Thank you.

[Applause]

PRIME MINISTER: Thank you Dr Allen. So there it is, our Victorian health plan. Well done Greg in bringing this together. We’re happy to take questions on this, I also want to thank the Victorian Government for their work, particularly on working together on those emergency department investments. These are things that we’ve been working closely together on. I think people in Victoria just simply want to see us get on with the job, working closely with the State Government here and that’s exactly what we’re doing with this Victorian health plan.

So let’s take questions on that, particularly while we have the specialists and researchers and the clinical staff who are here on what we’ve announced today. Then of course we can move to other topics and we might excuse our partners, who don’t need to be here for that part of the press conference. 

JOURNALIST: Can I ask Mr Hunt just to put it into perspective - as you know through the mutual [inaudible] United States for this CAR T treatment. If this had been available, she could have had it here, is that how it works?

MINISTER FOR HEALTH: Correct. That’s exactly right, what we’re doing is looking to make CAR T-cell therapy available to all Australian patients for whom their doctors believe it will help them.

JOURNALIST: When will it be, when will the first patient be treated?

MINISTER FOR HEALTH: Simon and I were talking last night and Simon I think has very good news.

PROFESSOR HARRISON: Yeah so patients are being treated on clinical trials here at the moment, for solid cancers and for lymphoma. We’re waiting to hear whether the therapy is going to be approved to be funded by the PBS or MSAC over the coming weeks.

MINISTER FOR HEALTH: So, weeks.

JOURNALIST: What will the cost then be?

MINISTER FOR HEALTH: Well, these are always determined by the medical authorities, but instead of $500,000, it comes down to effectively nothing, or maybe a very minor payment. So, from something nobody could afford, everybody will be able to afford it.

JOURNALIST: Would you make that announcement before the election?

MINISTER FOR HEALTH: It will depend on when the medical authorities complete their assmensne.t But we guarantee and I think it’s very important to say this – that if the medical authorities recommend a drug or a procedure, we will list them. Unfortunately in 2011 when Mr Shorten was the Assistant Treasurer, he stopped listing new medicines.

PRIME MINISTER: Any other questions on this topic? I know it was a very comprehensive presentation and I know you’re all terribly excited about all the detail, it’s all set out in the document here which will be circulated to you and you can get further information from that. I’m sure those here at Peter Mac Centre and others will be happy to assist with any other inquiries. I want to thank them – if there are no other questions - ?

JOURNALIST: You’ve become a resident of Victoria over the last [inaudible]?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, I’m always very happy to be here. I’m continuing my education on the AFL, which I always enjoy and you don’t have to twist my arm to get me to a sporting contest. There’s no shortage of those here in Melbourne and it’s wonderful to be back here today, you're right. Last Friday I was here, announcing the fast rail project to Geelong, we have been announcing congestion-busting projects. But today this is very special; to be able to be announcing this, this is a half a billion dollar investment in the future of Victoria's healthcare. But more than that, to ensure that Melbourne continues to lead the world in the fight against cancer.

I mean what I said; the Boston of the Southern Hemisphere, that's what we're seeing happen here. It's been a long time in the making and the expertise that is gathered around us here today and right across this great city, this is a real hub for this type of activity, which really will stand Australia out. That's why I'm pleased to support it.

JOURNALIST: Do you see Victoria being the battleground of the coming election?

PRIME MINISTER: Just before we go to politics, I'm going to thank everybody here today. Well done, good on you Finn. Finn's a New South Welshman, he's happy with the result too on the weekend. I certainly was. So?

JOURNALIST: The battle ground for the federal election?

PRIME MINISTER: Look, every part of the country matters. Melbourne matters, Bunbury matters, Townsville matters, Alice Springs matters. The whole country is what our Government is about ensuring is stronger. Both a stronger economy, which means we can invest in these essential services that Australians rely on, keeping Australians safe and, of course, keeping Australians together, whether it's in our workplaces, or more broadly in our communities. So, everywhere matters.

JOURNALIST: Will the federal election be held on May 11?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, when I have gone to the Governor-General, then people will know what day the election will be held on. There are several dates it can be held on and that's one of them.

JOURNALIST: Arthur Sinodinos [inaudible] personal income tax cuts in the Budget, can you let us know if there will be anything along those lines, perhaps more than a cup of coffee a week?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, the Budget will be on Tuesday week, tomorrow week. It will be the first surplus Budget that has been handed down in this country since we had a Coalition Victorian Treasurer in Peter Costello 12 years ago. This demonstrates the work that has had to be done over the last five and a half years to get the Budget back into balance.

You vote Labor once, you pay for it for more than a decade. That is what happened back in 2007. Here we are in 2019. That's how long it has taken to get the Budget back into balance, to overcome the serious economic damage and fiscal damage that was done to our Budget last time Labor was in office. I can assure the people of Australia that I'm always for them earning more and keeping more of what they earn.

My record is lowering taxes for Australians. We currently have $144 billion worth of tax relief for all working Australians in this country. And wherever I get the opportunity to give Australians further tax relief, I never miss the opportunity.

JOURNALIST: Do you think this investment today will help you turn things around at the next election in Victoria?

PRIME MINISTER: This investment we're making today is going to save people's lives.

JOURNALIST: Will you strike a compromise on coal with the Nationals?

PRIME MINISTER: The National Party and the Liberal Party work closely together in coalition. We work constructively on all of these issues and we will continue to work constructively to ensure that Australia has a sustainable and reliable energy future. What we are not hearing from the Labor Party is how they are going to meet their emissions reduction targets. I mean the Labor Party has a 45  per cent emissions reduction target. Bill Shorten can't even answer two basic questions; will he use carbon credit carry forward? Because Australia has over achieved, particularly stemming from Greg's work when he was Minister for the Environment, we had a 1.1 billion carbon abatement turnaround. We went from a deficit of over 700 million tonnes to a surplus of 369 million tonnes on our Kyoto 2020 target. We’ll be carrying that forward over to our 2030 commitment. Bill Shorten can't that question; will he use the credits that our Government has earned to meet that target? And will he be using taxpayer money to buy foreign carbon credits from overseas? He can't even answer the two most basic questions when it comes to carbon abatement.

But the big one, even more significant than that is his policies - on the best-case scenario - will cost Australians $9,000 a year. That's with taxes on their electricity, taxes even on hamburgers when it comes to the impact on the agricultural sector. Bill Shorten needs to come clean. He's been Leader of the Opposition for five and a half years and he still can't tell you how he is going to meet his reckless emission target, which will cost Australian families dearly, whether it’s at the petrol pump, in takeout or in paying the household electricity bills.

JOURNALIST: Can we expect a coal deal with Michael McCormack [inaudible]?

PRIME MINISTER: We'll continue to work constructively with the National Party, because we are part of the one government and we always come to resolutions on important issues for Australia's future, including on that.

JOURNALIST: [Inaudible] using Daniel Andrews quite a bit in the election campaign, will you be calling on Michael O’Brien to help you out down here?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, I'm working with the Victorian Government and I welcome Michael O'Brien's support as well. At the moment, I'm delivering infrastructure with Daniel Andrews and here today we're delivering pediatric emergency departments with Daniel Andrews. I think that people in Victoria just expect the Premier and the Prime Minister to work together. I notice when I was here the other week, they called us travel buddies when it came to the Melbourne Airport link. Well, that’s true, I'm very happy to work with Dan Andrews on the infrastructure and the health services that Australian need here in Victoria. I think we've demonstrate add very productive working relationship and I thank him for that.

JOURNALIST:  What’s your personal view on whether the LNP should preference One Nation?

PRIME MINISTER: I've already answered that question in an extensive interview last week. We're not doing any preference deals. Our Party has its process for doing determining those issues at the time of nominations closing. Thanks very much.

https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-42252

Territorial defeat of Da’esh

24 March 2019

Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Minister for Defence

The Australian Government welcomes the announcement by the Syrian Democratic Forces of the territorial defeat of Da’esh.

The last remaining civilians under Da’esh control in the Middle Euphrates River Valley have been liberated, and the task of removing Da’esh’s control of territory in Iraq and Syria has been completed.

The territorial defeat of Da’esh has been achieved through the tremendous courage and sacrifice of Iraqi Security Forces and Syrian Democratic Forces, who have operated with Coalition backing.  Civilians in Syria and Iraq have displayed incredible resilience to overcome the brutality of Da’esh occupation.

The Government commends the professionalism and dedication of Australia’s deployed forces who have made an important contribution to operations against Da’esh forces as part of the 79-member Global Coalition to Defeat Da’esh.

Since September 2014, Australia has made one of the most significant contributions to the Global Coalition. Since the start of operations, on average, around 600 Australian Defence Force personnel are deployed at any one time to the Middle East as part of our support to the coalition.

Despite the significance of the milestone represented by this territorial defeat, it does not represent the end of the fight against Da’esh nor the extremism it embodies. Da’esh continues to pose a security threat in the Middle East region and beyond, including through the propagation of its extreme ideology.

Australia continues to assist the Iraqi Security Forces, at the request of the government of Iraq, to address the continuing threat from Da’esh. This includes Australia’s training mission at Taji near Baghdad, where Australian and New Zealand soldiers have to date trained more than 42,000 members of the ISF in their fight against Da’esh.

Australia will continue to work closely with Coalition partners and the wider international community, using a range of measures, to counter Da’esh.

https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-42219

$300 million to help Northern Queensland farmers get back to business faster

23 March 2019

Prime Minister, Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Minister for Emergency Management and North Queensland Recovery

The Morrison Government has announced further support for flood-affected North Queensland farmers, providing them with up to $400,000 for restocking, replanting and on-farm infrastructure across two new grants.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the restocking/replanting and on-farm infrastructure grants mean primary producers will have access to cash to start rebuilding their farm businesses when the time is right.

“This seed funding is about helping people get back on their feet faster.

“Locally operated family holdings will have access to up to $400,000 through two grant programs - one for restocking and replanting, and the other to replace on-farm infrastructure lost and damaged during the floods.

“When I visited Cloncurry I met with families who have been on the land for generations, building up their herd.  This is going to take years to recover from.

“We will keep working on this, there’s more to do,” the Prime Minister said.

The grants were initiated by the newly-established North Queensland Livestock Industry Recovery Agency, led by The Hon Shane Stone, AC QC.

“Shane has been on the ground meeting with primary producers in the Cloncurry and McKinlay shires. He came back to me with this practical assistance.

“The money needs to be made available as soon as possible. I understand these producers don’t have time to stuff around, we need to make this simple,” the Prime Minister said.

We will work with the Queensland Government to ensure the programs are administered through existing mechanisms to make it as easy as possible for farmers to access the funds.

Farmers will contribute 50 per cent of the total cost, and the Morrison Government, through these grants, will provide the remainder up to $400,000.

Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, the Hon David Littleproud MP said without support, a significant part of Australia’s vital agricultural industry will struggle to recover.

“Many of the primary producers affected by these floods had also been dealing with years of drought. They’ve already shown great strength and resilience.”

Minister for Defence Industry, Emergency Management and North Queensland Recovery, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC, said these grants not only help primary producers to recover sooner, but stand to yield a significant benefit to local economies across a range of sectors.

“I have travelled throughout North Queensland to the hardest hit areas to speak with local mayors and graziers about what they need to get back on their feet,” Minister Reynolds said.

“Responding to this unprecedented disaster, which has decimated an industry that is vital to the survival of the local economy, demands a unique response.

“There is a lot more work to be done but this significant contribution is a critical first step for long term industry-wide recovery.”

Today’s announcement builds on the already almost $200 million in immediate assistance committed to people affected by extensive flooding in North and Far North Queensland earlier this year.

https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-42218

Doorstop, Geelong

22 March 2019

THE HON SARAH HENDERSON MP, ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR SOCIAL SERVICES, HOUSING AND DISABILITY SERVICES: Well good morning everyone. This is an incredible day for Geelong for Corangamite and for the entire south west of Victoria. It's wonderful to have the Prime Minister here, of course Josh Frydenberg, Dan Tehan, Alan Tudge, all together announcing this incredible investment for fast rail, something that I've advocated for a very long time. Prime Minister, I am absolutely thrilled, this is game-changing investment. What this demonstrates is that we're getting on with business, getting things done. I'd now like to welcome the Prime Minister to make the formal announcement.

PRIME MINISTER: Well thanks very much Sarah and congratulations to you. You've been a champion for your community every single day, for important infrastructure projects all over this wonderful part of Australia. Today we're announcing $2 billion dollars for faster rail to connect Geelong to Melbourne. Now this project is part of a broader population plan that I announced this week together with Alan Tudge, to ensure that we're planning for Australia's future population growth.

These are the big challenges we're facing as a country. What comes with growth is the need to plan for growth and to build for that growth. That is what we're doing right here with this project. Part of our population plan is not only to get the migration settings right, not only getting the planning right working with state and local governments and not only investing in social cohesion projects that build the social fabric of our society to make sure that as we grow we grow together and we don't grow apart; the key to all of this is ensuring we have the infrastructure projects, which as Sarah said, are game-changing. They make choices available to Australians that they currently don't have. The opportunity for a half hour rail trip between Geelong and Melbourne will change not only did not Geelong and Corangamite, but it will also change Melbourne. Because it will provide the opportunity for satellite cities to take the pressure off those who are living in Melbourne and at the same time open up new opportunities for those who are living in these rapidly-growing parts of south eastern Victoria and southern Victoria.

So this is part of a bigger plan today, as Alan will talk more about. We're also putting in place a series of further business cases into other fast rail projects, to demonstrate that this is part of a broader initiative. This isn't just one rail project in one part of Victoria. This is part of a plan to manage our population growth into the future.

Now we have a plan for doing that. We have a plan that embraces all the things you need to do to get on top of the pressures that Australians are feeling in our big cities. I want Australians to get home on time and safely, to spend time with their families. I want tradies to be able to get on site on time and be able to earn on site, because they don't get stuck in traffic jams. I want those who live in places like Geelong to be able to have a reasonable commute, to ensure that they can get home on time and they can get to work without having to get up well before dawn.

So this is going to make real choices available to people here in Geelong and Corangamite. It's going to make real choices for people available on the Gold Coast, real choice available to those living south of Sydney in Wollongong. We already have also projects underway and being assessed as business cases, up to Newcastle. This is how we manage the growth of our cities into the future and that's how we can seize the opportunities for Australians all around the country.

Now, none of this would be possible if Australia was not running a strong economy under our careful stewardship. We are facing many challenges in our economy at present. The last thing you do when you're facing these uncertainties, is hand the wheel to people who don't know how to drive, which is the Labor Party when it comes to managing a budget and managing the economy. In less than two weeks, Josh Frydenberg will hand down the first surplus Budget in 12 years. The last surplus budget was delivered by a Victorian Treasurer of the Liberal Party, Peter Costello and the next one will be delivered by a Victorian Liberal Treasurer in our Government. That will be in less than two weeks time and it’s because of our careful stewardship of the Budget and the economy that we can invest in this project. I’m going to ask Josh to talk a bit about that and I’ll ask Alan to talk about the broader plans that we’re putting in here for fast rail and we’re announcing today. But it all adds up to one thing; that is more choices for Australians, because we’re planning for future population growth. Josh?

THE HON JOSH FRYDENBERG MP, TREASURER: Well thanks, PM, thanks for your leadership in supporting this visionary project. It's great to be here with Sarah Henderson, nobody works harder in the Parliament for her local community than Sarah. So congratulations to you and Alan, you've shown enormous hard work, dedication and vision for the work that we're now seeing in this congestion-busting infrastructure. And Dan Tehan who is a great local advocate for his community, but also for state-wide and nationwide infrastructure. Well, as a proud and passionate Victorian, I'm particularly pleased to see the Federal Government invest in this important Victorian infrastructure project. It will create jobs. It will bust congestion and it will unlock the potential of our regions. As the Prime Minister said, it can only be done with a strong economy. Its one of many projects we have throughout the country, with our $75 billion infrastructure plan.  That is only possible through a strong economy.  So thank you Prime Minister, thank you colleagues. This is a great Victorian project and this will be great for the workers, their families and the businesses of Victoria.

THE HON ALAN TUDGE MP, MINISTER FOR CITIES, URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE AND POPULATION: Thanks PM and colleagues. This project will change Melbourne and Geelong forever. I'd like to take you through just some of the specifics in relation to this $2 billion investment and how it fits in with the broader fast rail plan.

The $2 billion investments will allow the construction of fast rail from Melbourne to Geelong, which presently takes about 60 minutes. But it's a heavily congested rail route and particularly through Wyndham, Tarneit and through to Sunshine. Once completed it will enable a 30 minute journey. So that means if you're going to the footy, like tonight for the big game, you could get there in half an hour rather than battling the traffic on the freeway.

Now most of the money would be spent duplicating the rail from Sunshine through to Wyndham Vale, a dedicated line for this. Then it would connect up to the existing line, but a further couple of billion would be required in order to upgrade that, for better signalling, better railway stations and other things. So we estimate it will cost in the vicinity of $4 billion dollars all up, that’s the expert estimate from our federal department. As the Prime Minister said, this is the first cab off the rank for fast rail. Over the next couple of decades, we have to have fast rail which connects up from our orbital cities to our large capitals of Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane particularly. This is part of our population plan, because when you connect up those orbital cities with fast rail, it means you take the pressure off the big cities and enable further growth in those orbital cities surrounding those big capitals.

That's exactly what our medium and longer term plan is designed to do. Now to achieve that, we're putting in place the architecture right now. That includes setting up a fast rail agency which will be able to provide ongoing advice and assessments. We're also investigating and putting $40 million into five additional business cases for five additional corridors. Now that includes two additional ones right here in Victoria, down to Traralgon and also up to Wodonga. Those business cases will take approximately 18 months to complete and following the completion of the business cases, we are then in a position to be able to determine what our next priorities should be.

So it's not just this project, but it's a comprehensive fast rail plan which of course it sits as part of our broader population plan. I just conclude by also thanking you Sarah for her advocacy, particularly of this particular rail link. She has been advocating for this for as long as I can remember Sarah. It is a great day for Geelong for the people here, but it's also a great day for Melburnians as well, because projects like this work in concert with how other migration settings and other settings to take that pressure off Melbourne, to enable the growth of the regional cities such as Geelong. In doing so, you help Melbourne, you help Geelong and you help Australia.

PRIME MINISTER: Okay happy to take questions, but I do want to say just before that, this is a project that has also been highlighted and a lot of work is being done by the State Government here in Victoria. In the same way that over the past year, we've been able to work together to get to the heads of agreement on the Melbourne Airport Rail Link, this is a project that Dan Andrews and I have discussed in our meetings in the past. I know it has been a priority and they've done a lot of work on this project and it's that work that is being done by the State Government that enables us, I think, to come together. Now the details have obviously got to be worked through, that's no different, just as it was with the Melbourne Airport Rail Link, to determine the preferred route and things like that.

So I look forward to working with Dan Andrews on this and we worked well together when it came to the Melbourne Airport Rail Link. These two projects connect up together as we said at Sunshine Station where I stood with the Premier just over a week or so ago. So we look forward to working with them and learning from the work that they've already done. I think it'll be a great project. Two governments, yes, from different political persuasions, but able to just get on and deliver things for people in Victoria.

JOURNALIST: What sort of monetary commitment do you require from Victoria?

PRIME MINISTER: It's a 50/50 project.

JOURNALIST: And they’ve agreed to that?

PRIME MINISTER: Well this is the discussion we now have. It’s the same arrangement we were able to come to on the Melbourne Airport Rail Link, so this is something they've already been doing planning on. They have already put I think around $50 million into doing that work, so I don't think they'd be doing that if they weren't anticipating making major investments in this area, of that order.

JOURNALIST: How different is this to Matthew Guy’s promise last October, it's very similar?

PRIME MINISTER: What this is, as I said, is part of a national population management plan. That's what this is about. This isn’t just one-off projects, this is a project that is part of many other projects and a plan to manage population growth into the future, that understands to take the pressure off our fast-growing cities, you need be able to improve your links with your satellite cities around the country. Whether it's here with Melbourne linking up to Geelong or in Sydney connecting up to Newcastle, or connecting up to Wollongong or even out west or it's in Brisbane connecting up to the Sunshine Coast or down to the Gold Coast. These are the areas, in those three major cities in Australia, where there is real population pressure, which is putting strains on people's quality of life. You've got to have a plan to deal with all of that; your migration settings; the investments in the social fabric of your community so they grow together, not apart; the planning alignment between state and local governments and the Commonwealth Government which I put in place last year in December. We went to COAG and had great support from all the Premiers, including Dan Andrews here in Victoria and of course Gladys Berejiklian in New South Wales, where our coordinated planning in that state has been delivering record infrastructure investments, which I think, has commended her Government to re-election tomorrow. Just getting on with it and building the infrastructure my home state and her state needs. But we're doing the same thing here in Victoria and we'll work closely with the Andrews Government.

JOURNALIST: Is $4 billion enough to actually do this though?

PRIME MINISTER: That's what business cases are for. That's our understanding at the moment and if the costs are greater than that, then we'll have to address that at the time. But you don't get these things started, the train never leaves the station unless people get on board and it starts moving. That's what we're doing here today; $2 billion of serious investment, a business case to be developed, working closely with the State Government. That's what makes these things happen. This is where these projects genuinely start. They start right here, right now, by making these commitments and then getting on with it.

JOURNALIST: [Inaudible] cost nearly $4 billion and is at capacity already. It's actually slower to get from Geelong to Melbourne now than it was even 50 years ago. Surely it's going to cost a lot more?

MINISTER FOR CITIES, URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE AND POPULATION: These were the estimates from our experts in the Federal Infrastructure Department. It involves in essence three components, one from Southern Cross Station to Sunshine Station and that is being upgraded as part of the $10 billion commitment to the to the Airport Rail. So that's the first piece. The second piece is from Sunshine Station to Wyndham Vale. That would be a duplication of that rail line there and that costs, the experts in the Infrastructure Department say, about $2 billion. Then the remaining amount of money would be for the rest of the rail line which is utilizing the existing rail line, but it needs to be upgraded to be able to go faster. You need better traffic signalling, you probably need some upgrading to the stations as well. So that's the estimate from our experts in Canberra. They do estimates right across Australia on these types of things, but as the Prime Minister says, the detailed business case will provide further information. That will be coming to a conclusion soon. The State Government has got $50 million towards that and we want to be able to see what that says as well, in order to determine what the final cost will be.

JOURNALIST: [Inaudible]? 

MINISTER FOR CITIES, URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE AND POPULATION: So that's the estimate for all of the upgrades, right? So it's going to be as I said, additional tracks from Sunshine through to Wyndham Vale and then upgrading the line, including traffic signalling and looking at some of those things as well.

JOURNALIST: That’s not clear, is that a yes or a no?

MINISTER FOR CITIES, URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE AND POPULATION: It basically enables the project to be done so that you get an average speed of 160 kmph. That's what the estimates are based on. It means that you're going faster in some locations, up to 200 kmph and then obviously slowing down if you're stopping at a particular station. But I would expect there would be some express routes as well.

PRIME MINISTER: What we're doing today is starting the process with serious money down. There will be many decisions that will have to be taken on the detailed planning of this route. When we announced the Melbourne Airport Rail Link about this time last year in fact, before the last Budget, with real money, we said we had to go through the process, working with the State Government, to identify the preferred route and all of these technical questions. Now that's the work that now needs to happen. You know, you can't get a fast rail at the drive through, I mean this is not a fast food process we're engaged in here, this is one of the most significant regional rail infrastructure projects that Victoria has seen.

So we will do the homework with the State and Territory governments. We will do the consultation with communities and we will deliver the project together. I understand, there will be many, many questions and they'll have to be resolved through that process. That's why you start a process. That's why you answer those questions in consultation with the community and the partners in the project. Then you get on and get the job done.

JOURNALIST: [Inaudible] funding, how soon could we see this happen, if that has still all got to be done?

PRIME MINISTER: Well if we have a good run and everybody can work well together - I mean Alan was saying yesterday that we could be at the start of construction within a couple of years, if not sooner. But that really depends on how the process unfolds. You've got to commit to the process to get the right answers. This is a piece of infrastructure that will be benefiting people in Victoria both in Melbourne and here in Geelong and Corangamite for decades to come. So you want to get the planning right. You want to get it right, you've got to be considered about it and you don't want to rush a start at the risk of actually compromising the usefulness and effectiveness of the project for the longer term.

JOURNALIST:  Does this commitment include money for new rolling stock? 

MINISTER FOR CITIES, URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE AND POPULATION: The estimate of the $4 billion is for the construction of the rail and obviously the rolling stock is the responsibility of state governments.

JOURNALIST: Prime Minister what is the message that the unionists over the fence are sending to the Geelong community?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, I just heard them chanting; “union power’ union power”. I mean that's what the future of this country looks like under a Shorten government; militant unions turning up and shouting at ordinary Australians, while we're simply here trying to create jobs and build projects that improve the livability of our cities into the future.

TREASURER: Exactly right.

PRIME MINISTER: Bill Shorten is about union power. He doesn't run the unions, the unions run Bill Shorten. You can see that on display behind me right now. This is what you have to look forward to under a Shorten government, these shouty “union power” voices deciding the future of Australia and the decisions they make. I mean Sally McManus turns up a shadow cabinet meetings, I don't know if you know that. The head of the union movement sits down with the shadow cabinet to determine their decisions with the Labor Party shadow cabinet. Now, that's not how we run. The Labor Party are driven by union power, you've heard them declare it themselves, right here today. Their message to the people of Geelong is they’re not interested in your jobs, the union movement. The union movement is not interested in their jobs, they're interested in just sheer power.

JOURNALIST: They’re carrying eggs.

PRIME MINISTER: I heard they were and I’m sure that may have been their intention. But I'm sure that, hopefully, better sense prevailed.

ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR SOCIAL SERVICES, HOUSING AND DISABILITY SERVICES: And Prime Minister can I just also say that it is really regrettable that we haven't seen bipartisan support for this incredible investment this morning. I would have thought that the Labor Party would have come out supporting this amazing investment for our region. I'm talking about local Labor MPs, we have seen just the opposite here this morning, which for Geelong, is disappointing. But as you say we're just getting on with it, for jobs and families.

PRIME MINISTER: And we’ll stick to it.

ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR SOCIAL SERVICES, HOUSING AND DISABILITY SERVICES: This is a great celebration for Geelong and a great celebration for Corangamite.

PRIME MINISTER: And we will work with all good-natured people to get the project done.

JOURNALIST:  The Opposition and the State Labor Government may not have known about this in time to be here?

PRIME MINISTER: Well I gave a heads up to Dan last night. This is a long process and we have discussed this project before. So what we're doing today is announcing our intention to commit to this project, $2 billion. Then, if further investment is required after business cases, that will be considered at that time. We're starting a process here I look forward to working with Dan Andrews and the State Government to be able to take this project forward. I believe they're committed to it. They wouldn't have put $50 million into a feasibility study if they weren't. Just like we've been able to demonstrate on the Melbourne Airport Rail Link, our governments can work together and we'll continue to work together.

Yesterday I was out at Racecourse Road in Pakenham and there, we have a project where the State Government is building the flyover and we're widening the road. That's an example, another one, of just the simple planning and cooperation that exists between the State Government here in Victoria and my Government at a national level. That's what people expect. They expect us to work together. They don't expect, you know, people to be turning up and shouting behind announcements like this.

[Unionists shouting]

Well, there they go again, right on cue. That's not what Australians want, they want Australians to work together to deliver important projects like this.

JOURNALISTS: Minister just on the fast rail, how frequently would you like to see these trains run?

MINISTER FOR CITIES, URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE AND POPULATION: That will be determined by the business case process, but there is enormous demand already as you probably know. So when the existing trains go from Geelong all the way through to the city at the moment, often the people at Wyndham Vale and Tarneit can't get on because they’re already full. That is by the time you get to the edge of the city, they're into densely suburban area and that area of course is growing. So we will need frequent services. I imagine there will be express services as well as some services which will have some stops at some of the larger stations along the way.

JOURNALIST: Wyndham Vale and Tarneit is that where they would stop?

MINISTER FOR CITIES, URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE AND POPULATION: That will have to be determined but I can envisage, as I said, you'd have some express services but also some stops along some of the major stations. Perhaps at Wyndham Vale, perhaps at Tarneit and perhaps at Sunshine.

TREASURER: I just want to reinforce, to re-emphasise that as the PM said, this is real money for a real project that will be in our Budget to be delivered on April 2. This is a federal commitment for a vital Victorian infrastructure project, this is $2 billion in the federal Budget for this project to become a reality.

PRIME MINISTER: On that note Josh has to get back to delivering that Budget. It's going to be the first surplus budget in 12 years, Josh great work. This will be a significant part of the announcements on Budget night as part of our plan going forward. I've also got an important job to do today, I've got to get back there and vote for Gladys Berejiklian back in New South Wales and I'm looking forward to doing that.

Thank you very much.

https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-42220