Media Releases
Press Conference
25 July 2019
Prime Minister
PRIME MINISTER: I’m conscious that we’ve got divisions going on in the House, so excuse me if I have to return to the Chamber. I just want to start by saying last night I had the opportunity to talk to Boris Johnson and to congratulate him at that time on being the elected leader of the UK Conservative Party. Of course, since then he has now become the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. We are going to have a very strong relationship. I am looking forward to spending time with him and meeting with him at the G7 next month, and we are both looking forward to that opportunity. Moving very quickly, when the opportunity presents, to be able to move to an agreement between the United Kingdom and Australia on trade. We will be one of the first cabs off the rank, as has been the case in our discussions with the UK for some time. This is a time of change for the United Kingdom, and I think the new Prime Minister will bring a new opportunity, I think, to resolve what had been some very difficult issues, and that it is in the interest not only of the United Kingdom and Europe to be able to resolve these matters, but for the broader global economy to get some resolution on these issues. So I wished him all the best on those matters, and it was good to be able to catch up with him last night and I look forward to our meeting.
But the purpose of being here today is to say that when it comes to the public service, that is the engine room through which a government implements its agenda. And I have always had the good experience of working with the public service in providing very clear direction and leadership to the agencies I have worked with that enabled them to get on with the job. And I have always seen the public service at its best when it is really getting on with things. I have had that experience in multiple portfolios, and as Prime Minister, I have seen it in the eyes of our public service officials when they are responding to difficult challenges. The North Queensland floods, I think, was a very good example of our public service at its best, responding to people's needs, understanding what needed to be done, getting rid of barriers that were in the way of them helping people.
So when it comes to the public service, my view is to respect and expect. Respect their professionalism, respect their capability, respect what they can bring to the table and what they can do, and expect them to get on with the job of implementing the Government's agenda. That has always been my approach in working with the public service, across many portfolios, including as Prime Minister. The Thodey review is in its final stages, but I have already made it clear in speaking to all the secretaries of all departments - in fact, even before I swore my Ministry in - what my expectations were. And this is of a very public-facing public service. A public service that is very focused on the delivery of programs, whether it is in our infrastructure programs and the pipeline of support to the states to get those projects happening. In water infrastructure, in delivering in the government services agenda where we have a new Minister responsible for Service Australia, Government Services Australia.
These are the initiatives I want to see the public service focus on. Implementation, implementation, doing. And it's not just the regulations that can frustrate investment and getting services to people, whether it is Indigenous remote communities, supporting our veterans, or delivering education services in our major capital cities. It's just not the funding and the regulations that can frustrate this. It can just be the practices of administration within the bureaucracy. And I know that frustrates the bureaucracy as much as it can those who are expecting and waiting on those services. So that's the culture of service that I want to see in the public sector, and that is the approach I'll be taking and working closely in partnership with the Secretaries.
Now, you've seen that following the election, the Secretary of Prime Minister and Cabinet and I have agreed that it is an opportune time for new leadership of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet. I want to start off by thanking Dr Parkinson for his service to Australia. Not just as the secretary of Prime Minister and Cabinet, but long service to Australia. And he has been a respected public official and senior secretary in this town for a very long time, and that remains the case in terms of the respect that he is held by me, my Ministers, the Government, and I think all of those who work professionally in this place.
We agreed it was time for some new leadership there, but going forward, I will continue I’m sure to call on him from time to time as I suspect other Ministers will, in meeting difficult challenges and issues in the future. But I particularly want to thank Martin for his great support and friendship to me over the past 12 months, almost, in coming into this role, and to thank him and his department for the support he has given to our Government. In putting a new set of leaders in place, I will be appointing Phil Gaetjens as the Secretary of Prime Minister and Cabinet. Phil has forty years of experience, state and at a federal level. He has been more closely involved in central agency planning and budgets than most people around this town, at all levels. Again, at a state and at a federal level. How we work with state governments is absolutely critical to my agenda. As you know, I have worked closely with Phil in the past. I am looking forward to working closely with him again, and I am looking forward to what he will bring to the delivery of the Government's agenda, and ensuring it is well understood across the public service, and that we are getting on with the job of delivering on that agenda.
To replace Phil at Treasury will be Dr Kennedy. He will be coming in from the infrastructure portfolio. He is an outstanding public servant and official, highly respected. I think he has done a tremendous job, and I know the Deputy Prime Minister shares that view for the work that he has done at infrastructure in pulling together and rolling out our $100 billion infrastructure plan over the next decade. They both have experience working in the political realm as well. Stephen has obviously worked on the Labor side, Phil has worked on the Coalition side.
This is about merit, this is about people that know how to get a job done, and people have earned the respect for the roles that I believe that they will now be able to serve in. How our public service works, how our Government sector works, has an important role in boosting productivity in this country. Productivity Commission actually highlighted that in their Shifting the Dial report which I commissioned when I was Treasurer. So I want to see the public service able, equipped, supported, backed-in, respected, to do the job that I expect them to do.
JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, appointing your former senior adviser as the head of the bureaucracy will inevitably be seen as a politicisation of the bureaucracy. How can you give an undertaking that that traditional break between departmental officials and the political wing of government will be maintained?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, in the same way that previous Labor Prime Ministers have been able to give that same obligation and accountability and commitment to the Australian people in the numerous appointments they have made of everyone from Don Russell, to Mike Pezzullo, to Tim Lee, to Jody Fassina, to Geoff Fary, Ruth Kearon, Paul Grigson, Jan Adams, Chris Moraitis, Richard Maude. This is not uncommon, that people who have worked in the political sphere and the bureaucratic sphere, because it is both. And where they have that experience, I think that aids them well in the tasks that they have.
In the secretaries that I currently have working under the Coalition government - Rosemary Huxtable, Steven Kennedy, Mike Pezzullo, Chris Moraitis, Daryl Quinlivan, Mike Mrdak, Frances Adamson - all of them have served in both political roles for Labor and are doing an outstanding job for me in the secretary roles they have. It is about merit and it is about quality. And in the two appointments I have announced today, I believe they are two men that have done an extraordinary job and have earned my trust and my respect and the respect of my Government.
JOURNALIST: You stressed implementation a number of times in your opening remarks, Prime Minister. But you haven't mentioned the important advisory role of the public service. Do you think that this role is somewhat in the background these days? That implementation is their primary role?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, let me explain to you what I mean by implementation. It is the job of the public service to advise you of the challenges that may present to a Government in implementing its agenda. That is the advisory role of the public service. To highlight, and they do. But the Government sets policy. The Government is the one that goes to the people and sets out an agenda, as we have, which the Governor-General articulated in some precision when the Parliament was brought back together. That's the agenda that we are implementing, that's the agenda we were elected to get on and do. The public service will rightly, and always do, in my experience, be very full and frank in what they say to me as a Prime Minister and what they have said to me previously as a Minister. But once the Government policy is set, it's their job to implement it, and that is what the Australian people expect.
JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, are these two appointments the extent of the changes you are looking to make, or are you looking to make further changes in the public service?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, I will always reserve that right to make further changes where I believe they are necessary. I think these are the ones that are necessary right now. We will have an acting secretary in infrastructure until such time as we make a permanent appointment in that area, but these are matters that I am looking at closely. I am working closely with all the secretaries of all departments and agencies, and I look forward to that continuing. I am obviously consulting closely with my Ministers as well about the best set of arrangements that we can put in place. But when it comes to PM&C and Treasury, I think you'll all agree they are fairly central agencies but we will continue to work with the others as the Government dictates.
JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, bureaucracy isn't the only place where you are getting advice. You are also getting some frank advice from your backbench.
PRIME MINISTER: Sure.
JOURNALIST: On superannuation, for example, some of your Liberal colleagues are concerned about the increase in the super guarantee that starts from July 2021, saying that there is concern in especially a low-wage growth period, that this will have an effect on take-home pay. And then there is Andrew Bragg who is saying that voluntary superannuation is the way to go for those under $50,000. How do you respond to this very warm advice?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, I respond by as I always do, encouraging all my members to participate in the policy process, and we have many of those processes. In fact, the primary way we do that is through our internal processes as a party. When people give their first speeches, their maiden speeches in the Parliament, it is not unsurprising that people will set out broader, particularly personal, views, and I welcome that. That is what we have seen in first speeches in this place for a very long period of time. And I think that it is important that members and senators have the opportunity to do that, particularly in their first speeches, so I wouldn't over-interpret on that front. Hang on, I am still answering. On the points of policy that you raised, I have been very clear. The Government's policy has not changed. The Treasurer made that very clear also yesterday in Question Time. Because I am very keen to ensure, particularly in a time of low wage growth, which we have - it has been modest, I have always acknowledged that - and the best way to improve that and improve what people have in their pockets is to ensure they keep more of what they earn. That is why we were so adamant at the last election and prior to that, and now, to deliver that tax relief which the Labor Party sought to do everything they could to oppose. They will always be for higher taxes, not for lower taxes, and that is something on which I know all members agree.
JOURNALIST: On the retirement incomes revenue that’s coming, will things [inaudible] increasing the super guarantee or indeed Senator Bragg’s idea of making Super voluntary, will they be looked at?
PRIME MINISTER: That is a recommendation that has been put to us. We conduct that review, it’s one will be actioning and are not going to limit it. But the Government’s policy, let me be very clear, is what is set out in what the law of this country is and our policy hasn't changed.
JOURNALIST: That’s the policy now, but these things are free to be looked at as part of the review?
PRIME MINISTER: Reviews look at all sorts of things, but they are reports of reviews, not of the Government. And the Government responds as appropriate, but I can only refer you again to what the Treasurer said yesterday about our plans, and what the Finance Minister has said about our plans, and indeed what I said about our plans on this topic. I was asked about this in the lead up to the last election. And my answer to that was very clear, and I will keep the commitments that I made to the Australian people, not just on that matter but on all matters.
JOURNALIST: Back to the public sector changes, the economy is facing a testing time at the moment and you have also implemented or are working on the implementation of the Hayne Royal Commission. Did you take that into consideration when you changed horses in Treasury, are you confident of those processes?
PRIME MINISTER: Absolutely, absolutely. Let me be clear, because this came up in Question Time yesterday. There is already legislation that has passed the Parliament in relation to implementing the recommendations, many of the recommendations that are being implemented don't require legislation and are being implemented in either a regulatory or in a ministry capacity. But there is currently quite a bit of legislation out there in exposure draft form for public consultation. What we need to be very careful to do - as particularly you would know, Phil, writing for the AFR - that we have to be very careful in the precision of this legislation when it comes forward into the Parliament. Now, I'm not going to rush that and see things put into legislation that could have been addressed through the consultation period that would otherwise have avoided some unintended consequence. I'm going to make sure we give that time to work with the sector to make sure that these legislative responses are correct. I don't understand Labor's position. What are they expecting, that we should have some rushed and harried legislation? That's how you end up with pink batts fiascos and overpriced school halls, when you don't take care on making responses to these things. And we are taking care. This is a very, very significant priority of the Government, to get this right. Just as all the other matters are, and we will continue to just work through that process of delivering on our agenda. And to deliver on that agenda, you have to be hand in glove. Hand to hand with your public service, working closely with them, with strong leadership from the Ministers and the Prime Minister, the expectation of performance and delivery and a respect for the great capabilities of our public service.
Secretaries Appointments
25 July 2019
Prime Minister
After a distinguished career in the public service, Dr Martin Parkinson AC PSM will conclude his tenure as Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet on 30 August 2019.
I want to express my deep appreciation to Dr Parkinson for his record of service to Australian Governments and to the Australian people over many years.
Martin has been a highly valued source of advice to me, both as Prime Minister and in other portfolios, and he has led the Australian Public Service with great distinction. His policy acumen across a range of domestic and international policy areas has helped Australia navigate a complex and rapidly changing world.
I wish him well for the next phase of his career and I look forward to him serving the national interest in other capacities.
Mr Philip Gaetjens will be the next Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. The appointment was made by the Governor-General for a period of three years from 2 September 2019.
Mr Gaetjens has held leadership roles in the Commonwealth and State public sectors as Secretary of the New South Wales Treasury between 2011 and 2015 and, most recently, as the Commonwealth Treasury Secretary. He has also served in a range of other senior executive positions in the Commonwealth and South Australian public services and as Chief of Staff to the Treasurer on two separate occasions.
Phil will bring enormous experience to the position and help drive the Government’s ambitious agenda over the next three years in delivering for the Australian people. He is the ideal candidate to steer the Australian Public Service into the future.
Dr Steven Kennedy PSM will be appointed as the next Secretary of Treasury. He will move from being Secretary of the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Cities and Regional Development.
Steven brings broad expertise and strong leadership to the Treasury Secretary role. In recent years, he has led work on infrastructure planning and delivery, the cities agenda, regulatory reform, public data and digital innovation. Steven has twice been seconded to the Prime Minister’s office, working as the Director of Cabinet and Government Business and Senior Economic Adviser.
Funds for drought resilience to flow
24 July 2019
Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Finance, Minister for Water Resources Drought Rural Finance Natural Disaster and Emergency Management
Farmers and rural and regional communities which have been suffering years of unrelenting drought will now have access to the tools they need to prepare for, manage and sustain their businesses with the passage of the Future Drought Fund legislation through the Senate today.
The Future Drought Fund will grow from $3.9 billion to $5 billion over the next decade, while facilitating a $100 million a year additional investment into drought resilience and preparedness, even in the good years, every year from 1 July 2020.
The Government is backing in our farmers, and we will always stand up and support our drought-affected communities. The Future Drought Fund is about more than just money - it is about giving our farmers the best possible tools to face drought, now and in the future.
Despite Labor’s attempts to stop the Government from establishing the Future Drought Fund, the Government has delivered on its election commitment to guarantee a sustainable source of funding for vital drought resilience projects in rural and regional communities.
A consultative committee will soon begin engaging with farmers and rural and regional communities to ensure the money is well spent when the additional funding becomes available from next year.
The Government will work swiftly to establish the Future Drought Fund Consultative Committee and put in place rigorous governance arrangements for the appropriate selection and prioritisation of projects.
Drought is a fact of life in this country. Our Future Drought Fund will ensure our farmers, who are among the best in the world and regional communities are better equipped to deal with its effects when it happens again.
The Future Drought Fund comes on top of the Government’s $2 billion in additional drought initiatives we have already previously announced.
Appointment of Australian Federal Police Commissioner
24 July 2019
Prime Minister, Minister for Home Affairs
The Government will recommend to the Governor-General that Mr Reece Kershaw APM be appointed as the 8th Australian Federal Police Commissioner.
Commissioner Kershaw commenced with the Northern Territory Police Force (NTPF) in February 2011 and in April 2015 was appointed Commissioner of Police and Chief Executive Officer of the Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services.
Prior to commencing with the NTPF Commissioner Kershaw was with the Australian Federal Police, including secondments to the National Crime Authority, the Australian Crime Commission and overseas postings to The Hague, East Timor and the Solomon Islands.
He is a Graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Law Enforcement Executive Development Program and was awarded the Australian Police Medal in the 2016 Australian Day Honours.
We congratulate Commissioner Kershaw on his appointment at a time when the AFP needs to be future ready to meet the challenges posed by those that would seek to do us harm, here and abroad.
The Government again sincerely thanks Commissioner Colvin for the service that he has provided to the Australian community for the last 30 years as a member of the AFP.
Commissioner Colvin enjoyed an extensive AFP career that covered roles in serious and organised crime, counter terrorism, chief of staff and high tech crime. In 2002 Andrew was awarded the Order of Australia Medal for his investigative work into the 2002 Bali bombings. We wish Andrew every success in his future endeavours.
Press Conference with the Hon James Marape MP, Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea
22 July 2019
Prime Minister
PRIME MINISTER MORRISON: Welcome everyone. It is a great honour and privilege to host Prime Minister Marape and his Ministerial delegation and his delegation of Governors from Papua New Guinea here for Guest of Government status and it's been a great privilege that Prime Minister Marape has been my first Guest of Government status visitor to Australia. And I'm also incredibly pleased that it is Papua New Guinea who holds that status as the first country to visit, particularly post the election in this formal status, and I think that speaks absolute volumes about the closeness of the relationship between our two countries and the excellent opportunity that both Prime Minister Marape and I have had since his elevation to Prime Minister recently to establish a very strong rapport and a very good friendship and I look forward to continuing that in the years ahead. Beginning last night with a very friendly dinner at The Lodge, together with Jenny and Rachel, and they've been out enjoying Canberra today and we look forward to seeing them again very shortly.
Today, we've made some important agreements, and those agreements are to elevate our relationship between Australia and Papua New Guinea to a comprehensive, strategic and economic partnership. Taking the relationship to annual leader-level dialogues and a series of other arrangements which bring together the totality of the relationship between Australia and Papua New Guinea. There is an economic relationship, one that's about enabling the joint prosperity of both of our countries that is supporting and enabling the health and well-being and education of our citizens.
There is a relationship which is tackling and addressing the security challenges that we face together and we work together in addressing. And thirdly, in improving and building on all of the connections that we have - whether it's through programs like our secondary school program, or indeed, a passion that we both share with rugby league, or indeed, the relationship between our church programs and church leaders, which is an ongoing part of our connections. And indeed, a broader part of the Pacific Step-Up program. And today in particular, we've agreed and we’ve made further announcements regarding a $250 million investment in the electrification program, which will bring low-cost electricity generation to the Ramu Grid. There are also additional projects that relate to the Enga Province electrification project, and this, of course, is part of that broader relationship that we have with the United States, Japan and New Zealand in supporting what is a transformational project for Papua New Guinea, combined with the Coral Sea Cable Project. On top of that, we have $54 million which is going into the rural primary health services initiatives, and another project of $10 million going into a broader program on immunisation, which will see some 400,000 children in Papua New Guinea, across 12 provinces, receive immunisation. And also, $15 million to support the next phase of the controlling the drug-resistant tuberculosis programme. And this is for those in the north of the country, particularly up in North Queensland, and I acknowledge also the work that Warren Entsch has done on this initiative over many years, he’s been very conscious of that issue of drug-resistant tuberculosis and its impact on those provinces of Papua New Guinea and this is an important continuation of that work.
There is also the Defence partnership which is celebrating 40 years and working together in the PNG initiative at Lombrum in Manus is an important part of what Australia is doing in the region and we thank Papua New Guinea for their invitation to join with them in that facility, together with the United States. And finally, there are the initiatives that we’re pursuing on security in relation to a longer-term policing programme which particularly involves the Bomana Police Training College. This is supporting the Royal PNG Constabulary, policing operations, improving their community service level delivery and training capabilities and also welcoming a PNG secondee into the Pacific Fusion Centre.
So as you can see from the announcements that we have made today and elevating the relationship that this is a broad, and it is a deep relationship. But above all, it is a relationship of family, and it is the relationship of true friends. True friends between Australia and Papua New Guinea. So Prime Minister, I welcome you very warmly to Australia and I thank you for bringing the delegation here to us today. I thank you for the discussions that we've been able to have, and I'd like to invite you to make some remarks.
PRIME MINISTER MARAPE: Thank you Prime Minister, the Honourable Scott Morrison. On behalf of the delegation I lead, let me thank yourself and your lovely wife for hosting us at The Lodge and hosting us in Canberra and in Australia. Since we arrived yesterday, your warmth and heart has responded so well and you could evidently see in the good warm morning this morning, we are very happy to come into Canberra. Our coming into Canberra is not coincidental or accidental. It's a visit by choice in a world of many bilateral relationships. We felt that nothing is more important, no relationship is more important than our relationship with Canberra in the first instance. And with Australia, the Government-to-Government, person-to-person, and more importantly, as head of states, we need to establish rapport and a reciprocal goodwill, and kind gesture. And upon Prime Minister Morrison's invitation for my visit, I place other state visits on hold until I visited Australia. And I realised that I'm on record as being the first official state visitation by a leader of another country into Australia, and expressly in Prime Minister Morrison’s term as Prime Minister in this Parliament.
So that is a greater honour and privilege that my delegation that I lead, and myself, truly are blessed with and we're happy to come and have exchanges Prime Minister-to-Prime Minister. We've had good exchanges, not only over the dinner table but more importantly in our private conversations this morning. Prior to our combined meeting with respective ministers that is we feel have common activities on both sides of the Torres Strait seas. So, our discussions were fruitful and meaningful, and our engagements were positive. Consolidating on our relationship that we've had with Australia, and all of you would know that PNG and Australia have shared history, [inaudible] history, economic history, our political history. Our histories go beyond 1975 when we gained independence. It precedes time, and it predates back to when the first human beings lived in this part of the world, so to speak.
And so, our relationship is deeper and our get together on this occasion is to consolidate our relationships that we've had over time. But more importantly, building bigger, better relationships as we go into the future in a world where the use of ICT and the digital economy and the digital platform can bring far corners of the world to your doorstep and to your economy and to your country.
So PNG, living in a very strategic part of our region in the middle of Asia and Pacific, we feel that we have a greater role in linking up Asia to Pacific, Pacific to Asia. You can walk across to Asia from PNG. You can paddle across to Asia from PNG. You can paddle across to Pacific from PNG. We are placed in a very strategic hub. The strategic placing of our country can be of better use to also consolidate on the economic potentials and propensity of our region, but more importantly, of our country, for the mutual benefit of countries in the Pacific region, including Australia and New Zealand.
We come to Australia as friend and family, as Prime Minister Morrison has indicated. We will be friends and family for a long, long time, of course friends and families have issues that we need to sort out and we don’t have many differing issues as North Pole is to South Pole, we operate in the same space. Our meeting this morning is to consolidate on some of the issues that we need to build on as leader-to-leader, that will set the pace for our Ministers to have their dialogue, the annual dialogue, and we will consolidate going into the future.
The future I envisage for PNG is not a future of economic insecurity. PNG must be economically secure. Once PNG is economically secure, we secure borders and we, in turn, become a very, very healthy and fruitful contributor to the peace and wellbeing of the region that we proudly all belong to. I believe the Pacific Island region is one of the best places, if not the best place, globally speaking. We need to keep the peace and serenity and the environment pristine as we have, something that is a global asset and our contribution to the global upkeep. And PNG and Australia can be leaders on those fronts, in our response to environmental protection. Our response to good border security. Our response to the wellbeing of our citizens. More than PNG and Australia and the region, and because of cultural affinity, PNG has, with the region, we will have a greater role to play in supporting, also, the Pacific Island group of nations and we need to build a robust economy, a strong economy, a solid country that is not so much dependant on our foreign aid, and that is the direction myself and the new group of leaders in PNG are now taking our country into. Into harnessing better from our resources, into diversifying into our sustainable industries especially in agriculture, sustainable forestry, sustainable fisheries, shifting away from total reliance on just oil and gas and gold, so to speak.
So our interest to grow the economy is strong, and we can only gain from a stronger Australia, a better partnership with Australia, a more deeper and richer partnership with Australia and we appreciate, in totality, every effort Australia has put into its contribution to us thus far and the future contributions that the Australian people, Australian government will continually give us, some of which announced this morning by Prime Minister Morrison. Something that we don’t take for granted. For every help given to us is a help indeed, and we warmly appreciate every help and we look forward to reciprocating whenever we can.
Having said on reciprocal, let me also place on record our view that PNG has been a good investment hub for Australian businesses. On record, the Australian businesses who are currently investing in PNG, the total volume of investments stands at 17 billion Kina. That is the biggest of any foreign investment in our country. We have over 5,000 Australian companies operating in and out of PNG. And so over time, that reciprocal benefit setting has been happening for some time, and the propensity for PNG to grow into an economic powerhouse is great, and I take this time also to sell my country as a good investment destination. We are looking at German investors in the area of downstream, in the areas of downstream in agriculture, in the areas of downstream in forestry, in the areas of downstream fisheries. Currently, our fish find a market in the European markets. We would like to sell more of our tuna into Australian markets, so to speak. So these areas where I'm using the opportunity, Prime Minister, if you don’t mind to sell my country as a very good greenfield investment destination. We inherit our government structure similar to what you have here. The court system is totally independent from our executive in Parliament. Our system of Government is also fair and friendly. What of our agreement companies subscribed to, so long as they are consistent with the laws in our country, then our Government and any business partners will stand to honour.
So PNG has always been a very good investment destination for many Australian companies, for which we are grateful. They have been a part of our economy and our country for so long, and they will be, and myself coming here, at the invitation of Prime Minister Morrison is to consolidate relationship at the highest level between two political leaders. But more importantly, may this cascade down to Government-to-Government, people-to-people, business-to-business, so that what we have built on in the last 44 years and beyond, can transcend and translate into a deeper, fuller, better meaning, so that we don't have just aid and donor recipient, given recipient side of the relationship. But more in these sort of environments that we are setting now are truly mutually beneficial economic partnership relationships going into the future.
PRIME MINISTER MORRISON: Thank you Prime Minister. Unaccustomed to this courtyard, it is a very civilised process on questions today. We’re going to have four questions to meet the schedule that we have. And we are starting with, where’s Phil? Phil Coorey.
QUESTION: One for Marape, welcome to Australia. Could I ask you while you’re here, have you or will you request the assistance of the Australian regulators as part of your commission of enquiry into the $1.2 billion UBS loan affair?
PRIME MINISTER MARAPE: I think that that is part of the process when the commissioner of the inquiry will set in place, I think we have instrumentalities of government to have those changes going on. So when the need be, those requests will be funnelled through in the correct procedure and protocols required of it. And we would very much welcome any information that can be obtained from this side of the… from within Australia to assist in coming to the fullest conclusions as to what has transpired in the now infamous UBS saga or UBS transaction. But let me confirm to the Australian media - we are setting up an inquiry, and our Parliament was privy to the report that was done by the Ombudsman Commission that really was more geared towards ascertaining the level of involvement by those of us who subscribe to the leadership code. But the inquiry in our view and our Government's view stands to fully ascertain to the scope and nature of every player in the entire UBS deal, which would also predate the timing of which the UBS transaction was inked. So obviously, when the need is required for trans-border data and information sharing, then we will place that request with proper protocols of the inquiry.
PRIME MINISTER MORRISON: Thank you, Brett Mason from SBS.
QUESTION: Thank you. Prime Minister, you've spoken about Australia's Step-Up, but there are some growing calls for Australia to step down from offshore detention. Prime Minister Marape, would you like to see the Manus Island detention centre closed? And Prime Minister Morrison, are you prepared to do that if that's what the Prime Minister asks of Australia?
PRIME MINISTER MORRISON: Let me start off by saying that the detention centre on Manus Island is closed, has been closed for some time. There is no detention centre on Manus Island. I think it's important that Australians are no longer told that somehow there is a detention centre that's operating on Manus Island. That has been a process we've been working through now for some time. The accommodation facility at East Lorengau which now accommodates, there are about 300 odd people on Manus Island currently who are refugees and that is down from 1,353 at the peak when Labor were in power. So we’ve made substantial progress. The detention centre at Lombrum is closed and we're working very closely together with the PNG Government in terms of the service arrangements which continue for those who continue to be resident on Manus Island. And that includes a tender process on the contract which has had a lot of attention on it here, which we mutually agreed would be put in place and the existing contract extended until that tender process had been completed to allow a new service provider to step up. Prime Minister?
PRIME MINISTER MARAPE: Yes, as confirmed by Prime Minister Morrison, there is no more detention. People are living freely in Manus, and also some have moved to Port Moresby for medical reasons and are moving around freely. And I've expressed clearly to Minister Dutton that we need to establish a schedule and timetable towards full closure of the entire asylum processes. PNG has always stood in, and stepped in to assist Australia in times of need, as you have always done to us also, we will ensure that we have a mutually workable timetable and closer program that is healthy for all of us, but more importantly, healthy for those people who have been part of us in Manus and now in PNG for some time now. Some are classified as refugees. Those who are classified as refugees, the Refugee International Convention of refugees and resettlement will apply. Some are not classified as refugees, we'll work with them to ensure they resettle, given encouragement to move back to their home of origin or where they'd like to move. Those are works in process that both governments have agreed to establish a schedule going forward. And for us, to find some closure in the Manus asylum seekers. But let me agree with Prime Minister Morrison, there is no more detention. We're in the process of resettling the entire people out from PNG, within PNG, and common decency will apply to those human beings who are with us in Port Moresby and Manus right now.
PRIME MINISTER MORRISON: Thank you Prime Minister. Ben Packham?
QUESTION: Prime Minister Marape, you've said that you want to take back PNG's economy. Can I ask what that means for your engagement with China? Are you concerned about the governance impacts of Chinese investment? And will you take a harsher line on that investment? And can I ask Prime Minister Morrison, does Australia have any concerns about undue foreign influence in Papua New Guinea and other Pacific neighbours?
PRIME MINISTER MARAPE: You will take the concluding part of this question. But let me say in terms of foreign investment, we deal with every investor in the same playing field, in the same policy outlook. We are friends to all, enemies to none, so to speak, in the greater foreign policy context. But we are in the business of attracting genuine business into our country. In fact, our local target, as we have said now into the next two or three years we want to bring in over 200 new investors, foreign investors into the country. Whether they are from Chinese or Australia or right across the world, is inconsequential and irrelevant to us. We will have an equal playing field for every investor, so long as they subscribe to the rules and regulations of our country. Every businessman and woman is welcome in our country, and the Chinese investors will not receive any special treatment and preference, just like Australian investors will not receive any special favour or treatment. And our Government is looking into the business of tailoring specific investment policies to ensure that as investors come in, they win for the shareholders but our people also, including the different layers of government that we have, provincial governments especially, winning for the provinces and aren’t trying to restructure the way that we do business including better with the provincial governments becoming part of this but also in the economic actives in the sub-regional economies of our country. So taking back PNG is really not a strange ideology, it’s all about empowering our citizens to participate in business activities themselves instead of becoming spectators and allowing outsiders to come in. And we have different layers and levels of businesses. In the first instance, those who want to come into our country will be policing our investment front. You must have a minimum of $10 million or more to come into our country. We are so used to consultants and visitors coming in with almost nothing and later on, 10 years, 20 years later they walk out with good businesses. We're in the business of attracting genuine and honest businessmen and women into our country and that is the policy vision that embraces taking back PNG is all about. For PNG shareholders and PNG business partners and the country itself being participant in business and being empowered in business, as well as foreign investors that we bring into our country, who must of course win for the shareholders.
PRIME MINISTER MORRISON: Only to add to that, and I think you've heard from Prime Minister Marape, I think a very comprehensive statement on the steps that PNG are taking to ensure their economic independence and our engagement whether in support or assistance in partnership with Papua New Guinea as with all countries in the Pacific region is simply to have the objective of ensuring each and every one of those nations are as independent and as sovereign and as much in charge of their future as they possibly can be. That's always been our objective. That's what we've always done. We're not new players in this region. Our investment each year in Papua New Guinea in ODA is over $600 million a year now. The overwhelming bulk of our ODA is in the Pacific region and that has been the focus of our Pacific Step-Up. It’s about ensuring an independent sovereign group of nations, which we both look forward to meeting again with at the Pacific Island forum which is coming up in Tuvalu very shortly. Andrew Probyn from ABC.
QUESTION: Thank you Prime Minister. Mr Marape, on Manus issues again just I’d like if you could, could you tease out what you mean by ‘timetable’? Would you like people to leave Manus and Port Moresby by the year's end? And on a related matter, you would know that New Zealand has a long-standing offer to accept 150 refugees from Australia. I understand that the arrangement that PNG has reached with Australia doesn't preclude that, doesn’t preclude PNG seeking a similar arrangement with New Zealand. Will you do so to further encourage people to leave PNG and Manus? And Prime Minister Morrison...
PRIME MINISTER MORRISON: That’s a trifecta there…
QUESTION: I haven't finished yet. And Prime Minister, what attitude would you bring to that?
PRIME MINISTER MORRISON: I'll let you start, Prime Minister.
PRIME MINISTER MARAPE: It's a work in progress for us. As I said, the Manus asylum seeker program was a program that both governments initiated and agreed to participate in in 2013-14 and thereabouts. So both governments will also work and have a hand in bringing this thing to a conclusion that is mutually beneficial.
QUESTION: So you have approached New Zealand?
PRIME MINISTER MARAPE: Not yet New Zealand, but we are working with this. This is a matter between Australia and PNG so we both must agree on what is the timetable going forward and our Ministers will be in those engagements and on a later date, one of us will announce a program going forward to bring this thing to a close. Exactly what shape and form will take place is a matter for further consultation discussion and we will agree that this thing will come to a close at some stage down the line.
PRIME MINISTER MORRISON: 260 people have already been transferred to the United States and I think that's an indication of the significant progress that we've been making. The detention facility in Manus has been closed now for some time and the process in differentiating between those who were in Papua New Guinea who are refugees and those who are not refugees, and therefore shouldn't be in Papua New Guinea, Australia, or anywhere else. They should return to the country from which they've come from because they've been found not to be refugees. I don't think anyone is suggesting that they should have some sort of permanent or even temporary residence privileges in Papua New Guinea, who is a signatory to the convention, or indeed Australia. So we're just going to continue to work through the issue pragmatically as we have. I think we've made extraordinary progress. The terrible scourge of people smuggling is something that Papua New Guinea and Australia have worked closely together to frustrate and defeat but the challenge remains present, as we know, and the reports and the briefings that have been provided by the Minister for Home Affairs testifies to. So this has been an important part of arrangements we’ve had in the part and now we're dealing… let’s not forget we’re dealing with the problem of people who found themselves on Manus Island because of the failed border protection policies of the previous government. That's who is on Manus Island. That's who is there. And so we're still dealing with the legacy of the policy failures of the previous government. I want to thank the Prime Minister and I want to thank the Government and people of Papua New Guinea for the very practical way they've worked with us. An important part of we’ve discussed today is ensuring that we continue to work closely with the people of Manus Island and it's great to have Charlie Benjamin, the Governor of Manus Island, who is here as part of the Prime Minister's delegation. It's been good to be able to reassure him once again that we'll continue - whether it's managing those issues or the development of facilities at Lombrum by the Government of Papua New Guinea - that we'll continue to work closely with them. But on that note, I want to thank you all very much for your attendance and I want to thank again the Prime Minister for being here with me today. He and I are going to try and bring good some fortune to my Sharks on Thursday night at Shark Park. I believe in miracles, as you know, so hoping for one on Thursday when we go up against the Cowboys. Thank you very much, Prime Minister. Thank you.
PRIME MINISTER MARAPE: Thank you very much.
[ENDS]
Joint Statement with the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea
22 July 2019
Prime Minister
On 22 July, Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Prime Minister James Marape held the inaugural Papua New Guinea-Australia Leaders’ Dialogue.
Prime Minister Marape’s visit to Australia marks the beginning of a new chapter for Australia and Papua New Guinea, as equal sovereign partners with a shared history and an ambitious vision for the future. Our relationship has matured into a contemporary and broad-ranging partnership, reflecting our growing economic ties, common strategic interests and strong people-to-people links.
Today, as a sign of the ambition the Prime Ministers have for this partnership, they have agreed to start negotiations towards a new, enhanced Comprehensive Strategic and Economic Partnership (CSEP). This CSEP will drive cooperation between our countries, provide structure to our relationship and act as a mechanism to advance new initiatives. Commitments under a CSEP will boost our engagement across key areas – security cooperation, examining bilateral trade and investment arrangements, governance, people-to-people and institutional links, a visible development program and regional cooperation.
Australia and Papua New Guinea recognise the shared security challenges we face as close neighbours and maritime nations. To celebrate the 40th anniversary of our Defence Cooperation Program, Australia will provide a new package of initiatives, valued at $20 million, to continue to build the breadth and depth of our enduring Defence partnership. The initiatives will focus on building a minimum sustainable PNG capability, including on military aviation capability, expanding our maritime security partnership, building on our infrastructure investment program including continuing our joint work on the Lombrum Naval Base in Manus Province, and continuing to work with Papua New Guinea’s future leaders as they build a strong and resilient Defence Force. The Prime Ministers also agreed to explore opportunities for enhanced capability through infrastructure development and information sharing, including on border security.
Our proud history of security cooperation has entered a new era with Papua New Guinea’s first Guardian-class patrol boat making a valued contribution to support closer regional collaboration to tackle shared challenges, including illegal fishing and transnational crime. A second patrol boat is in its construction phase and will be completed in early 2021.
Cooperation between our Governments has significantly reduced the threat of people smuggling in our region. Australia gratefully acknowledges the critical role Papua New Guinea has played as a valuable regional processing partner. Australia supports Papua New Guinea’s intent to see services provided by local companies in Papua New Guinea selected through an open and transparent tender process and both countries are committed to ensuring that a successful transition arrangement is expeditiously in place. Together, we share a commitment to support the economic aspirations of Manusians through our development and vocational education cooperation.
Australia is committed to supporting Papua New Guinea’s priorities in building its capacity in policing, and will commit $135.9 million (over three and a half years) to the new long-term Policing Program. This funding will enhance and modernise RPNGC policing operations through improved community-level service delivery, prosecution services, enhanced training capabilities through increased support to the Bomana Police Training College, and improved corporate enabling services. This represents Australia’s largest bilateral policing partnership and will complement regional policing initiatives in the Pacific.
Building on Australia’s commitment to work with our regional partners to strengthen the ability of Pacific governments to enforce their laws and protect their sovereignty, Australia will welcome a secondee from Papua New Guinea to the interim Pacific Fusion Centre.
Our economic relationship is a critical driver of prosperity. Australia is Papua New Guinea’s largest investor, trading and commercial partner and we will continue to work together to grow the economy.
The strength of this economic partnership is underpinned by joint infrastructure initiatives such as the Coral Sea Cable, PNG Electrification Partnership and the Transport Sector Support Program. The Coral Sea Cable Project will deliver 800 times Papua New Guinea’s current internet capacity and have a transformational effect on economic and social development in Papua New Guinea.
Australia and Papua New Guinea will also jointly deliver a suite of new investments in the energy sector, valued at up to $250 million. This transformational portfolio of projects will be funded through a mix of grants and loans to bring on additional, low-cost electricity generation to the Ramu Grid. Projects that are currently being scoped include a new gas-fired power plant at Hides; a refurbishment of existing hydroelectricity plants; a new solar power plant (that will be the first of its kind in Papua New Guinea); and upgrades to transmission lines in the Ramu and Port Moresby grids. This will support reduced costs and increased access to energy, consistent with our commitment under the PNG Electrification Partnership. This builds on Australia’s collaboration with New Zealand to extend electricity transmission and distribution lines in Tsak Valley, Enga Province - providing 30,000 people with access to reliable power for the first time. In addition, we will provide up to $20 million from the Development Assistance Program to pilot off-grid electrification projects in remote areas, providing sustainable power and lighting to many communities for the first time.
The Prime Ministers acknowledged the mutual benefits offered by the Pacific Labour Scheme and Seasonal Workers Programme, and undertook to invigorate labour mobility opportunities for Australian and Papua New Guinean workers and businesses, including by enhancing technical and vocational learning opportunities to Australian standards. Australia was pleased to welcome Papua New Guinea into the Pacific Labour Scheme on 20 March 2019, and looks forward to working with Papua New Guinea to maximise PNG workers’ participation in the Scheme.
To strengthen our education ties, Australia will provide $9.5 million over three years (2019-2021) to a new PNGAus Partnership Secondary Schools Initiative to strengthen our enduring education linkages. It will pair Papua New Guinean and Australian secondary schools to build education and leadership skills and deepen people-to-people and institutional links.
Building on Prime Minister Marape’s quality healthcare agenda, Australia will provide additional funding ($54 million over six years) to improve access to rural primary health services through improved infrastructure, governance, financing flows and medicine availability. Australia will also direct $10 million to Papua New Guinea’s accelerated routine immunisation program and leverage an additional $20 million in funding support (from GAVI and New Zealand) as part of a new innovative partnership to immunise up to 400,000 children collectively across 12 provinces in Papua New Guinea over three years. Up to $15 million per annum will be directed to the next phase of support to control drug-resistant tuberculosis, delivered through a partnership with the World Health Organization, Papua New Guinea National Department of Health and several newly established Provincial Health Authorities.
Our love of sport binds our countries. Two major rugby league matches will be played between Australia and Papua New Guinea on 31 August 2019. The Australian Broncos Legends will play the PNG Kumuls as the curtain raiser to the NRL Women’s trial match between the Australian Broncos NRL Women’s team and the PNG Oil Search Orchids in Port Moresby. Australia’s sport linkages program has helped secure the games, and will include a number of off-field activities including clinics and community outreach.
The Governments of Australia and Papua New Guinea share a commitment to respecting and supporting the important role and contribution that faith has in our respective countries. Australia will extend the long-standing PNG-Australia Church Partnership Program to April 2022, in recognition of the key role PNG churches play in delivering basic services to the people of Papua New Guinea.
The 27th Australia-PNG Ministerial Forum will be hosted in Papua New Guinea later this year. The Ministerial Forum is the central element of the Australia-Papua New Guinea bilateral architecture and will provide the opportunity to progress these major undertakings.
The Prime Ministers will continue to work together as regional leaders to advance the common interests of the Pacific as a sovereign, independent and prosperous family. They look forward to meeting again at the Pacific Islands Forum in Tuvalu in August.
Interview with Alan Jones - 2GB
22 July 2019
Prime Minister
ALAN JONES: The Prime Minister's on the line from Melbourne, Prime Minister good morning.
PRIME MINISTER: Good morning Alan
ALAN JONES: thank you for your time. I wish we had three hours but look can I just ask you something out of left field here. You would be aware as a New South Wales person that there are a number of New South Wales properties which now we're learning day by day contain this dangerous combustible cladding which is similar to what was wrapped around the Grenfell Tower in London before that huge fire killed 72 people. Now this is a state responsibility and they're asking you for money,
PRIME MINISTER: The New South Wales Government hasn’t.
ALAN JONES: now given the urgency, no the Victorian Government is. But the New South Wales Government has said that you know this is a matter for the builder and the developer and the body corporate and so on. I'm just wondering given the urgency and the real concern about this whether you shouldn't stump up the money and take it from the GST allocation?
PRIME MINISTER: Well the New South Wales Government hasn’t asked and I met with the Premier just this week about these issues and they're not planning to make any such request, they will deal with these issues themselves directly.
ALAN JONES: But if I could just interrupt you Prime Minister they are refusing. I have concerns here with the government because they're refusing to release a full list of properties which have cladding. People are genuinely worried about this and at the end of the day how do we repair this how do we obviate the risk?
PRIME MINISTER: Well that's what the State Government should do just like it's their job to deal with policing on the ground at a community level. I mean they're the jobs a state government-
ALAN JONES: I know but I'm saying to you, I know I know I know I know Scott I know that. But at the end of the day what if you stumped up the money couldn't you say well okay we will, say that we'll look after the people but I'm sorry we'll take it away from your GST allocation.
PRIME MINISTER: Well the other thing I'm not going to do is draw the Commonwealth taxpayer the liability on this issue that rests completely with the state.
ALAN JONES: I understand but there’d be no liability if you took the money out of their GST.
PRIME MINISTER: Well I don't have that option to just take it out of their GST Alan because there's a legal agreement with states about GST as well. There's no option under the law that would enable me to do that either. This is a state problem-
ALAN JONES: I know but people are genuinely worried, they're being evacuated see you've got to, I don't want to dwell on this, I'm sure you're up to speed already-
PRIME MINISTER: we had a meeting yesterday on it, we had a meeting yesterday amongst building Ministers and Karen Edwards did a great job of getting them all to focus on implementing the recommendations of that report which was given to all the states that sat on it-
ALAN JONES: I know, 18 months 18 months. But at this time-
PRIME MINISTER: They expect their governments to do their job. And I'll do my job. They should do their job.
ALAN JONES: That's terrific. But everybody's sort of passing the buck in a way. I just want to make the point to you because people would expect me-
PRIME MINISTER: But this doesn’t come to the Commonwealth on this one Alan.
ALAN JONES: No. But there is in a way because the Commonwealth Government has made that report, or joint report, Commonwealth states 18 months ago, everyone sat on it and so people listening to me now and listening to me speak to their Prime Minister. Those people, forget who’s responsibility it is, have paid stamp duty. They've got a mortgage. They can't live in the property that they bought. They can't sell the property they've bought and they've got to pay rent. And they're saying no one is prepared to come to my aid.
PRIME MINISTER: Well State Governments should be and that's their job. And I'll hold them accountable for what their responsibilities are. But if State Governments want to hand over the keys to let the Federal Government run them that's a different issue. I don't think that's a good idea. State Government should get on and look after their responsibilities and the public have a right to expect the State Government to take action on these issues. Passing the buck to the Commonwealth Government doesn't solve it. It's their responsibility. They need to deal with it.
ALAN JONES: I know but the poor people who are living there have got no answers yet. Look anyway to yesterday-
PRIME MINISTER: If every time Alan, if every time the Commonwealth Government, when State Governments don't do something, stepped in then that doesn't that doesn't actually give you a long term solution.
ALAN JONES: No I know that. I mean we know all that and I'm simply saying at the-
PRIME MINISTER: State Governments- put leave passes on them-
ALAN JONES: I know that, we all know that Prime Minister, we all know that. But at the end of the day nothing is relieving the dreadful circumstances these people now face and they're saying well who is going to do that. You're saying the states must but the states aren’t. So where do we go? Nowhere. Anyway listen you'd be flattered to know I've read everything that you have said both in the article to the Daily Telegraph and yesterday at Dubbo and you talked about economic and environmental futures you talked about, we've got to grow together not grow up. You've talked about, and well done by the way on the farm invasion thing, and tackling-
PRIME MINISTER: We’ve got legislation to deal with the next fortnight.
ALAN JONES: Good on you. Well done. You said 40 per cent of young people in school Grade 10 believe bananas bread and cheese didn't come from farming. You made the point that farmers are the best environmentalist, you talked about a national drought summit. Seven billion bucks for drought relief. I am coming to a point Prime Minister, bear with me, and that farmers feed more than 40 million people. And that was in your article in the Telly then yesterday you made that speech in Dubbo. I was interested to read that your grandmother came from Eugowra, a farming family. A population of 800. You mentioned Major General Stephen Day the drought coordinator. I talk to drought people every day they’ve never seen him. You talked about building drought resilience and then you mentioned that David Littleproud quote will have more to say on that in the coming months. And I got to page nine of what you had to say in the transcript and then you use that elusive word. You build dams. Where? When? When will we harvest water?
PRIME MINISTER: Let me tell you right now these are the dams that are currently or have been built since we- since 2016. Northern Adelaide irrigation Scheme- $150 million; the South West Loddon Pipeline in Victoria $80 million; $60 million on the MacAlister Irrigation District modernization in Victoria; The Sunraysia modernisation project; the Scottsdale irrigation scheme, $51 million there; the Mareeba Dimbulah water supply scheme, the Nogoa McKenzie water supply scheme; the Rookwood Weir $352 million; the $396 million for the Myalup-Wellington Project which is still to come. On top of there are commitments for $75 million on the Dungowan Dam; the Tasmanian irrigation tranche 3 scheme $100 million, the Record Brook dam, the Emu Swamp dam which I only spoke to the Queensland Premier about the other day, the Hells Gates dam project up there in Northern Queensland and the big one also the Alstonville dam which is part of the Hughenden irrigation scheme. I mean there’s a billion dollars already spent-
ALAN JONES: this sounds like this stuff-
PRIME MINISTER: - that is already being constructed and there's another $2 billion on top of that billion which will all go into the national water grid project which the Deputy Prime Minister is now acting on so that that's where we’re building dams Alan.
ALAN JONES: You won an election because you were on top of detail it's to your great credit. However in spite of what you've just said the productive part of Australia which is Queensland, western Queensland, and New South Wales from the border to Victoria and farmers needing access to water there is none, N. O. N. E. None. They have no access to that water. Indeed the Murray-Darling Basin which I personally think is a disgrace and ought to be abolished. And I've read everything that's been written on the damn thing it's a $13 billion dollar plan. It's taken thirteen hundred gigalitres litres of water from irrigators who put food on our table. That's three Sydney harbours and so communities like Dirranbandi, and Warren, Collarenebri are dying because unless the farm has water you can't grow anything without water and all those farmers got no access to water, Prime Minister none.
PRIME MINISTER: The Murray-Darling Basin scheme as you know Allan, operates and has, under a set of agreements put together by State Governments 100 years ago. Now I said this when I was in Dubbo yesterday, to want to be able to have a look at all that sort of stuff, States have to be prepared to walk away from the entitlements they have. Under the Murray Darling Basin, not the scheme but the actual agreements that go back to 1914, and they have allotments and rights coming out of that scheme whether it's in South Australia, Victoria, or New South Wales. And the Murray Darling Basin scheme actually sits within the crucible of those agreements. Now the states then allocate the water and they do it differently in Victoria as they do it in New South Wales. This now on the Murray there is plenty of water coming down through there and a lot of that is reserved up in the Hume dam. If you're talking about what's coming down the Darling, well there's nothing coming down the Darling because of drought, and then you've got the issues about what's- through the sea.
ALAN JONES: -But Prime Minister can I just-
PRIME MINISTER: I agree that it's a difficult and complex issues-
ALAN JONES: No but Prime Minister you see- it’s all
PRIME MINISTER: - difficult issues- But you've got to be able to ensure that you have a scheme that at least has the support to make that work. Without that scheme it would be even worse.
ALAN JONES: But PM listen we talk about this Murray Darling Basin its volume is twenty two thousand seven hundred gigalitres. Queensland's north east has ninety one thousand water goes into the ocean four times more than the Murray Darling, the Gulf of Carpentaria has a hundred and thirty thousand gigalitres go into the ocean. The Clarence Basin similarly now we are just wasting-
PRIME MINISTER: I'm agreeing with you. This is where, I mean and when we're talking about some of these programs, take the Hughenden irrigation scheme for example, take the big rocks dam, Hells Gates, these sorts of projects. That's all about actually trying to capture and store and actually distribute that water across those western plains. So I think we're in violent agreement about the need for the, for the National Water grid to be able to be addressing these-
ALAN JONES: yeah but see, Prime Minister I'd love you to talk-
PRIME MINISTER So I'm keen to get on with it.
PRIME MINISTER: I know, but look this is a crisis. I'd love you to talk to Leo [inaudible] I mean he's one of the outstanding public figures, he's 92. Frank Moore's 88, now they are saying very simply that they want to open vast areas of Queensland and New South Wales to water, to food and fibre production so they’re saying, connect the dam in the North Hills Creek dam to the South, tunnels, channels, pipelines you meet up with the Thompson in the Warrego rivers. You eliminate flooding you save the Murray Darling you open up the west of the Great Dividing Range to food and fibre now he’s done this and talked about it and nothing has happened.
PRIME MINISTER: Well again Alan, I don't agree that nothing's happened because I ran you through a fairly significant list of projects that-
ALAN JONES: The growers of farm produce are not getting any water.
PRIME MINISTER: Well I can’t turn a dam on in 10 minutes.
ALAN JONES: Well listen, do you understand that’s the issue. We can't have food without water.
PRIME MINISTER: Now of course I understand, you can't if you can't have food without soil also. Which is the point I made in Dubbo yesterday. That's why I've reappointed Major General Jeffery. I think he's done outstanding work when it comes to rehabilitating our soils.
ALAN JONES: I know that but we’re talking water PM.
PRIME MINISTER: Well hang on. As Major General Jeffrey has said, one gram of soil carbon, this is what he argues, carries eight times its weight in water. And so the depletion of soil carbon in our soils is actually a huge problem in terms of what is happening with our management-
ALAN JONES: but you also said in your speech that farmers are our best environmentalist they know all this, and they are looking after the farm but see, Jack Beale, this is how far behind the eight ball, it’s not your fault. I'm just saying because you're the Prime Minister it lands on your desk, but in the 1950s Jack Beale proposed a giant water and power project that would dwarf the Snowy Mountains Scheme. He said 14 storage dams, link them by cuttings and tunnels and pipelines, divert this water inland. You'd have 10 Sydney Harbours which currently flow out into the ocean, but then he said this, Jack Beale, surplus coastal water is the logical future source for arid inland development and electricity generation. He said the water captured under this scheme could be diverted to Queensland and into the Murray Darling, doubling the flow of the Murray Darling and minimising its salinity. And then this wonderful quote, a nation can't afford to let resources remain idle even if it has to build pyramids. How good’s that?
PRIME MINISTER: Well I don’t know if we’re going to build a pyramid, but we’re certainly going to build some dams and the National Water Grid authority that comes into place in coming weeks, its job is to assess all of those sort of projects, look at the projects we're already funding and we're already working with and we've got to have the states on board for this too Alan. We can't build a dam anywhere in Australia without a state-
ALAN JONES: I know I know.
PRIME MINISTER: Without state approval-
ALAN JONES: I know but I want to know how the farmer gets access to water. How does the farmer get access?
PRIME MINISTER: Well they get their allocations from the State Government.
ALAN JONES: But they get taken away, the allocations are taken away for quote, environmental flows. You've heard me say thirteen hundred gigalitres, now the farmer would pay for water if he knew he had a guarantee of supply but he hasn't got it. And here we've got the best agricultural land in the world we could feed Asia if we had water.
PRIME MINISTER: Well that's why we announced yesterday in our 100:30 plan, the way we get to a 100 billion dollar agricultural industry is not only better manage our water resources but preventive managing our vegetation and our souls and all of this and that's how you get there, you open up your trade markets which is what we're doing. And you put in place these investments and you do it cooperatively with the states and territories because they have the interest in achieving this as well. Alan don’t think there's not a sense of urgency about this, there absolutely is.
ALAN JONES: Oh okay. We're relying on you, the quiet Australians are relying on you. One question yes or no. Are you going to constitutionally entrench in an Indigenous voice in the Constitution?
PRIME MINISTER: No.
ALAN JONES: Okay thank you. Thank you for your time. I've got to go to the news we’ve got these damn networks, Okay talk again soon, okay bye, bye. Prime Minister.
Q&A Daily Telegraph Bush Summit
18 July 2019
Prime Minister
BEN ENGLISH: I might just kick off with a question. The House Select Committee is on this… at first blush a very welcome move. I think the question weighing on everyone's mind here today is, is there going to be a meaningful outcome of today or is it just going to be a sound bite and we all pat ourselves on the back and then it's out of sight out of mind for the next 12 months? The ultimate accountability comes at the next election, and rural and regional Australia is notoriously unforgiving for people who do forget them, and I think your speech was very welcome in actually mapping out a vision for the next four years. But what does success look like when you go to the polls in terms of the state of rural and regional Australia?
PRIME MINISTER: Well in response I'd say this - we don't come here with a blank sheet of paper. We don't come here with nothing happening. We all know that to be true. There are a litany of programs and supports and measures and activities that are taking place as we speak right across the country. And one of the things that we've particularly been seeking to do in the last 12 months is increase the responsiveness.
Because while we're here talking about drought in western New South Wales, in northern Queensland - which is close to where Matt is from - on the other side of the range there we're talking about the worst flood they've seen in generations, that wiped out generations of herds in the space of 48 hours. And that same weather event affected the Townsville side of that range. And one of the things we worked very hard on was ensuring that the responsiveness and turnaround of getting that cash and assistance and support and getting the bureaucracy out of the way was done very quickly and very effectively. And we set up the North Queensland Livestock Industry Recovery Agency which Shane Stone is leading and they're doing a fabulous job. So I think a lot of it has to do with the responsiveness and getting things out there, making sure these programs are hitting the deck. There is no shortage of all of these programs. There's heaps of them. The challenge is to connect people to them and ensure that they're very tailored to the needs they have.
So what does success look like? Well, you know at a supernatural level it looks like rain, but that's not something we have direct control over it or any control over. But what success looks like is building resilience. Success looks like on-farm water infrastructure being supported through the programs we've put in place. Success looks like the mental health workers being in place in community and connecting to people out on station and ensuring that we are not experiencing the suicide rate and those sorts of mental health problems.
One of the encouraging things about what we're seeing up in North Queensland... I mean, when these things happen people want to know you're there and if you're not, that can only compound the broader impacts of these disasters. And so the different types of these disasters that occur, what occurred in North Queensland was very sudden. What's been happening with the drought has been happening for a long time. So success looks like region's continuing. And so the House Select Committee, what I want it to do is actually find those success stories and to have that as encouragement. Because rural Australia is not broken, and I think it's very important that the message from this Summit is that the bush is not broken. The bush is surviving and the bush will thrive and the bush will do better because of the collective efforts of everybody who's involved and their persistence and the things that are done to enable them.
So that's what it looks like. It means that we're continuing to go ahead. So I do want to strike an optimistic note here today. And I think it's important that we do. The bush is not broken, the bush has a huge future. And people should remain and we should be backing them in to do just that.
BEN ENGLISH: Yeah I'm just going to open it to the floor. If I could see some hands. While I’m doing that, just a quick one - the Murray-Darling Basin Authority. We're in a situation where a lot of observers are saying that perhaps there needs to be a pause on the flows to South Australia, for example, to supply water to people who desperately need it right now. Is there a moment where you need to have a pause in arrangements that have been put in place before this crisis emerged?
PRIME MINISTER: Well when you get in a car, you look at what's in front of you. You’ve got a steering wheel, you’ve got a brake, you’ve got an accelerator, you might have a clutch, particularly out in the bush you probably do. Certainly wouldn't have one in the Shire or the city too often I suspect these days. But you've got to use the tools you've got, and the Murray-Darling Basin Plan is the tool we've got. And the Murray-Darling Basin Plan some might describe and be very critical of it, and I know there are plenty of criticisms of it. But we need to appreciate the fact that it sits within a crucible of agreements that were made between states 100 years ago and the Commonwealth has no power to override the obligations that sit within those state agreements. So South Australia has their deal. Victoria has their deal. New South Wales has their deal. And the Commonwealth can only act on the basis of what they had all agreed.
And so anyone who thinks that the Commonwealth has some magic wand which sort of says this can happen or that can happen I think, should read the history of the Basin Plan and what's happened in the Basin a little more carefully. We will continue to make that Basin Plan work as effectively as we can. Some might say it's the worst agreement they've ever seen. I'd say if that's your view, that's only true except for all the other alternatives. It is the plan that we have, it has bipartisan support and we will seek to make it work as effectively as we possibly can. But we absolutely understand - and Michael knows this very well coming from the districts affected - that is it is having a very significant frustration for people, particularly in times of drought.
But I also acknowledge it's not just the drought that causes those frustrations. Those along the Murray particularly understand that, and I get that as well. So if states are prepared to actually completely revisit what their entitlements are from the deals that were struck 100 years ago, well, other things can be done. But I have seen no willingness from any states to revisit their rights under that agreement and that means the Commonwealth will continue to work within the plan that we have. Which I must say, despite its critics, has achieved quite a lot. And I think the impact of the drought has obviously exacerbated the concerns that exist around the agreement.
BEN ENGLISH: All right. Show of hands. The gentleman over here.
QUESTION: Thank you Mr Prime Minister and Daily Telegraph thanks very much for organising the summit for the day. PM, thanks for your address. I think in respect you have missed the urgency of the point that we're here today. Where there are farming communities in trouble today. We need help today. To the New South Wales Farmers, I say to them, we do want subsidies. We do need assistance. Any assistance from government is a subsidy. Get over it. Yes, it's a good investment by government to invest. So as we are here to produce that $100 billion a year in the future. Every three to six months we go through a seasonal change and we're going through one right at the moment. The banks will be telling you that. We’re right on the cusp of action required now. Thank you.
PRIME MINISTER: In my remarks, I've talked very much about the here and now and the here and now is why Farm Household Allowance is delivering what it's doing. And the here and now is why the mental health officers are out there in place. The way we respond to droughts as part of an agreement we have between the states and the Commonwealth, and the split is basically like this: We look after people and their income support, the states look after the ag side in terms of any decisions they make about direct payments to farm businesses and so on. So I'll leave it to John to talk about what the State Government is doing when it comes to direct assistance to farmers, and there'll always be those discussions about subsidies and things like that, when in particular we were dealing through the Drought Summit at a national level when it came to things like fodder subsidies. One of the problems was if you start throwing fodder subsidies in, it just ends up putting the price up for everybody and then that's impacting the ag sector even more broadly.
So you know for every action you take you've got to think about what the other implications are right across the ag sector which as a national government, a federal government, we have to do that. But I absolutely agree about the urgency. That's why we've done what we've done. The first day on the job for me as Prime Minister was about the drought, and it's been that way ever since. So this is why on things like the Farm Household Allowance we haven't stopped. We keep seeking to improve it. We seek keeping to make it more accessible. We’ve changed the asset limits with. We’re now looking at a four in ten proposal which I think we will make a decision on relatively soon. This is all about ensuring we can get the money into the towns. The million dollars for every single shire and getting it out the door immediately and which Bridget in her former role was directly responsible for. It was all about doing that. So we'll keep doing that. And that's to address the here and now. But I should say that the message I've also had back from farming communities, agricultural communities, grazing communities all around the country is, you know, don't just look at the here and now - look to the future as well. And we're seeking to do both.
BEN ENGLISH: All right, the gentlemen right here.
QUESTION: Angus Edwards, Bathurst Business Chamber. Mr Prime Minister, the last time we met I think you'd just finished a white knuckle round ride around Mount Panorama in October. But I just wanted to ask about you raised connectivity and when I went to school there was nothing west of Cleveland Street in my mind then before I moved to Bathurst. How do we persuade people in the city that there is something beyond the Blue Mountains? And in terms of connectivity, which you raised, how do we get a better road across the mountains? How do we get water? How do we get internet? How do we get all those things that businesses in the city take for granted, yet we need to thrive out beyond the Blue Mountains?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, a couple points. First of all, I addressed a number of those on infrastructure and telecommunications in the formal part of the speech and that will be there as part of the record and I refer you to that. Our population management strategy, we’re the first government to actually have one and that involves using our migration program, both on a temporary and permanent basis, to ensure that we are getting people into the places more often than we currently are into rural and regional locations where there are the services and where there are the opportunities and the jobs to support that.
So our migration program is being recalibrated to do that. That can be done within state level, particularly in the work that we do with the state government in the migration agreements that we have with the states, but it's also to make sure that people go and live in South Australia and they go live in the Northern Territory and Tasmania and places like that where there are a lot of opportunities. And as a national Prime Minister that's obviously a core objective for me as well. So the migration program has been real calibrated do that.
But you've got to have the jobs for that to work and that's why it's so important that you do continue to get a diversity in your regional economies. And that's why mining and resources, for example, or, I mean it’s a great piece, Ben, you had in today's Tele about the hub that has been set up here in Dubbo by, you'll have to remind me of the of the young woman's name who's come back from Silicon Valley and setting up that here and getting people involved in digital business?
BEN ENGLISH: I’ll look it up.
PRIME MINISTER: I mean, that sort of diversity and ensuring that we're taking those opportunities and the connectivity achieved, that I think is really important. One thing you'll never get from me or our government is when people, whether they go out in caravans or convoys or whatever it is coming, telling you how you should live what industries you should depend on, what jobs you can have, what lifestyle and way of life you can have in rural and regional areas. That won't be happening on my watch. We want to see regional economies diversify, and whether that's in the minerals sector, the resources sector, whether it's in the digital economy, whether it's in the services sector, tourism and so on. I mean the fact, Warren, that everybody knows the Dubbo Zoo is in Dubbo that's a good thing. I don't know where else it’d be.
[Laughter]
But ensuring that is understood I think is an important part of the plan. So I know regional economies around the country are doing all of these things. And some have got bigger challenges than others. But the key is having a diversified economy. But the agricultural sector, I think, will always provide a mainstay. So we make sure that's sustainable and it has a long term future. And then all of this goes over the top. But you've got to deliver the infrastructure and services to achieve that, and under the arrangements we have the states we're delivering that.
BEN ENGLISH: Well I have a question over here, this gentlemen here. Red tie.
QUESTION: Thank you Prime Minister. Richard Forbes from Rural Aid. I just wanted to congratulate you on the, I guess, the quickness with which you made the announcement in North West Queensland, because I was up there at the time and it was very much appreciated. I guess I wanted to talk a little bit about the symbiotic relationship between farming communities and rural communities. We do a lot of work in the town community space. There seems to be a gap in research in terms of some of the commentary made about regional Australia which a lot of the reports that I've read include everything outside five major cities and Canberra. Eighty five per cent of the population live within 50 kilometres of the coast. So there seems to be a gap in what's going on in rural Australia, not necessarily regional Australia, because the regional Australia research includes coastal towns and coastal cities. So how do we know exactly what's going on in small and medium sized towns in terms of population decline, small business decline, the lack of teachers, the lack of doctors. Because I think a lot of people in this room would argue that in those small and medium sized towns there is a real lack of essential services. So I think a lot of research needs to be done in those towns, not necessarily the regional centres, because they are a local ecosystem. Farmers rely on those small towns and vice versa. What's your view, I guess, on supporting the survival of small and medium size rural towns?
BEN ENGLIGH: Can I just add to that, I ran into a fella out the front who said that he's in a town out further West. He has to go for hours to see a dentist. Four hours one way, four hours back. Is that sort of exemplify what you're talking about?
QUESTION: Exactly.
PRIME MINISTER: Well, a couple of points. First of all, I agree with you on the research side of things. That's why when I was Treasurer myself and Fiona [Nash], who is here today, and we did that together when she was Minister for Regional Development. We commissioned the Productivity Commission to actually do that work on rural and regional Australia, on regions, and there’s quite a wealth of research that was pulled together in that in that work. It’s the other reason why the House Select Committee going out and I'm sure we'll hear that fairly clearly and bring back recommendations about how that can be addressed. I'm quite sure on a bipartisan basis. It's also why population management is so important. Because the services follow the people. It actually works the same way in cities. If there are, you know, X number of kids in a school in New South Wales and it's around the 100 mark or less, well that school is probably going to get some changes based on the state government policies. That same principle applies more broadly across the state. John would be better placed to respond to those specifics. But getting people and getting the economies right and getting the people actually is what further assists in dealing with the services.
This is why I've been saying for years now, but particularly as Prime Minister, the economy is actually what fuels the services. It's what pays for the services, it actually enables the services. Whether it’s the National Disability Insurance Scheme or whether it's dental services for seniors or whatever it happens to be. You must have that economy that underpins these things. You can't take it for granted. And so why - and we won't by the way - you know, you can stand by or others could stand by and see the basis of regional and particularly rural economies being undermined, particularly in the resources sector. It beggars belief and that's not our view. This is why I say I won't have people coming from the cities in the relative economic comfort that they have going out and telling the bush what industries they can survive on. No way. That is about as much your dental services as it is as about your job and having population that follows those economies is important.
I'd also think you've made an important distinction between rural and regional. And I note today is about, I’m seeing, supporting rural Australia on the banner over there. The regional debate is different entities and places. It is about places down on the coast. It is on the north coast of New South Wales, it is up on the Sunshine Coast or the far north Queensland coast. That's a very different set of circumstances to going out to Cloncurry and Julia Creek or going out to Ballarat and places like that in Victoria or Gippsland.
BEN ENGLISH: Alright, we've got time for one more question. This lady right here.
QUESTION: Thank you very much. It's fantastic to be here and hear you speak today about some of the wonderful things that we possibly can be looking forward to in the future. The million dollars that went to local government areas was really appreciated in many areas and I would just like to ask that if there is any more funding going to local government that it can be invested in road infrastructure. The local government area where I live, my understanding is they’re $3.5 million behind on road maintenance and we can't get any improvements done while they're so far behind in maintenance. They need some help. The ratepayers aren't able to contribute that much money but we certainly need some improvements in rural road infrastructure. Thank you.
PRIME MINISTER: Thanks for that comment and that encouragement. It also goes to the answer to the previous question. What do we think about supporting those communities in those difficult times? Well, a million dollars to every council was the answer to that question in the most immediate of circumstances and why did we do that? Because when you get an agricultural sector going into decline, you need the local towns to have a momentum of cash that's going through the economy of these local towns. It's one of the other reasons why we were always encouraging people from the city for whom with, amongst whom – I genuinely believe quite a deep empathy with the struggles of people facing in the bush. And that's why you had local schools running their stalls and raising money and doing all that and sending it out. The concern I think of the charitable sector and particularly in the towns was that there was a displacement effect that could potentially happen with all of this. And people would buy their tin peaches and all these sorts of things in the city and send them out. No, they didn’t need that, they needed the money spent in the towns. And so we sought to do that with that million going into each council heavily focusing it on projects. That's what we wanted. That are going to happen now and it could and can and I would argue I think there's a very good argument for it being on that road maintenance in particular because that keeps the locals who are working on those projects busy and spending money in the towns and supporting the families. Equally, many of those people working on those jobs are primary producers themselves and are doing that as part of their income diversification. I mean, when North Queensland was going through severe drought many years ago and my uncle’s place up in Greenwood and Longford, he worked on the railroad for years and years and years when there was virtually nothing coming out of his property. So those projects I think are massively important for providing, if you like, a stabilizer to those local and regional economies so we'll obviously be looking about what more we need to do in that space. And we do want to see the council spend it on things that generate local economic activity. We want the charities and the support that they provide delivering support that doesn't undercut or undermine the local regional economies. You want the supermarket, the petrol station, the newsagent, the hairdresser, the local Vietnamese restaurant or whatever it is to continue to be doing well when you've got the agricultural cash coming out of the town for that period of time. Now that can be done for a while and will be but ultimately the medium to longer term goal is to actually get the ag cash coming back into the towns.
BEN ENGLISH: Well, thank you very much for this, for your presence here. It's real, it's tangible and it’s meaningful but in order to ensure as you've said that there's actually long term benefits, we'd like to see you back. So can we count on you to come to the 2020 Bush Summit?
PRIME MINISTER: I'll always be back. Always happy to. Whether I'm coming out of the Sydney bubble as Warren described it or I should, having coined the term, Warren, on Canberra Bubble, I noticed that you'd left journalists in Canberra out of the definition of who's in the Canberra bubble. I can assure you they very much inhabit that space as much as anyone else.
BEN ENGLISH: Except for The Daily Telegraph.
PRIME MINISTER: I think your journalists live out of the area. So anyway I’d love to be back and congratulations, Ben. I think it's a great initiative and, you know, I commend you on that and the rest of the work you'll do here today. It's about just getting on with it. That’s what we’ve got to do.
BEN ENGLISH: Can we all please thank the honourable Prime Minister Scott Morrison?
[Applause]
[ENDS]
Doorstop - Dubbo
18 July 2019
Prime Minister
THE HON MARK COULTON MP, MINISTER FOR REGIONAL SERVICES, DECENTRALISATION AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT: Okay. Thanks, ladies and gentlemen. Look, I'm very pleased to welcome the Prime Minister Scott Morrison and the Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack to Dubbo today. Obviously, they've been here for the Rural Summit. It was a very good turnout. I think it's going to be a very productive day. Also very pleased that they had the time to call in here at the Royal Flying Doctor base. It's a very integral part of life in regional Australia and the base here does a magnificent job servicing the people of western New South Wales on a daily basis, saving lives and improving the quality of life of people in the bush. So, Prime Minister, thank you.
PRIME MINISTER: Thank you. Thanks Mark. Great to be back here in Dubbo again. Twice in just a few months and to be here with Michael again here particularly for the Rural Summit that's being held today. Again I just want to commend The Daily Telegraph for bringing that together. I think that’s really brought together some excellent contributions and they’ll continue throughout the course of today. Now including, of course, the presentation by the Deputy Prime Minister. It's also great to be here at the Royal Flying Doctor Service. I take the opportunity when I can to visit the local RFDS where I might be around the country. And it's a reminder, I think, not only of the iconic nature of rural and regional Australia and the national psyche because there's nothing more connected to that than the RFDS, I think, anywhere in the country. It reminds us of the distances, it reminds us of the challenges, it reminds us of the need to ensure we’re connecting services. Not just for physical health but as we were discussing today, the RFDS is out there touching the lives of families and communities in far-flung places of this state every single day as they do right around the country. And that connection point there, the opportunity to see how they're going, how they’re managing it, how their friends are managing it, particularly with the stresses on rural life at the moment around the drought. But they know better than anyone else as well that people in rural Australia are a determined lot and they’ve got a positive outlook on the future and they’re being backed in – whether it’s by these services or many other things that have been deployed to support the here and now on the challenges around the drought.
But as Michael and I, and Mark knows here in his own community, people want to have a look ahead too. And today, we’ve announced our 100:30 programme to ensure that we're building our rural industries and agriculture and forestry and fisheries. That we're dealing with the big issues when it comes to managing our soils. The water infrastructure that needs to be built. Road and other transport infrastructure, the services support. And the immediate relief efforts that are being provided, whether it's on Farm Household Assistance or more direct grants that have been made to councils all around the country. This is all the work that is happening, this is all the work that will continue to happen. My simple message to Australians here today in rural Australia is we're going to stay connected. We're going to grow together. We're not going to grow apart and the future of rural and regional Australia and the future of Australia are inseparable. If rural Australia is not doing well then Australia is not doing well and that is the fundamental principle of how we continue to go forward. So I’m going to hand over to the DPM and then we’ll take your questions.
DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER: Well, thank you, Prime Minister. Last time we were here together, you were shearing a sheep, I’ve heard the sheep is still okay. It is fantastic to be here at the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the Government is backing the Royal Flying Doctor Service, whether it's here at Dubbo, whether it's Broken Hill where we've upgraded the facilities, whether it's in Bundaberg where we're putting in place a training facility, or whether it's indeed lowering their operating costs. The Royal Flying Doctor Service provides an invaluable service to rural, regional, country, coastal and particularly remote Australia and we back them all the way and we do and we will certainly continue to do that into the future.
The Bush Summit here today at Dubbo sponsored, supported and promoted by the Daily Telegraph. It’s been a great opportunity to again take the soundings, take the learnings from people right here in Dubbo in the midst of the drought. They are suffering. There's no question. But as the Prime Minister has just said, they're very resilient people and that's my will. We want to continue to back them with more water infrastructure, we want to get on and build dams and that's why we've established the National Water Grid to take the petty politics out of dam building. To put the best available science, but with local stakeholder engagement. That is so critical. So I want to, and I will continue, to talk with states but I want the states to come on board the journey with us. Because if you add water, you grow agriculture. And as the Prime Minister said today, we want to grow it from a $60 billion to a $100 billion dollar operation. It can and will with those trade agreements that we've got in place. We're making sure that we're backing our farmers all the way.
Yes, farmers are struggling and that's why we've put on the table around $7 billion worth of assistance and we want that Future Drought Fund, that $3.9 billion drought fund which is going to be extended to $5 billion, which is going to provide $100 million down payment each and every year. Because there's always some time, some stage that Australia is in drought. Any given year. Any given year. And we want other political parties to make it a bipartisan thing. Why anybody would oppose the Future Drought Fund is anybody's guess. So we urge and encourage those people, those pundits in Parliament who think that the Future Drought Fund is not a good thing to come on board with us. Not just for our sake, but for the farmers here in Dubbo, for the farmers right throughout New South Wales, throughout Queensland, indeed right throughout Australia who are suffering at the moment. They want the Parliament to work together to help them, particularly at this critical juncture. But I commend Mark Coulton for the work that he's doing. He's a good listener, he's a great advocate, and as a Minister he's working very, very hard in the role of Regional Services to make sure that we continue to support those drought affected communities.
PRIME MINISTER: Happy to take some questions.
JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, Barnaby Joyce said people on Newstart in the bush are doing it even tougher, that Newstart should be raised. Do you think he’s got a point?
PRIME MINISTER: The Government has no plans to do that. We continue to increase Newstart every six months, as has always been the practice. Newstart goes up on the indexation that has been in place for many years and we continue to do that. More importantly, for those who are on Newstart it is about well over 90 per cent, about 99 per cent, of people who are on Newstart are actually on other forms of payments as well. So they’re not just on Newstart, there’s rent assistance and a range of other support measures in the income support system, Social Services also support people in those situations. But more importantly, it’s about getting people into jobs. The latest jobs figures show 20,000 additional full time jobs. That’s good news, that’s great news, more jobs. How good are jobs.
JOURNALIST: Business groups say that lifting Newstart will [inaudible]
PRIME MINISTER: I’ll tell you what’s going to support the economy, and that’s the tax relief provided to more than 3.5 million people that live outside Australia’s metropolitan areas. Tax relief. We also made the changes to the deeming rates last weekend, and that’s an appropriate adjustment after the movement in the cash rate by the Reserve Bank. So our tax relief, which was opposed by the Labor Party, who were dragged kicking and screaming. I mean, the question is who do they stand for and whose side are they on? They’re not on the side of people who are working hard and giving them tax relief. We’ve delivered on that in just the first week of Parliament, and next week we go back into the Parliament, as Michael has said, we are on the side of farmers and graziers, those in the ag sector, who want to plan for the future and invest in the water infrastructure of the future. That is why you need the Future Drought Fund. That legislation will be going to the Parliament next week. There will also be legislation to deal with next week on ensuring that those cowardly keyboard warriors who incite criminal behaviour of people invading farms, that they will be classed as criminals as well. We expect support on that. There are also some changes coming through on Farm Household Assistance as well. So, next week there will be a very strong focus on rural and regional Australia. Whether it's the work that Michael is doing in infrastructure and dams or indeed the work that is being done to protect farmers from criminals.
JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, a lot of the announcements that you have made today, they will no doubt have a positive effect in the coming years, and help us be more drought proof in the future. What about people suffering in this drought? How quick can you be to activate assistance to them? And what is left for those people?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, there's already $7 billion of various measures, which includes direct assistance, and that includes the work we've done on making the Farm Household Assistance more accessible to more farming families and communities. I flagged today that the four in ten rule - a recommendation that has come back out of the review, which will further extend that access, is something we look very favourably upon. The million dollars that we put into every single drought affected shire in the country, including a million right here in Dubbo - and I talked today about how that had flowed through to the local economy - that's an incredible emergency support to these local communities, whether here or anywhere else in the country. And so we will continue to take those steps. I mean, this is not a one point in time issue dealing with the drought. It is every single day. And Minister Littleproud – that’s his job. To ensure we stay up to the mark on what is needed in terms of the right now financial assistance to farming families and communities, but on top of that, it's about looking out into the future and to ensure there is a future resilience, which is what farming communities have said to us. Yes, they need the support now, and are receiving it, and will continue to make sure that that is tailored to meet the needs and we strip away the bureaucracy that can stymie and discourage. But they also want… they also know that Australia is a dry land, and we're looking at a future where these drought events are likely to be more frequent, and therefore the planning needs to be there to preserve the life and way of life and the economies of rural Australia.
JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, today you set out the 2022 international freight ambition. A lot of farmers here are ready to do that now, they’ve got the infrastructure, they’ve got the willpower, they are ready to go, and they just need water. Either rain or the infrastructure to deliver them the water that they need. Can you just explain what the 2022 target is in terms of trade? And also, given the Reserve Bank Governor has said the infrastructure is a way to stimulate the economy, is this a ready opportunity to make some big nation-building infrastructure commitments to the bush? Longer-term things?
PRIME MINISTER: I will let Michael touch on this as well. Let me sort of deal with the issues in turn. First of all, what I was talking about today is 90 per cent of our merchandise trade being covered by our trade agreements. Now, when we started, it was less than 30 per cent. We have got it up to 70 per cent today and we're going to take it to 90 per cent by 2022. I made that pretty clear during the election campaign as well, as I am sure you will recall. There has never been, I think… well, there just simply hasn't been a government in our history that has gone so far so quickly in ensuring that our agricultural communities, but our exporting communities more broadly, have been able to access so many markets in this way. I mean, it is genuinely unprecedented. And we're keeping the pedal down on that. And it's an important part of what I've raised in G20 forums and others. Australia is the advocate to getting access to more markets. And we will continue to fight for that every single place we go.
Now, just on the point that's been made by the Reserve Bank Governor. I think this was made pretty clear last week between the Treasurer and Dr Lowe. The Government and Dr Lowe could not be more in sync. Could not be more in sync. We have a $100 billion infrastructure program, which is delivering projects on the ground, right here, right now. I have met with the Premiers - whether it is in Western Australia, Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria - and we've spoken about the projects that can come forward under the existing schedule and we will be doing that. But we went to the election with a plan to address the economic circumstances that we currently confront. They weren't a mystery to us when we formed the Budget. We formed the budget on the basis of those, and having been re-elected, we are now implementing those plans, which includes our infrastructure, which includes the tax cuts which Labor opposed, which includes the measures to support the growth of rural and regional industries, in particular the ag forestry and fishing sector that we talked about today. But Michael can talk more about infrastructure.
DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER: And whether it’s Malpas, whether it’s the Carcoar Pipeline, indeed whether it’s Wyangala Dam, I want to make sure that I work with the NSW Government and working with the NSW Government in very, very good faith. They’ve brought forward a list of priority projects and I’m working with them to make sure that we build the water infrastructure they need. But more broadly, look at Tasmania. Whether it’s in Scottsdale, whether it’s Forth, just in recent months we were announced more projects there and we’re getting on with doing it. I’ve been up in Western Australia, we go to Queensland and we look at the Emu Swan dam, that’s a project I really want to build, actually see shovels in the ground this year. I had a meeting with Anthony Lynham, the Water Minister in Queensland, just last week to see what we could do to make that happen. Rookwood Weir…
PRIME MINISTER: I spoke to the Premier about that one too.
DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER: Indeed, the Prime Minister did. So, we ask the Queensland Government, work with us, we will build that project, we will get shovels in the ground, we can do it, if they’re prepared to work with us where we can do shovels in the ground, excavators on the ground before year’s end. And that’s the sort of delivery that we want to do and you go to north Queensland – many, many projects up there. Big Rocks, Hells Gate, they’re projects that will grow agriculture and enable us to ensure that we can develop future market opportunities for our farmers.
JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, on the Future Drought Fund, Anthony Albanese said that he doesn’t want to see the money come from infrastructure and be given to agriculture. Would you consider funding it another way and repurposing that money out of…?
PRIME MINISTER: No, that’s just another excuse by the Labor Party. Anthony sort of needs to get over the pride on these issues. The Drought Fund converts a previous fund, all of which those projects are being funded under our $100 billion. We’ve got $100 billion being spent on infrastructure, so there is not one piece of pavement, there is not one dam, there is not one railway sleeper that has been taken away from our infrastructure program by going ahead with the Future Drought Fund. And any suggestion by Anthony Albanese that that is the case is just frank misrepresentation. I mean, he is constantly looking for excuses to oppose this. So you’ve got to ask yourself about this guy. What’s he for? And who’s he for? I can’t work it out. And I think Australians are asking the same questions. So next week he’s got a chance to answer that question. We asked him the other week about are you for tax relief? And he said, “No.” Now I asked him, “Are you for the Drought Fund?” Well, it seems as if he’s saying no at the moment. Hopefully, he is in support it to make sure that farmers don’t have to face people invading their properties. Hopefully, he’s for actually making sure that corrupt union officials aren’t able to actually carry on in their business within our industries. I mean, he’s had an absolute shocker on John Setka and made the big promises and John Setka walks around with impunity. So, I don’t know who he’s for. I suppose the Australian public will make a judgement about that.
JOURNALIST: The New Zealand Prime Minister has arrived in Australia, you’re meeting with her tomorrow. What will you discuss and what can you learn from her? She’s very popular over in New Zealand. Is there anything that you sort of might speak to her about? Not to say you’re not popular on this side, Prime Minister, but…
PRIME MINISTER: [laughs] Well, look, I look forward to seeing the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda. We’ve struck up a very professional relationship, and a good personal relationship too, and Jen and I both look forward to seeing them both tomorrow and wish her well for the presentation. I know she is coming as part of the ANZSOG Conference. Last time I saw Jacinda, I’ve got to say it was under the most difficult of circumstances. We were in Christchurch for the memorial service which was a heart-wrenching exercise and we stood there with her and all of New Zealand on that day as I know all Australians did. And I’m very pleased that subsequent to that, we were able to take forward the initiatives we did at the G20 as part of the Christchurch Call to ensure a clear message was received by the world’s biggest economies that social media and internet platforms can’t be weaponised by terrorists, which was obviously a key factor in what we saw in Christchurch. There are many issues we’ve discussed around these security arrangements. Together with New Zealand, we’re very much part of the Step Up Program. They have a very similar initiative in New Zealand. We’ve been swapping notes on a lot of that. We’re both forward-thinking, open market economies supportive of trade and they support that agenda. So there’s never anything short for us to talk about when we get together. And I’ll pass on my commiserations for the World Cup. I’ve got to say I was backing the Black Caps, I actually sent Jacinda a text saying I’m barracking for the Black Caps, they couldn’t have got any closer and we’ll have to win the Ashes for the Kiwis as well as us.
JOURNALIST: Just on Josh Frydenber’s eligibility sitting in the House of Representatives…
PRIME MINISTER: Yes.
JOURNALIST: Another constitutional lawyer said that perhaps there are issues for him to answer. Is it time to draw a line under Section 44, and amend the constitution to deal with these issues?
PRIME MINISTER: I’ll tell you what it’s a time to draw a line on, and it’s anti-Semitism. I mean, the scourge of anti-Semitic graffiti that we’ve seen in Melbourne just this year, it is absolutely sickening and disgraceful. And for a Holocaust denier and an anti-Semite to seek to progress that agenda by pretending to have some sort of constitutional purity on Josh Frydenberg, I’m just going to call it out for what it is. And I think Australians… I think they would share that. Anti-Semitism has no place in this country. I mean, I saw also what was happening with the graffiti against our colleague Julian Leeser up in Sydney. It’s sickening. And so, we have no truck with these anti-Semitic thoughts or practices or what they’re about. I mean, he shouldn’t be in the Labor Party for a start, how he’s even in there I’ve got no idea because I know that is as abhorrent in their way of thinking as it is to ours. So I’m calling that what it is. Thanks very much.
[ENDS]
Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea to visit Australia
16 July 2019
Prime Minister
I am pleased to announce that the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, the Honourable James Marape MP, will visit Australia from 21 to 26 July as a Guest of Government.
Reflecting the closeness of our partnership, Prime Minister Marape will be the first Guest-of-Government visitor to Australia since the federal election. The bond between Australia and Papua New Guinea is unique and enduring, based on the personal, professional and historical ties between our peoples.
The people of Papua New Guinea are part of our Pacific family - our wantok, our vuvale, our whanau.
This important visit will provide an opportunity for Australia and PNG to enhance this partnership through deeper economic and security cooperation, as well as strengthened links between our communities. Discussions will focus on opportunities to boost trade and investment, ways to address shared regional challenges, and strengthening our bilateral cooperation on labour mobility, defence and security.
Australia is committed to stepping up our engagement with Papua New Guinea and the Pacific more broadly in support of a region that prospers while being safe and peaceful, with each sovereign country in charge of their own futures.
Prime Minister Marape will be accompanied by Mrs Rachael Marape and several ministers.
Doorstop - Brisbane
13 July 2019
Prime Minister
PRIME MINISTER: Congratulations to Cam Smith for tonight - 400 games.
JOURNALIST: We wondered.
PRIME MINISTER: I know he's up against the Sharks tonight. 400 games. It's hard to imagine how that will ever be topped.
JOURNALIST: It'd be terrible for him to lose it wouldn't it?
[Laughter]
PRIME MINISTER: Don't draw me on that, don't draw me on it. But he's a he's a marvellous individual and great for the game, great for Queensland. Just one of those icons of Australian sport, I think. Everyone can and celebrate that. Even if he is playing my team.
JOURNALIST: Much like Gallen, really.
PRIME MINISTER: I agree. Paul and Cam; Gals and Cam I think, are one of the great rivalries the game. Anyway. You know me, I can talk football all afternoon. I'm sure you will ask me about other things I'm happy if you go straight to questions to.
JOURNALIST: The invitation for the U.S. state visit; are you going and is this a sign of strengthening relationship between yourself and Donald Trump?
PRIME MINISTER: Now I very much welcome the invitation from President Trump for Jenny and I to travel to Washington. And that will also feed into the United Nations General Assembly leaders week as well. And there'll be opportunity subsequent to meet with many other leaders as well. But this is I think something very significant for Australia. It's about Australians as I said in my remarks. Australia's relationship with the United States could not be stronger. And it could not be stronger at a more important time for Australia. Where we are in our region where things are at in the world today. And so I very much appreciate both the warmth of President Trump's invitation to Jenny and I. But more importantly, the warmth towards Australia that President Trump has demonstrated in making this very generous invitation.
PRIME MINISTER: What do you admire about President Trump?
PRIME MINISTER: He's a strong leader, who says what he's going to do and then goes and does it. I mean, I can always rely on President Trump to follow through on what he says. And in the time I've known him he has demonstrated a real keen interest in and knowledge of Australia and the relationship, that extends back particularly more than a century, in terms of the engagement of our armed forces and their armed services. So, this is a very, very important relationship. He sees, I think, importantly our role in this part of the world. And we are an important partner to the United States.
JOURNALIST: On what issues do you differ and on what issues do you see eye to eye?
PRIME MINISTER: Well I said yesterday when I was on the USS Ronald Reagan, that Australians and Americans I think see the world through very similar eyes and this the President and I share many of those views of the world.
JOURNALIST: Can you see more announcements after this visit to increase the Pacific Step-Up strategy?
PRIME MINISTER: The Pacific Step-Up is incredibly important for Australia in our own right; in our own national interest and is very consistent with the historical position we've taken in the Pacific. We are seen as a partner a family member an ally, a supporter. And a country that very much understands the aspirations of Pacific Island nations peoples. I'm looking forward to going to Tuvalu soon, to be part of the Pacific Island Forum. And talking more about the partnership we have with Pacific Island nations. And I think we have over a long time demonstrated and through the Step-Up shown to other partners in the region, whether it's the United States or France or the United Kingdom or indeed China, is that we're a country that very much gets it when it comes to the Pacific. And we're a trusted partner in the Pacific. We just want the people in the Pacific to live well. To enjoy prosperity, to live past safe and peaceful lives and be sovereign countries in charge of their own futures. And that's our aspiration in the Pacific.
JOURNALIST: Veteran military analyst Derek Warner -
PRIME MINISTER: Sorry one at a time.
JOURNALIST: Just on China, are you conscious of how they view invitations and meetings like this with the US?
PRIME MINISTER: Well we would similarly engage with China. And have in the past and we've had the opportunity briefly to speak with President Xi when I was in Osaka. I'd had similar opportunities earlier gatherings. At APEC in particular as well as a very lengthy meeting with Premier Li Keqiang, last year. And so we maintain our engagement with all the great powers. In terms the United States and significant powers in our region. Our relationship with Indonesia is very important to Australia as we take the trade agreement through the Parliament over the balance of this year. We have a very positive and enthusiastic engagement program that we're running. Whether it's in the trade sphere, whether it's in the strategic sphere. More broadly in economic policy or humanitarian side of things. So Australia was well regarded and well respected and so the invitation from the President I think very much reflects our reputation and I'm just pleased that my Government has been in a position and I think to further strengthen that relationship and this is another great opportunity.
JOURNALIST: Veteran military analyst Derek Warner warns that Australians attack class submarine could be obsolete because it's using the lead acid batteries not lithium ion. Does that worry you?
PRIME MINISTER: Well the latter technology has not yet been proven at sea and we will continue to rely, I think rightly, on the advice of defence and security officials and advisers within our defence forces and the Department of Defence. And that also extends out to our alliance partners as well, who we work closely with through some of these issues. These decisions have not been taken lightly. They've been done after extensive analysis and looking forward to the future. And we're comfortable with those decisions. When it comes to defence procurements there will always be many opinions. And they'll always be ventured. And that's fine. But we'll continue to rely on the advice that has led us to the decisions we've made them and we're making great progress.
JOURNALIST: Trent Zimmerman this morning said that he believes some MPs need take a breath when it comes to constitutional recognition. Can you be more specific about where you stand on those issues? And do you- are you in Ken Wyatt's corner?
PRIME MINISTER: Well Ken and I are of one mind on this and his speech outlined this. I mean, our has not changed when it comes to the issues of constitutional recognition. Ken made that very clear; that issues of the process of a voice were not being considered within the constitutional context. I mean, our position on constitutional recognition goes back to the time of John Howard when John Howard was the first on from his government's level to articulate a view about constitutional recognition and my views have always very much aligned with that. And we've had a very consistent position on that. And so what Ken has said and what I've said should come as no surprise because there's been no change to our position.
JOURNALIST: Traditionally state and federal elections are different ball games. But do you think that the momentum from the Federal election is going to carry into Queensland next October?
PRIME MINISTER: Well next October I would hope to see Deb Frecklington being able to be successful at that election. That's what I'm believing. And I don't want to see Queensland fall behind. Queensland had been falling a bit behind. And I don't want to see that. There has been great delays to projects. There has been frustration in trying to get things moving. And I want to see Queensland move ahead. I have had frustrations, as people know, about the Brisbane Olympic bid. I recall that you know in New South Wales when the Sydney Olympic bid came together you didn't have to coax people out of their cave in New South Wales and state government to get them to go out there and bid, they were out front leading the show. But both the Brisbane City Council and the other coalition of councils here and the Federal Government we're all here at the starting line and I look forward to the State Government joining us soon.
JOURNALIST: What more do they need to do?
PRIME MINISTER: Stump up and lead it.
JOURNALIST: But the council of mayors has said that they would want to lead it so isn't that a bit of a contradiction?
PRIME MINISTER: No, I think for the Olympic Games to be successful they have to work very closely together. With the Olympic movement and the IOC will be looking to see a very strong leadership role being played by the state government. And obviously though they would want to know that it's been strongly supported by the national government which when I met with Dr Bach in Osaka. He left I think very clear about the strong level of support, passion, enthusiasm from my Government to support this. The Government always steps up when it comes to issues of the security infrastructure that needs to be in place and all those sorts of supports, the work that needs to be done on the border and visas and quarantine and all of these sorts of things. And so I've provided all of those obvious assurances. They should never have been in question. And we're working through a process with the south east Queensland mayors all ready when it comes to a range of infrastructure issues and that can more than accommodate any potential issues that arise from further planning on the games. So we're 100 per cent in behind this. And we're just waiting for the Queensland Government to show up.
JOURNALIST: Back to the U.S, the strategy of maintaining a balance between the US and Chinese forces. How long can this last?
PRIME MINISTER: I'd settle this out in the speech I gave to Asia link in Sydney a few weeks ago before I went to the G20. It's one of the - I'd say it's the biggest strategic challenge and management challenge we have in our international relations today. We have I think a very carefully considered and calibrated position on this and we'll continue to follow down the path that I outlined in that presentation. And as I went and did so in Osaka at the G20. We fully respect the comprehensive strategic partnership and warmly welcome it. And celebrate it with the People's Republic of China; our single largest trading partner. And equally with the United States it is an alliance that goes back over a century. And we do see the world through very similar eyes. And we have a deep and abiding friendship and relationship with the United States.
JOURNALIST: Why is it that states should address the issue of treaty and not the Federal Government?
PRIME MINISTER: Because that's where the issue sits constitutionally. It’s just a legal issue.
JOURNALIST: So do you think then that the progress that Ken Wyatt has indicated needs to happen or suggestion that should happen will be dealt with in this term?
PRIME MINISTER: I think Ken and I have been very clear. We would like to be able to progress this.
JOURNALIST: Then what's stopping you?
PRIME MINISTER: I should stress it is my number one priority when it comes to Indigenous Australians is that we have young people committing suicide in remote regional communities. That we haven't got enough kids turning up at school every day and getting the education that could set them up for the future. It's these very practical issues that are my top priority and I know was Ken's top priority. The well-being and welfare of Indigenous Australians. Closing the Gap. Enabling you to advance and realise the same things for their lives as any other Australian. They should be able to have the same expectations as any other Australian. And that's what my government is very focused on. On these issues of recognition, we would hope to make progress and we're doing that in I think in a very good faith way and I think Ken is the first Indigenous cabinet minister and the first Indigenous Minister for Indigenous Australians. That provides a unique opportunity. I am a constitutional conservative on these issues which comes as no surprise - the Liberal, National parties are constitutional conservatives on these issues. But there is a willingness to engage the point on recognition. But there are clear parameters. There are clear guardrails and lines that we've set up and we've been very upfront about that. I'm not going to raise people's expectations on this. I'm going to be very clear about where we are. And provide a space; which we have done for Ken and others to work in that hopefully could see this progress. But we want to see it succeed if it's going to go ahead and that's the opportunity that's there. But where the Liberal and National Party stand I think is quite clear. So I wish Ken and I'm going to work with Ken and support Ken in all of those initiatives and Ken and I very much on the same page.
Thank you very much and all the best to Cam tonight on his 400th game. I'll leave the result to how I'll be watching it tonight as a private matter. But of course I want to see the Sharks to win. There's no doubt about that. But Cam Smith this is not just a Queensland legend. He is a national legend. And I wish him and his family all the best for tonight. It should be a tremendous game and he's had a tremendous career and it just keeps going. Well done Cam.
Making suicide prevention a national priority
8 July 2019
Prime Minister
Providing greater support for all Australians needing mental health and suicide prevention services is a key priority of my Government.
Suicide takes far too many Australians, devastating families and local communities. One life lost to suicide is one too many, which is why my Government is working towards a zero suicide goal.
I am therefore pleased to announce the appointment of Christine Morgan as our new National Suicide Prevention Adviser to support this priority.
Ms Morgan will work with my Department and the Minister for Health to drive a whole-of-government approach to suicide prevention, while ensuring prevention services reach Australians that need them and communities are supported
Ms Morgan has extensive experience, currently as the CEO of the National Mental Health Commission and has been the National Director of the National Eating Disorders Collaboration, a Commonwealth funded initiative delivering greater support for Australians with an eating disorder.
I saw first-hand Ms Morgan’s work in her previous role as CEO the Butterfly Foundation, leading greater support for Australians with an eating disorder, which has one of the highest mortality rates of any psychiatric illness, affecting an estimated 1 million Australians.
Working closely with Ms Morgan and the Butterfly Foundation we delivered a landmark $115 million package providing tens of thousands of Australians living with an eating disorder access to life-saving treatment.
Around 80 per cent of people who die by suicide have a mental health issue, however there are a range of factors and circumstances which may contribute to suicide.
That’s why I am committed to taking all necessary action to tackle this issue, ensuring Australian families, communities and those facing challenges get the support they need.
We currently invest almost $5 billion in mental health services each year across Australia and it’s important these services reach those that need them but also address the complex issues contributing to suicide and mental health illness.
I am particularly focused on continuing our strong support for those most at risk, including our veterans, Indigenous Australians and young people.
Suicide is the leading cause of death for young Australians, accounting for over one-third of deaths among younger people aged 15-24 years. The prevalence of suicide among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is around twice that of non-Indigenous Australians.
Our $503 million Youth Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan, the largest suicide prevention plan in Australia’s history, is contributing to that priority with a major expansion of the headspace network and a significant boost to Indigenous suicide prevention and early childhood and parenting support.
We will continue to invest in the essential services that Australians rely on, including our record investment of funding into vital health initiatives including mental health, life-saving medicines, Medicare and hospitals.
$750,000 to preserve Hawke House
7 July 2019
Prime Minister
The Australian Government will provide $750,000 to purchase and renovate the childhood home of former Prime Minister Bob Hawke, to protect its heritage value and commemorate his life and achievements.
Robert James Lee Hawke was born in 1929 at Hawke House in Bordertown, South Australia.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the conservation of Hawke House was important for Australia’s heritage and democratic history.
“Bob Hawke made an extraordinary contribution to Australian life and holds a special place in the hearts of Australians,” the Prime Minister said.
“Australians loved him and he loved them back. Every Australian felt connected to him, regardless of their politics, and he was big enough that we entitled an era after him - the Hawke era.
“His childhood home is a significant part of our national story and preserving it will enable current and future generations to celebrate his life, achievements and substantial role in our democratic history.”
Hawke House will add to the homes of former Prime Ministers already preserved for the nation, including Ben Chifley’s home in Bathurst, New South Wales; John Curtin’s home in Cottesloe, Western Australia; and Joe and Enid Lyons’s family homes in Stanley and Devonport, Tasmania.
The Australian Government will now work with the local Bordertown community and the National Trust of South Australia to upgrade Hawke House and ensure its heritage value is protected so all Australians can understand and celebrate the Bob Hawke story.
$5 million will also be provided to the existing endowment fund of The General Sir John Monash Foundation to create an annual scholarship known as the Bob Hawke John Monash Scholar.
The Scholars, chosen by the Foundation, will study in any field deemed in the interests of the nation. The aim will be to support, for up to three years, talented young Australians with ability and leadership potential to develop their skills at leading overseas universities.
Radio Interview with Sabra Lane, ABC AM
5 July 2019
Prime Minister
SABRA LANE: The Prime Minister joins us now, welcome back to AM.
PRIME MINISTER: G’day Sabra, nice to be back.
LANE: Billions will start flowing to taxpayers this year. How keen are you for them to get spending and pump up a sagging economy?
PRIME MINISTER: Well I'm very keen for them to be able to keep more of what they earn and make the choices they want to make with their own money, Sabra. That's what this has always been about. I said last night that this was the Parliament rewarding the aspiration of Australians. I backed them to do what they believe is best for them, their communities, their families. And so that's what they'll be able to do. It's their money, it's not mine. They earned it and I want them to keep it. That's what I told the people at the election and I was pleased to get their support for it and pleased to get the support of the Parliament last night, despite the Labor Party seeking to obstruct and prevent this every single step of the way.
LANE: Do you agree with the Reserve Bank Governor Phil Lowe that there's an urgent need for more government driven activity and that the tax cuts will only go so far?
PRIME MINISTER: Well Phil Lowe has been saying this for a long time, Sabra. Phil and I… he first raised this with me years ago as Treasurer and that's why in the budgets we've been handing down for some years have had a very significant infrastructure package. I mean, right now, this year 2019-20, there's $13.4 billion going into infrastructure projects. We've got another 280 projects currently now underway or in planning. What we've been doing is building this infrastructure pipeline very much consistent with when Phil Lowe first raised is with me. When we went to the election, the plan was to address the circumstances as we know them right now. And we know the challenges. That's why we put this plan together with $100 billion worth of infrastructure, dozens, I would say thousands of projects in fact at a small scale level, at a regional level. The congestion-busting infrastructure package - we’ve just got to get them built, and that's the focus of my attention with the states and territories.
LANE: Mr Lowe couldn't be clearer on the need for more infrastructure, pointing out just how cheap money is right now for the government to borrow and emphasizing that it's a holistic approach that was needed.
PRIME MINISTER: I'm saying we agree and have agreed for a long time. And I think, Sabra, people need to be careful of over interpreting Mr Lowe's remarks. What he's saying is get the infrastructure activity happening and that's exactly what we are doing. That might be a surprise for those who are coming late to this debate. But we have known about this for a long time. That's why we've been announcing these projects - $100 billion. As I say, $13.4 billion this year alone, $48.2 billion over the Budget and the forward estimates. We have already been moving on what Dr Lowe has been saying because we’ve always known about the need.
LANE: If more stimulus is required, is the Government prepared to fork out more money?
PRIME MINISTER: Well as I said, we have those pipelines in place. We took the plan to deal with exactly the circumstances Dr Lowe has been talking about, because the Treasurer and I have been making exactly the same point for a very long time now.
LANE: Sorry, to the question Prime Minister - if more stimulus is required, will the Government be prepared to outlay more money?
PRIME MINISTER: I'll answer it by pointing to our record. We lifted the infrastructure program from $75 billion to $100 billion. Why? We did that because we believe that was necessary to support growth in the Australian economy. We will always take actions that we believe will support the creation of jobs and that's what this does. But it's not just about that. The regulation busting initiative I announced last week when I was in Perth - that was about ensuring that we remove the obstacles to investment. That's what we need to do as well. I mean, there's a whole raft of things - the skills agenda which I laid out at the election, we need to get on with that. The modernisation of our financial services and the digital economy, again making sure that as of the 1st of July we will be ensuring that small businesses, part of our contracting process, get paid in 20 days not 30 days. You need that cash going into the economy as well. So we've always had a very comprehensive plan, Sabra, because we've understood the challenges we need to face. So we're going to implement it.
LANE: Prime Minister, the government says no services will be cut to fund these tax changes. Aren't voters right to be a bit sceptical here? When the Coalition came to power in 2013 the promise was no cuts to education, no cuts to health, no change to pensions, no change to the GST, and no cuts to the ABC or SBS and that wasn’t kept.
PRIME MINISTER: The Pre-election Fiscal Outlook, now that is the report that is provided independently by the Secretaries of Finance and Treasury when you go into an election. That report demonstrated, signed off on, certified that all the spending that we put to the election - the record expenditure on health, on hospitals, on schools, on mental health, on the National Disability Insurance Scheme, on rebuilding our defence industry capability to 2 per cent GDP spending. All of this, all of those projections over the next decade, all of that spending was all taken into account with the full tax plan. So that's why I could assert quite confidently in the House that our spending plans are set out and they are not affected by this personal income tax plan. And it's not my word for it - it's the Secretaries of Treasury and Finance.
LANE: Let's go to the crossbench concerns. Jacqui Lambie says social housing in Tasmania is in crisis. Will you wipe the State Government's housing debt?
PRIME MINISTER: This is an issue that we've already been engaging with the State Government on. In Tasmania I think we have to be aware that over the last particularly two years and more intensively the last 12 months... I mean, Hobart has been leading the house price growth index around the country, and that has produced a very different and new set of circumstances in Tasmania that we're conscious of as well. So…
LANE: OK but to the point of the question, will you wipe the debt?
PRIME MINISTER: Well that's the issue now where we're going to work through with the state government and that's what Jacqui Lambie has said also. Where there's an overlap of an alignment of what we're trying to work on, there shouldn't be any great surprise that we would seek to work down that path which is what we're doing.
LANE: The Government has set aside a $160 million in the contingency reserve for a referendum on Indigenous recognition. What has to happen for that referendum to actually proceed?
PRIME MINISTER: I think we have to get to a point where we can have some consensus and agreement on what can be put forward in that referendum. And I'm keen to work towards that outcome. I know that Minister Wyatt is and I know that- I believe the Leader of the Opposition is, and I think as is Linda Burney. So you know, I think we started this Parliament with some good faith. I don't want to go out there and sort of precondition this overly. I mean, the Liberal and National parties obviously have and always have had a more conservative constitutional view about these things. But you know, we are keen to progress this. There was the Joint Select Committee on this very issue last year and we accepted their recommendations. I mean, there is the issue of constitutional recognition and there is the issue of greater engagement and a voice into Parliament. And those two things we are advancing, but I'm not going to raise expectations, I'm just going to work constructively and cooperatively. And as I said in the Parliament yesterday, not in a bipartisan way in a-partisan way. I think we need to get everybody on this because if it were to proceed, which I would like, then I would like it to succeed.
LANE: All right. East Timor's former president Xanana Gusmao has urged the federal government drop the case against Lawyer K and Bernard Cleary. Will Australia do that?
PRIME MINISTER: These are the matters that obviously get considered within the Government and with the Attorney-General and based on that advice we'll continue to consider all those matters very cautiously.
LANE: All right. Prime Minister, thanks for joining AM this morning.
PRIME MINISTER: Thanks very much Sabra. Good to be with you.
Delivered: Lower taxes for hard-working Australians
4 July 2019
Prime Minister, Treasurer, Minister for Finance
More than 10 million Australians will start to receive immediate tax relief from next week following the passage of Legislation through the Parliament today.
The Coalition Government has delivered on its promise, as outlined in this year’s Budget, to build a better tax system and provide more tax relief to hard-working Australians.
As a result, low and middle income earners will keep more of what they earn and have more money in their pockets. This will ultimately boost household consumption, which will be good for the overall economy.
The Treasury Laws Amendment (Tax Relief so Working Australians Keep More of Their Money) Bill 2019 will deliver a further $158 billion in tax relief, building on the already legislated Personal Income Tax Plan announced in the 2018-19 Budget.
Starting from next week, low and middle income earners with an income up to $126,000 will receive up to $1,080, or $2,160 for dual income couples, with the increased tax relief to apply from the 2018-19 income year.
The Bill has also locked in the benefits of low and middle income tax relief by increasing the top threshold of the 19 cents in the dollar tax bracket from $41,000 to $45,000 and by increasing the low income tax offset from $645 to $700 in 2022-23.
In combination with the legislated removal of the 37 per cent tax bracket in 2024-25, the Government is delivering structural reform to the tax system by reducing the 32.5 cents in the dollar tax rate to 30 cents in the dollar.
Together, these tax relief measures will create a flatter and better tax system that will improve incentives for hard-working Australians and ensure that 94 per cent of Australians will face a marginal tax rate no higher than 30 cents in the dollar in 2024-25. Once our plan is fully implemented, around 13.3 million taxpayers will pay lower taxes.
Australians voiced their loud and clear support for our comprehensive tax package at the election. They supported a tax system that rewards aspiration and encourages effort, and today we have delivered it.
Lower taxes are part of our plan for a stronger economy.
Press Conference - Canberra, ACT
4 July 2019
Prime Minister
PRIME MINISTER: Tonight, the Parliament of Australia voted to reward aspiration. The hard-working aspiration of Australians all around this country, quietly going about their lives, seeking out their future, putting the effort in, having a go. And as a result of what was passed in the Parliament tonight, getting a go. And getting a go as a result of the Government sticking to its plan, a plan that we put to the Australian people at the election, a plan that they voted for. And I'm pleased that tonight, in the Senate and in the House of Representatives earlier in the week, the Parliament has also voted for.
This is a win tonight, not for the Government, not for the Liberal and National parties. This is a win for those hard working Australians quietly going about their lives. And these are the people we will keep our faith with every single day. I said we would burn for them and that is exactly what we've been doing this week. And we will do every single day and week between now and of course the next election. They know where we stand when it comes to their aspirations. They know we believe it, they know we get it, and they know we will work as hard for their aspirations as they will themselves.
I particularly want to congratulate the two gentlemen standing with me here this evening, because this is the plan that was first put in the Budget earlier this year, that we took to election that the Treasurer handed down. And it has remained steadfast ever since that night as we sought to prosecute it, not just in the election, but now we're back in Parliament. I also want to particularly commend Senator Cormann for once again bringing it home, Mathias, for the Australian people.
It is disappointing that it was necessary to actually seek to negotiate the passage of this legislation through the Upper House and by working ultimately with the crossbenches. This is a Bill that should have been supported by the Labor Party, if they’d been listening to the Australian people at the last election. But they chose not to. It's quite clear, through their belligerent opposition to these measures, each and every day since the election, seeking to prevent and frustrate and thwart the Government's efforts simply to keep faith with the Australian people who work so hard. Labor has showed again this week that they will always be the party of higher taxes. A party that has not understood the aspirations of all Australians. But our parties, the Liberal and National parties, have always understood that. And we always will.
So I thank also those Members of Parliament, both in the House and in the Senate, that have supported this package of measures. And I believe the Australian people will be thankful to them also. Next week, $1,080 for people earning up to $126,000 they will be able to redeem back through their tax returns next week. But not only that, the Bill was not only just about that, the Bill was also about longer term structural reform of our tax system. Building on the changes we made in the previous Budget. So now, when you look forward over the next decade - because that's what it's a plan for - Australians can plan for their future with confidence. They know the harder they work, they will not face those higher rates of tax, for the majority of Australians. 94 per cent never facing a marginal tax rate higher than 30 cents in the dollar. That's what real tax change and reform looks like, and I'm so pleased we've been able to deliver it for the Australian people. Josh.
THE HON JOSH FRYDENBERG MP, TREASURER: Thank you Prime Minister. The Australian people have got the tax cuts that they voted for. This is good news for the economy. It's good news for Australian families. It's good news for Australian workers. And as the Prime Minister has said, we will see up to a $1,080 into the pockets of low and middle income earners from as early as next week, and long term structural reform.
But what has defined this tax agenda, and thank you Prime Minister for your leadership in last year's Budget and through this year's Budget as well. And Mathias, thank you for your incredible negotiation skills through the Senate as well. But what has defined this tax package is the values that underpin it. Reward for effort, encouraging aspiration, and enabling Australians to earn more and keep more of what they earn. That's what the Liberals and Nationals believe in. That's what defines our Coalition Government, and we will continue to grow the Economy with our plan set out in the Budget.
PRIME MINISTER: Thank you Josh. Mathias.
SENATOR THE HON MATHIAS CORMANN, MINISTER FOR FINANCE: Thank you Prime Minister. I am just so pleased that the Senate tonight kept faith with the verdict of the Australian people at the last election. At the last election the Australian people voted in favour of our plan for lower income taxes because they understood that offered them the best possible opportunity to get account on the back of a stronger economy. Australians voted against the high taxing agenda and the politics of envy pursued by the alternative.
Tonight’s outcome is indeed great news for millions of working Australians who will receive income tax refunds from the end of next week. This is a comprehensive plan which both delivers short-term cost of living pressure relief to low and middle income earners through the tax refund starting from next week. But it does also include that structural reform which takes the bracket creep monkey off people’s back. Leaving bracket creep unaddressed undermines aspiration and weakens the economy over time. Weakening the economy over time because we leave the bracket creep monkey running rampant, that would actually be very bad news for low-income earners in particular.
Tonight is a great outcome for Australians right around our great country, who all they want is the best possible opportunity to get ahead.
JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, the cost of the package is obviously a significant issue, and you were asked in Question Time today if there would be any cuts to services and you said, ‘none’. Is that a rock solid guarantee for a decade ahead?
PRIME MINISTER: It was in the Budget. And it was confirmed in PEFO and confirmed independently the plans… the tax plan was all set. And that's exactly why I said what I said today in the House. Labor tried to use every single excuse. I mean, the only innovation we saw from the Labor Party this week was coming up with more and more excuses as to why they wouldn’t support this package. And then tonight, capitulating in the rabble that they have shown themselves to be over the course of this week and over the course of dealing with this issue. So our plans were set up very clearly and they were all independently verified by the secretaries of Finance and Treasury at the election. It doesn't get any more any more certain than that.
JOURNALIST: But 2024 is outside the forward estimates…
SENATOR THE HON MATHIAS CORMANN, MINISTER FOR FINANCE: But hang on. On the basis of no policy change, the Prime Minister is exactly right. This is just the Labor Party going back over and over through a pre-election argument…
JOURNALIST: So is that a guarantee?
SENATOR THE HON MATHIAS CORMANN, MINISTER FOR FINANCE: If I may, through a pre-election argument. They tried to run this flag up the flagpole during the election. It was widely discredited for good reasons. If you look at the pre-election economic and fiscal outlook, what that says very, very clearly is that the projected surpluses after we have paid for record funding for hospitals, schools, infrastructure and all the other essential services Australians rely on, after we have accommodated the fiscal impact of our income tax relief in full, our Budget remains and is projected to remain in surplus all the way over the medium term. That is based on an assumption of no policy change. That means, based on an assumption of no future policy decisions to cut spending. That is why the Prime Minister is absolutely right when he gives that iron clad guarantee that these tax cuts do not require and are not based on an assumption of future spending cuts.
JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, you knocked off a few Labor amendments this week, including one that would have brought forward a stage of the tax package. Are you open to bringing forward or changing any element of this package should the economy need further stimulus, but equally can you rule out any delay to any of the implementation over the seven years?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, let me say this - the Budget that we handed down in April this year was our plan to deal with the economic challenges that we've always known have existed. Now, I know it may be a mystery to the Labor Party about these challenges, because they were proposing to put $385 billion of higher taxes on the economy. I'm going to be generous to them and say they mustn’t have understood the serious challenges the economy was facing to put forward such a diabolical plan for the Australian economy. We knew the challenges the Australian economy has been facing, and particularly the three of us have been very upfront with the Australian people about the nature of those challenges. So we fashioned a plan that was in this year's Budget to deal with those challenges. And so the task now is to implement that plan. Now, that plan isn't just tax relief, as you know. That plan is to implement our infrastructure agenda and there is no shortage of projects that we currently have to progress now. I mean, we have around 300 projects under our $100 billion plan that are still yet to commence. We have many in place right now, and are being commenced, and I have spent the time since the election spending time with the Premiers, as Michael McCormack has as well, and Minister Tudge, to get the pipeline of these projects locked down. The start dates, the contractual arrangements, how they're going to proceed with the delivery of the projects. Because we've always agreed of the need to use our infrastructure investment as a way to support the economy. That is not new. The $100 billion plan used to be a $75 billion plan. We increased it to a $100 billion plan to address the very issues that, frankly, the Governor of the Reserve Bank first raised with me some years ago when I was Treasurer and he's raised the same points with the now Treasurer. So our plan is designed to address that, as is the skills agenda, as is the regulation congestion busting agenda that I announced in my speech when I was in Western Australia, as is the skills agenda, as is the modernising of the Australian financial system and economy, particularly the digitisation of our economy. What does that mean? It means that small businesses get paid in real time, and there's a lot more money moving through the system. So this is a comprehensive economic plan that we took to the election, and you know, I can talk about defence industry procurement as well, and of course the trade deals which have been securing, protecting, and broadening our market access. So that's our plan. We're going to implement our plan. And of course, as we always do, if and when there are ever other measures that we think should be added to that plan, well we’ll consider at that time. There’ll be a MYEFO at the end of the year, but the most critical thing now was to give these tax cuts through the Parliament to provide that certainty for Australians, not just today but into the future. Same reason why we did the small business and medium sized business tax cuts, the same reason we did the instant asset write off. All of this is designed to create jobs and let people have more of their own money so they can invest and get ahead.
JOURNALIST: What agreement have you come to with Jacquie Lambie in return for her support today?
SENATOR THE HON MATHIAS CORMANN, MINISTER FOR FINANCE: Senator Lambie was extremely clear as were the other Senators. Senator Lambie formed a judgement to support our income tax relief package in full, on its own merits. As I have been saying for some time now and I have said it again and again. Of course we are always happy to work with non-Government Senators in relation to issues of concern to them and their constituents. That is what we will continue to do. It is a matter of public record that Senator Lambie is very passionate about the issue of public housing in Tasmania. She is a fierce advocate for her state of Tasmania. We have agreed to work with her through that issue...
JOURNALIST: But Jacqui Lambie seems to be of the view that she has some sort of agreement to waive the $157 million in debt. If she doesn’t have you agreed to give her something in kind that will be comparable to $15 million a year that they are spending on interest payments. She seems to be of the view that you are going to waive the debt. Are you waiving the debt or not?
SENATOR THE HON MATHIAS CORMANN, MINISTER FOR FINANCE: I sat in the chamber. I listened very carefully to Senator Lambie. Senator Lambie said extremely clearly that she made a judgement and she made a decision to support our income tax relief plan in full on its own merits. She trusted that as we have undertaken to do, that we will work with her through the issue that she has raised in good faith, over the next few weeks and next few months.
PRIME MINISTER: Remember, Minister Sukkar was just down in Hobart very recently and these are issues that have been similarly raised with us by Premier Hodgman as well. It's a matter I have been conscious of for some time. So these are serious issues and she's raised them, as she should.
JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, you spoke to the US Ambassador two hours ago. Did the US help in the release of Alek Sigley?
PRIME MINISTER: Look, I don't think it's useful at all to go into any sort of detailed commentary about the process that are involved ensuring Alek, and I can give a further update, about now actually, that very soon he will be on a plane on his way to see his wife in Tokyo. And so I can only imagine how wonderful that will be for them to be reunited. I can only state again how appreciative we are to the Swedish Government, and later tonight I will be speaking with the Swedish Prime Minister to thank them as well, and I look forward to that conversation. But it is in nobody's interests, in these quite sensitive consular cases, to go beyond simply saying I'm so pleased that he's safe and I’m so pleased he is being reunited with his family.
JOURNALIST: Do you have an explanation as to why he was detained?
PRIME MINISTER: I’ll just refer you to the answer that I just gave you. It is in nobody's interest expect simply to say thank goodness Alek is safe.
JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese has said that he may go to the election vowing to repeal stage three of the package. Do you have a response to that?
THE HON JOSH FRYDENBERG MP, TREASURER: PM? I could say, well, if he does do that, then someone who is on the average full-time earnings in 2024-25 - that will be around $100,000 - they will be $1,375 worse off as a result of repeal of such legislation. So, at the end of the day, Anthony Albanese and Labor have been- have shown themselves to be the party of higher taxes. This is leaving more money in people's pockets, and it will deliver them - and Australia - a better, simpler, stronger tax system.
PRIME MINISTER: I would go even further - it is Labor’s policy. It hasn’t changed. It's their policy to deny dividend imputation credits as well, that hasn't changed. It’s their policy to abolish negative gearing as we know it, that's still their policy. Capital gains tax increases by 50 per cent - still their policy. Higher taxes on small business - still their policy. I mean, if they haven't got the message by now, that higher taxes kill aspiration in this country, they never will. They never will. You can't trust Labor when it comes to taking money from you. They will always want more.
JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, can I ask, just take you back to your comments about the Budget being your economic plan. The Reserve Bank Governor has obviously made clear that there is a need for more fiscal stimulus beyond the tax cuts, which he welcomes as a good first step. Can I take from what you're saying that, what is in the Budget is the extent of your proposed fiscal stimulus? Or is there scope to do more than what is already outlined in the Budget?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, Josh will comment on this as well. But I think people should be careful in terms of how they are offering commentary on what the Reserve Bank Governor has said. The Reserve Bank Governor has pointed to the need to ensure that we deliver significant investments in public infrastructure. That is exactly what we are doing, and it's not a new view expressed by the Governor. He's been expressing it for some years, and that was the impetus for the initiative we took some years ago when we really started ramping up our investment. And those investments are now flowing, and those investments have played an important role in ensuring the continued growth of the Australian economy during some difficult times. So our Budget and our actions here, right now, are entirely consistent and synchronized with the comments made by the Reserve Bank Governor. Josh?
THE HON JOSH FRYDENBERG MP, TREASURER: Thanks, PM. In the most recent statement from the Reserve Bank, they pointed out - in their words - that employment growth was strong. We've seen more than 1.3 million new jobs being created and unemployment at the lowest level in seven years. They also pointed out that the spending on infrastructure was offsetting some of the challenges that we have seen elsewhere in the economy. And they also pointed out that the central scenario about economic growth remains, which is to come back, which is to be at trend. And we do know in the Budget we’ve set out that our forecast is consistent with that. But we also agree with the Reserve Bank Governor that it's not just monetary policy that should do the heavy lifting - it's also what we do in fiscal policy, and that was set out in the Budget, as the Prime Minister said -tax cuts. This is a very significant boost to household incomes. Infrastructure spending, the skills package, and of course all the other measures that we are undertaking.
PRIME MINISTER: Can I commend to you the rest of the interview that Josh did with 7.30 tonight and the rest of the responses he gave to many other questions. But tonight, you saw a united Government team, Liberals and Nationals, and I think you could see that very clearly on the floor of the House of Representatives tonight. And I think you can see very clearly where Labor was on this issue by looking on the other side of the Chamber. Thank you very much.
Media Statement - Alek Sigley
4 July 2019
Prime Minister
We are pleased to announce that Mr Alek Sigley has today been released from detention in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). He is safe and well.
Swedish authorities advised the Australian Government that they met with senior officials from the DPRK yesterday and raised the issue of Alek’s disappearance on Australia’s behalf.
Earlier this morning we were advised that the DPRK had released Alek from detention, and he has now safely left the country.
On behalf of the Australian Government, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to Swedish authorities for their invaluable assistance in securing Alek’s prompt release.
This outcome demonstrates the value of the discreet, behind the scenes work of officials in resolving complex and sensitive consular cases, in close partnership with other governments.
We couldn’t be more pleased that we not only know where Alek is, but that he is safe.
Condolence Motion, The Hon Robert James Lee Hawke AC
3 July 2019
Prime Minister
PRIME MINISTER: Thank you Mr Speaker,
I move that this House records its regret at the death on 16 May this year of the Honourable Robert James Lee Hawke AC, former member for Wills and the 23rd Prime Minister of Australia, and places on record its appreciation of his remarkable service to our nation, which he loved, and offers its deepest sympathy to his family in their bereavement and indeed to the nation.
Mr Speaker, the first Prime Minister to speak at this dispatch box in this chamber, in this magnificent Parliament building was Robert James Lee Hawke.
But that meant he was also the last Prime Minister to do so at the Despatch Box at the Old Parliament House in the House of Representatives Chamber down the hill.
And in so many ways, not in just that physical way, he took our country from the old to the new.
He was personal enough that every Australian felt connected to him, regardless of their politics, and big enough that we actually entitled an era after him - the Hawke era.
As I said at his memorial, which I was very grateful to the Hawke family and to Blanche for being invited to participate in -Australians loved him, just as he loved them.
There’s was a great romance that played itself out in every part of this land with Bob Hawke.
They knew each other, he and the Australian people. They forgave each other, understood each other’s virtues and identified with each other’s weaknesses.
In Bob Hawke’s own words, it was ‘a love affair’ and indeed it was.
In 1983, Bob Hawke campaigned on the slogan: “Bringing Australians Together”.
And so he did.
From 1983 to 1991, Bob Hawke led a government that redefined our nation for a modern age.
Floating the dollar.
Deregulating the financial system.
Admitting foreign banks.
Dismantling tariffs.
Starting the privatisation of government-owned businesses.
Micro-economic reform in partnership with the states and territories.
Retirement incomes for all workers.
With sights firmly fixed on the long-term with his team, Bob Hawke opened up the Australian economy to the world, increasing competition and laying the foundation for a quarter of a century and more of economic growth that continues to this day.
Now, of course, it might not have seemed that way during the dislocation of the 1980s and the recession of the early 1990s, but our country had certainly at that point, turned outward under his leadership.
And I also wish to acknowledge that this work was done in a partnership most significantly with his Treasurer Paul Keating.
But it was also a work that was largely, almost completely, supported by those who sat in Opposition. Now this was achieved by Bob Hawke’s leadership and that’s what I acknowledge. His leadership to embrace common sense, common good, economic reforms, to make Australia stronger and to bring Australians together for that purpose.
He had many fights, whether in this place within his own ranks, his own party, and outside this place. But such was his passion, such was his commitment, such was his determination to see the future of Australia going down a common ground path that will be forever to his credit, and we will be forever in his debt.
And, as a result of his vision and commitment, the tempo and direction of this economic reform agenda that indeed started under the Hawke Government, has continued long after that, to this day, under my government and beyond.
The achievements of the government under Bob Hawke were not just economic they were social as well.
After all, economies are meant to serve people. He understood that.
They make those great social reforms possible.
They were landmark social reforms, made possible by that economic success. Social reforms that became embedded in our national life, and now in so many cases enjoy bi-partisan support that was not present when they were initiated.
The Medicare Card we all carry in our pockets is a reminder of his great contribution and its promise of universal access is an achievement that has stood, and will always stand the test of time.
As was the outlawing of gender discrimination in the workplace.
There was the listing of the Central Eastern Rainforest Reserves - what we know as the Gondwana Rainforests, the Wet Tropics of Queensland and the Uluru National Park on the World Heritage List – and the handback of Uluru to the traditional owners, the Pitjantjatjara people.
His work, along with Health Minister Neil Blewett, ensured Australia’s response to the AIDS epidemic was the best in the world – tens of thousands of people are alive today because of those efforts.
And abroad, he stood against Apartheid, committed Australian forces to the liberation of Kuwait, and was pivotal to the establishment of APEC which endures to this day.
Bob Hawke was the most electorally-successful Federal Labor leader in our history: the winner of four successive elections and is our third longest-serving Prime Minister.
But like John Howard, I agree that he was Labor’s greatest Prime Minister.
Now Bob Hawke would never accept that he would say that that honour belongs to his hero, and so many in this place, to John Curtin. And there is no doubt that war takes a great toll on prime ministers. And with that sacrifice, with John Curtin there will always be great, great honour.
But what Bob Hawke did with peace and in peacetime, I think was the greatest tribute you could pay to those who fought for it, including John Curtin.
Mr Speaker, some say that the path of Bob Hawke was a destiny pre-written.
That was certainly what his mother believed – and his father too.
When pregnant with Bob, his mother repeatedly found herself drawn to the words of Isaiah:
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder.
It was a legend he felt entirely comfortable with. But destiny was not an easy partner for Bob Hawke- and we know that through his well-told story of his life.
Of course, Bob Hawke always revelled in his belief about the purpose of his life. It’s a good thing.
When he was asked to conduct Handel’s Messiah for his 80th birthday, which those of us who were there were able to re-live, Bob felt he had to remind people that the music was actually not about him! Not terribly convincing though.
And when we look at the extraordinary events of 3 February 1983, one might just have to wonder.
A day unlike any other in Australian politics.
A prime minister seeks an early election.
A governor-general makes him wait and wait.
A leader of the opposition resigns.
He was Leader of the Opposition just 36 days - no doubt a great mercy. In a coincidence, the current Leader of the Opposition equals that record tomorrow.
ANTHONY ALBANESE: Are you saying something?
PRIME MINISTER: It was to our country’s fortune that Bob Hawke seemed to have more than his share of luck.
When he took office, the drought broke and of course Australia emerged from recession. Welcome developments, and we only pray that that will happen now in terms of the drought.
And on September 26, 1983, little more than six months into the Hawke Government, the nation was galvanised by an unlikely triumph that we all remember in sport.
I was a young teenager at the time- and I can still remember that morning.
It seems like yesterday.
In my mind’s eye, I can still see him at the Royal Perth Yacht Club.
The joy. The exhilaration. The chaos.
A reformed teetotaller drenched in champagne.
That gaudy red, white and blue jacket emblazoned with the word AUSTRALIA! How good was that? Sadly, they don’t make prime ministerial jackets like that anymore.
We can hear his laughter, the way his body wrenched around, and a bold declaration that reminded us that this prime minister was very much one of all of us - whoever we were. Whatever background we had, wherever we sat within the great spectrum of Australia, he was always one of us.
It was pitch-perfect for the times: fearless, brash, Australian, as Australia beat the world, and he was so comfortable about who we were.
Signature notes for the advancing tide of the 1980s’ optimism.
Mr Speaker, if destiny was Bob Hawke’s friend, he understood as I said it was not a passive relationship.
The call to do great deeds is itself a deed – a silent contract involving an obligatory call to discipline, sacrifice and restraint which he exercised.
Bob Hawke, for all his powers of reasoning, could also be pretty acutely visceral. A few journalists understood that from time to times, I’m sure people in this chamber did, on both sides of the House.
But he had a capacity to feel, to not disguise or hide his emotions. He shed tears and at times, he rose to anger.
He expressed joy, he was empathetic as well but maybe that’s because he had his own share of pain.
As a boy, he watched his only brother die of meningitis.
And as a young father, he carried an infant son – his namesake to his grave. A pain so dreadful he could not visit his son’s grave for almost 20 years.
Of course, he was fiery too.
The tears he shed public tears over his daughter’s struggle with substance abuse– and he also shed them for the victims of Tiananmen Square as well.
Through it all we saw the totality of the man.
His authenticity and its imperfection.
He never hid it.
I’m told of a story, it may be, I’m not sure, I’m pretty convinced it’s true, that on one occasion, at Kirribilli House, the AFP officer on duty on the day, who was there tasked to bring forward the papers and put them in the sort of, Vestibule on the entry to Kirribilli House, one morning got to see all of Bob Hawke as he opened the door, in all his glory!
The AFP adopted a different protocol for the launching of the submission of those documents each morning, with greater care, so as not to be exposed to the full glory of the great Robert James Lee Hawke!
So he did never hide himself, physically or otherwise.
And Australians loved him for it.
Mr Speaker, in honour of the life and service of Bob Hawke, I am pleased to announce that the Government will provide $5 million to the existing endowment fund of The General Sir John Monash Foundation to create an annual scholarship known as the Bob Hawke John Monash Scholar.
The Scholars, chosen by the Foundation, will study in any field deemed in the interests of the nation.
The aim will be to support, for up to three years, talented young Australians with ability and leadership potential to develop their skills at leading overseas universities.
We believe that this is an appropriate way to recognise the memory of such a great Australian. To see it lived in the lives of many great Australians who will follow in his footsteps in this regard into the future.
Mr Speaker, on behalf of the Government, and indeed this parliament and the nation, I sincerely want to extend to Mr Hawke’s widow Blanche and to his family, the deepest sympathies of our country. And we share and thank you for caring for Bob through the long sunset of his life.
Again today, as I did on the day he passed, Jenny and I, particularly want to acknowledge the support and contribution of the late and wonderful Hazel Hawke, who was a tremendous support and inspiration to Bob and his family and is also deeply and sorely missed by a nation who loved her also.
Mr Speaker, Australia is grateful for the leadership and service of Robert James Lee Hawke.
Australians all can rejoice for his life.
Having served his country tirelessly and diligently and passionately, may he now rest in peace.
Doorstop - Canberra, ACT
2 July 2019
Prime Minister
PRIME MINISTER: It is a bit cool this morning and as chilly as it was yesterday at the War Memorial and both that reflection yesterday afternoon at the War Memorial and this morning's reflections, I think, are very important ways for our Parliament to begin. And certainly on this occasion. People coming together from across the political divide and, of course, this week, with the swearing-in of a new Governor-General, I think it is a timely reminder of all the things that make our democracy, our country, so great. There is a tremendous stability, I think, in these things that anchor our country, whether it's our Constitution, as we remembered yesterday with the Governor-General, the great sacrifice and service of those men and women who sacrificed everything for us. Today, reflecting on the deeply held faith values of our nation. And later this morning, the welcome-to-country. I think that all brings it together, and for the ceremonies that follow. And this is the right way to start a Parliament. And I look forward to continuing in that vein. This morning, there are many prayers that, I must say my prayers this morning are for Alek Sigley and his family. This is a very troubling and concerning situation and we will be continuing to use every effort that we have to locate him and hopefully to be able to bring him home safely.
JOURNALIST: Is there any update on that case?
PRIME MINISTER: No, I'm afraid there's not. I'm seeking and receiving regular updates but this morning in the absence of those, and indeed regardless of that, prayer is my response.
JOURNALIST: On the income tax cuts, where does Jacqui Lambie currently stand? And I understand you're also not negotiating with One Nation?
PRIME MINISTER: We'll continue to work these issues through the Parliament and as the week progresses I think people will see where people ultimately place their support.
JOURNALIST: Do you think you'll get it through this week?
PRIME MINISTER: That's certainly our intention.
JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, why should the owners of Cubbie Station be given more time to sell?
PRIME MINISTER: Look, that's a matter which has been dealt sensitively now under several Treasurers and myself, and Wayne Swan in fact as well. We will continue to deal with this issue consistent with the national economic interest.
JOURNALIST: Bob Katter says these tax cuts are going to give someone who earns $5 million a year, like Alan Joyce, quite a significant tax cut in the future. Are they really that right to be giving that kind of money away when we're still only just coming out of deficit?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, a strong economy always needs lower taxes. A stronger economy is not achieved by higher taxes. And the tax cuts that we're putting through the Parliament this week actually provides no additional tax cut for someone on the highest rate of tax than anyone earning between $45,000 and $200,000 in actual value terms. These are tax cuts that allow people to keep more of what they earn. And at the election, we made that point very clearly - that we want Australians to keep more of what they earn. Because when Australians keep more of what they earn, they're stronger. And when they're stronger, our economy is stronger and our country is stronger. So, tax relief is good for all Australians, and that's what they voted for, and that's what we'll be voting for. Thank you very much.
Interview with Leigh Sales, ABC 730
1 July 2019
Prime Minister
LEIGH SALES: Prime Minister, welcome back, and congratulations on your re-election.
PRIME MINISTER: Well, thank you very much, Leigh. It's very good to be back.
SALES: Why is Labor's offer to pass the first two stages of the tax cuts in return for holding off the legislation for part three to preserve flexibility and economic management not a perfectly sensible compromise?
PRIME MINISTER: That's not what I put to the Australian people, and that's not what they voted for. They voted for the personal income tax plan that we set out in the Budget, which was a responsible plan that dealt with the immediate requirement to ensure that we put more money back in people's pockets - money they earned, keeping more of what they earned - and moving to the structural reform in a way, and on a timetable, that was supportive of our Budget strategy.
SALES: Nonetheless…
PRIME MINISTER: So that's what we set out. That's what we set out. That's what we put to the Australian people. And that's what we intend to legislate this week.
SALES: Nonetheless, Australians aren't stupid. They understand that, after you're elected, you have to deal with the realities of the Parliament that you have, and Australians like to see their politicians working together to get stuff done.
PRIME MINISTER: And the Labor Party has the opportunity to do that by supporting the package of measures that we put to the Australian people.
SALES: They've offered a compromise by saying they'll support the first two stages, so where's your compromise that you're prepared to make?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, I'm very confident we'll be able to take these bills through the Parliament with the support of the Parliament and those parliamentarians who don't want higher taxes, that want to ensure that the Government is able to implement the agenda that it took to the Australian people. And I think... see, when I said on election night, Leigh, that the election result was actually about not the Liberal Party or me - it was about them. It was about what they wanted to see happen. And that's what they do want to see happen. The Labor Party has had more positions on this since the election than you could possibly imagine. They've had multiple positions even today. I know what I think we should do. I put that to the Australian people. We did that as a team, and they want us to get on with it, and I’m going to hold my faith with them. That's who I'm going to back - them.
SALES: So if you aren’t prepared to compromise with Labor, what’s your pathway to getting your full package through the Parliament?
PRIME MINISTER: Working with the crossbench and ensuring that we work with the parliamentarians who are keen to see that the Government can implement its agenda that it had a very and clear mandate from the Australian people to deliver.
SALES: And so far with the negotiations, at this point in time, who do you believe you've got in your camp?
PRIME MINISTER: This will become clearer as the week progresses.
SALES: When will you introduce the legislation?
PRIME MINISTER: We'll do that tomorrow night.
SALES: And given the need for any government to have flexibility and agility with its economic management, why are you locking yourself into a policy that takes effect years in the future?
PRIME MINISTER: It's a plan, Leigh. It's a plan that actually deals with the immediate challenges as well as the longer-term challenges. We're getting rid of bracket creep. Bracket creep is a thief of what Australians earn. And it should go. The way you do it is you do it over time, and that's what a responsible plan does. And that's what we've put to the Australian people, and that's what we're putting to the Parliament. I mean, it's not unlike when you make commitments to hospital expenditure and education expenditure in schools, which we have also done at record levels. Or, indeed, fully funding the National Disability Insurance Scheme. That's not a plan for four years. That's a plan that goes for a decade and more. I mean, with the NDIS, is goes on permanently. So I've always found it a bit puzzling that the Labor Party are always very quick to want to spend money forever, but they're not prepared to let people keep more of their own money forever.
SALES: Let me run through some other issues. You have a religious freedom bill due as well. When will that be ready for the public to see?
PRIME MINISTER: Right now, we're putting our finishing touches on that, and an important part of that process is consulting with my colleagues - the members who have been duly elected at the last election. They're getting together for the first time this week in the Parliament, I should say - we've met once before as a Party Room - and we'll continue to consult with our own members to finalise a legislative proposal…
SALES: And is the - sorry to interrupt, but I want to get a sense of how far away, or otherwise, that is.
PRIME MINISTER: We'll be introducing that legislation this year, but the first step is to consult with our Parliamentary colleagues. And then I'm very keen to engage the Opposition in that process as well. I'm catching up with the Leader of the Opposition this week. We'll talk about a range of different issues where I would hope that we'd be able to come together on and I would hope that they would be taking a practical approach to this. I have no reason to think that they won't. But I would like to see this issue, Leigh, progressed with a sensitivity, with a sense of cooperation, and with a sense of balance. And that's certainly what I'll be seeking to do, and I'll be working with colleagues and others to ensure we achieve that outcome.
SALES: Under the changes you introduce, would you like to see somebody like Israel Folau be able to make the remarks that he made and be safe from being sacked?
PRIME MINISTER: I think it's important, ultimately, that employers have reasonable expectations of their employees, and that they don't impinge on their areas of private practice and private belief or private activity. And there's a balance that has to be struck in that, and our courts will always ultimately decide this based on the legislation that's presented. Now, that matter - I'm loathe to make further comment on - because that matter will be finding its way through the courts as well, and that will be done based on the existing legislative framework. We're looking at a religious discrimination act which I think which will provide more protections for people because of their religious faith and belief in the same way that people of whatever gender they have or sexuality or what nationality or ethnic background or the colour of their skin - they shouldn't be discriminated against also. We have discrimination acts that deal with that. But there is a gap when it comes to expressions of religious faith, and it's important our law respects that as well.
SALES: But on that point that you raise, broadening it out - if a public figure said, for example, that Jews are going to hell, they would be rightly and roundly condemned for that. But if a public figure says gays are going to hell, it can be defended as religious freedom. Do you see any problem with that situation?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, again, I mean, the issue is making sure you get the balance right in the legislation, which respects the same principle of anti-discrimination as applies to many other cases. We already have anti-discrimination legislation which deals with these sensitivities in other areas, and that will apply also to religious faith. And what I would hope is that we can have a sensible and adult debate about this one - not one that is drawn to extremes of examples or things like that to try and derail debates, but one that actually keeps people together and honours the key principle. I mean, religious freedom is a core pillar of our society. And it's not unreasonable. And I think there are many millions of Australians who would like to see that protected, and I intend to follow through on that commitment.
SALES: If we can turn to the G20 - Australia's had a somewhat troubled relationship with China of recent times, but you managed at the G20 to secure a quick sideline meeting with President Xi. What did you discuss?
PRIME MINISTER: The future of our relationship, ensuring that it remained positive - I made it very clear that Australia welcomes the strength of the Chinese economy, and it has an important impact on Australia's economy. I also made the same point I made to President Trump - and that is that the fact that we have tensions between the United States and China is not good for the global economy, and I urged him - as I did President Trump - that they seek to resolve these differences for the benefit of the global economy. We have a positive relationship with China, I believe, and we have a very large diaspora of ethnic Chinese as Australian citizens, and I think that's an important part of the people-to-people relationship. I mean, President Xi has been to every state of Australia. He has a keen interest and, I believe, affection for Australia. And that's something we will continue to build on. Australia has been very consistent and clear in our positions on these issues. We won't agree on everything. But I won't allow our relationship, (a) - to be defined by our differences, or (b) - by the binary prism that so many want to look at this issue through.
SALES: In one of our interviews during the election campaign, I asked who would dictate the Liberal Party's policy if you won the election. You very emphatically said, "I will." Do you see risks with that?
PRIME MINISTER: That’s what leaders must do Leigh, they lead. I said when I took over the leadership of the Liberal Party, I said, "You've asked me to lead, I'm asking you to follow." I'm not going to be running off to the left or the right, or to placate this group or that group. To want to maintain a very steady course, a very measured and balanced and responsible course that sticks true to the principles and values of the Liberal Party. That's…
SALES: Sorry, I was just going to say, to use the example you were saying before about your religious freedoms bill that you'll have to consult your colleagues on that. If it's your way and you're leading, then what's the point of the consultation?
PRIME MINISTER: That sounds like a pretty binary way to look at that, Leigh. I mean, you know what your principles are, you know what the direction is, you listen very carefully. I mean, when I think about, you know, those who I respect most in this job who've done it before, in John Howard, that was certainly as he approached it. But I'd also say this about Bob Hawke, when he was prime minister - that wonderful memorial service, I had the privilege to participate in, one of the marks of Bob Hawke's prime ministership - he certainly very much led his party, but was very able in bringing out the best in his team and ensuring there is a consultative approach to his government. You can do both, Leigh, and I intend to do just that. But people need to be clear about your direction and, as I work with people, they are rarely unclear about what direction I'm seeking to take the Government and the party in.
SALES: Is it possible that, given some of the recent internal fights in the Liberal Party - and I'm sure there'd be leftover feeling from that - plus the way you played a sort of singular, solo role in winning your party the election - that there's a risk that you're somewhat isolated from your colleagues?
PRIME MINISTER: Not at all. I'd say quite the reverse. I'm inspired by my colleagues but, more than that, we're all inspired by the Australian people. There's a humility that I hope people are seeing in our Government. A humility that I expect from all of my colleagues, all of my members. We're here to serve the people of Australia. It's about them, not about us. When we focus on them and what their needs are, then that is the best way to drive unity and devise focus in your team. Our job is to focus on the people who are not in this building, but the people who are outside this building.
SALES: Prime Minister, thanks for your time this evening.
PRIME MINISTER: Thank you very much, Leigh. Great to be with you again.