Media Releases
Boosting Leave for APS Volunteer Firefighters
24 December 2019
Prime Minister, Minister for the Public Service
Government employees fighting this season’s devastating bushfires will have their paid volunteer leave allowance boosted.
The Prime Minister and Minister for the Public Service said he had directed all Commonwealth public service leaders to permanently offer at least 20 working days paid leave, or 28 calendar days, for volunteers aiding with firefighting efforts. And for additional leave to then be provided as when needed.
“We’re helping get more boots on the ground and giving people who’ve been out there for weeks some relief,” the Prime Minister said.
“With bushfire seasons starting earlier, one of the things I’ve heard on the ground is that some people are dipping into their other leave entitlements to stay out there battling blazes. Today’s announcement is about ensuring our volunteer firefighters can keep focused on the job at hand.
“We’ve also already deployed our Defence Forces to assist with logistics, fire mapping and even meals and accommodation, already nearly $23 million in disaster recovery payments has flowed to affected families and businesses with more to come, and we’ve boosted our support for waterbombing planes and helicopters by $11 million.
“My Ministers and I are in constant contact with our state and territory counterparts and fire chiefs and we stand ready to deliver whatever extra help they ask of us.”
The change to volunteer leave entitlements for Commonwealth public servants brings those contracts into line with the arrangements offered for Australian Defence Force reservists.
“We’ll do everything in our power to ensure these fireys have the resources and support they need,” the Prime Minister said.
“Once again I’d also like to thank the many businesses - small and large - and the state and territory bureaucracies who have been so generous giving time off to our volunteer fireys.
“We call on other large employers to follow our lead and we commend those who have already put in place more generous volunteer leave arrangements. We know this does not address the situation for self-employed and small businesses directly, but it does mean those working for larger organisations can step in and take some of the load from those volunteers who work for themselves or small businesses.
“This comes on top of existing Commonwealth disaster relief support, both direct and through the states, supporting families, businesses and primary producers impacted by the fires.
“The current contracts for our Commonwealth employees have ad hoc volunteer leave entitlements but this direction brings that up to a consistent standard and one that we offer ADF reservists.
“Our brigades in metro areas are working right across the fire fronts in non-metro areas and this will give them greater capability to deploy and meet the demand and provide relief to some of those very tired firefighters.”
Doorstop - Mt Barker, SA
24 December 2019
Prime Minister, Premier of South Australia
THE HON. STEVEN MARSHALL MP, PREMIER OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA: In particular, I want to acknowledge the great work done by the SES, the Department of Environment and Water, the South Australian Ambulance Service and all of those people that are back supporting those people. What we've seen in South Australia is a great outpouring of community support - support to help those people who are struggling through these extraordinarily difficult times, and we are not through those difficult times yet. There's still a massive effort underway to extinguish the two major fires that we have in South Australia. They are both ongoing. Neither of them are controlled at the moment, in particular, I speak about the Kangaroo Island fire and the fire here in the Adelaide Hills, now known as the Cudlee Creek fire. So our message is very clear - we must be alert. Yesterday afternoon, there was a flare-up with the gully winds that were going through and we saw another home which was lost. So we are doing everything that we possibly can in South Australia to make sure that we can contain the fires, especially ahead of the very tough weather which is coming towards the end of the month.
I do want to also announce that late yesterday we had a meeting with His Excellency the Governor and we established the Cudlee Creek Bushfire Appeal and I've got to say that we have been absolutely overwhelmed by the generosity. Earlier today, the Prime Minister and I were in the car and we had a text message through from a very generous company which had said that we're going to put $100,000 straight in and I've had text messages for the rest of the day. So we're really delighted by the community response. There are some people who are doing it extremely tough. We hope that the people of South Australia, the businesses of South Australia, are generous and support the Cudlee Creek Bushfire Appeal and that will be running for months and months to come.
It has been great to have the Prime Minister in South Australia today. He has been around and visited the communities that exist in Woodside and also in Lobethal and now here at the incident control centre in Mount Barker. And at every single opportunity, he has been able to ask questions about exactly and precisely what has been going on here, and time and time again, what we have seen is this incredible community spirit. People who have been supporting victims of these terrible, tragic fires in South Australia. Being there at their time of need. We're very grateful for the support which has come from the Federal Government. It's come in record time, absolute record time. For that, I'm very, very grateful to Senator Anne Ruston who has made sure that that is exactly and precisely what has happened. We have been really well supported in the work that's been done here by the local members, in particular Dan Cregan, Rebekha Sharkie and John Gardener, and also the local government sector. The mayors, the chief executives, the officers right throughout the local governments that are affected by these tragic fires. So this is a team effort, a team effort, a community effort to support people through these tough times. And now I'd like to introduce the Prime Minister to go through what he's seen today and his support for South Australia. Thank you very much.
PRIME MINISTER: Thank you, Premier, and to Anne Ruston, the Minister for Social Services, great to have you here with us and the Commissioner and the local incident control, Richard thank you very much for the opportunity to come and thank your team here today and the volunteers who are outside serving up meals to our firefighters. And Steven, can I thank you, as a New South Welshman, on behalf of all of those in New South Wales, for the tremendous support that South Australia has provided to those devastating fires also in New South Wales. I remember when the first crew was loading up here in South Australia and heading over, you sent me a picture of it and it was so encouraging. And 1,500 South Australian firefighters have been over helping their fellow Australians in New South Wales and on behalf of all of my friends and colleagues, the men and women of New South Wales thank South Australians very, very much for your generosity, and particularly even now, when you are facing your own challenges here in South Australia, there are still South Australians there. Now, they'll be coming back - of course they will, because there are needs here now and that's why I'm here today. The fires in New South Wales have obviously been terrible. But they're not the only place where there are fires. There are fires here in South Australia. There are fires in Victoria. There are fires in Queensland. And I want to also commend the premiers of all of those states, as well as in New South Wales, for the tremendous job that they're doing in leading the operational response and the fire chiefs that sit underneath them, they're doing a tremendous job.
The Cudlee Creek fire here and how quickly it moved and the devastation that it's wreaked and over 80 homes lost in South Australia just in the last week or so. And the destruction to businesses that have taken a lifetime to build - particularly vineyards and things like this, which so much underpin the tourism industry and the economy of the Adelaide Hills. This will all have to be rebuilt. But the great spirit of the community, as we saw up there this morning, the way that they've stood up centres, the way they’ve helped each other, the way that they've had case managers providing accommodation for those who need it. And out in the Lobethal village tonight, there will be the usual Christmas lights spectacular despite all of this, as a sign of both defiance to the disaster that they've lived through, but also, I think, as a way of bringing the community together in a very special way. It is Christmas Eve after all, and kids - Santa will find you, whether there's been a bushfire or not. He will find you, I'm sure, tonight, as you go to sleep and you wake up in the morning. So it's been a privilege to be here with the Premier and to see that tremendous spirit on the ground and over today and tomorrow where the weather conditions are a bit more improved, it enables them to deal with the spots and to deal with the flare-ups. The weather conditions will shift, and particularly as you move towards the new year and they're in readiness here as I've seen in the planning.
The other thing that I wanted to announce today is that earlier today, I issued a directive to all Commonwealth departments and agencies that will see the full paid leave for emergency services be lifted to a minimum standard of four weeks. Four weeks. And with additional leave able to be provided by those agencies on an as-need basis. This will lift emergency services leave to effectively what is the same standard for the Defence reservists when they're called out. What this will do is a number of things. There's some 150,000 Commonwealth employees, and they're not all in Canberra. They're in Adelaide, they're on the Gold Coast, they're over in Western Australia. They're down in my home community in the Sutherland Shire in southern Sydney. They're all over the country and they are involved in their local brigades, some of them, and what this will mean, as a big employer, on top of what is done by the Defence Force and some of the other agencies, is this will enable them to be able to commit more time in their brigades and relieve particularly those in small and regional towns that draw their volunteers from their own self-employed arrangements or small businesses for whom the continued support to have their volunteers out fighting fires and not working in their businesses is becoming very strained. And I would be calling on, as we've been in contact today with some of the large companies, for them to also work with us on this. And I acknowledge what ANZ did yesterday, in particular. I thought that showed great leadership and I commend them for doing that and we would be looking for more companies to be taking that role on.
This means that we have more people able to be deployed out of those mainly metropolitan brigades and to be able to relieve those in country and rural areas and allow those very tired firefighters, particularly in parts of New South Wales where they've been going for weeks on end, and if they can go home to their families and their businesses, and if you like, the reserves can come out of the cities and the metropolitan areas with Commonwealth employees and state employees. Already I know in New South Wales, they have arrangements which provide very generous leave for people in emergency services. I think that this is one thing that we can very practically do right now, and that directive is effective from today. I issued it earlier today and that will also carry a very clear requirement to other Commonwealth-related organisations like Australia Post and the AFP and of course, the Defence Force already have their own arrangements which enables them to be deployed on these issues.
The other thing which we've done in the last 24 hours after consulting commissioners and state premiers, where I've had that direct interaction, is to ensure that our ADF is taking a more forward-leaning and proactive approach with response centres like we have here in Mount Barker or anywhere else around the country. So we can be proactively looking for those opportunities to ensure that the ADF is there and available to support in any which way that they can. But I’ve got to tell you, they’ve been there already, from up in Canungra where I was many months ago in Queensland, all the way through since September. Just this week, we saw amazing support provided by the ADF rescuing people there down there on the south coast of New South Wales round Nerriga. In the chopper that I was in yesterday as I flew across the scorched earth of the Blue Mountains, they were showing me where they were airlifting and dropping people into those places to fight those fires over the last week or so. So the ADF is very much involved and they're leaning in. They're leaning forward to provide that support to Australians, whether they're in rural communities or wherever they need to be. And I want to thank the ADF and the Minister for Defence for taking that initiative and to ensure that they're leaning into this task together.
The fire season has a long way to go yet. Today may be Christmas Eve, but for so many firefighters, it is going to be another day out there protecting their communities and I thank them for their service and I thank all of those volunteers who are supporting to keep them out there. And I thank their families for their forbearance at a time which should be a family time, and I want to thank all of the employers out there that are really are backing in those volunteers. And it's not just the RFS or the CFS or the various state agency fire service volunteers that I'm talking about. It's St John's Ambulance, it's the emergency services, it's all the other volunteers who are out there supporting this national effort. So these are practical things that need to be done. More decisions will be taken day-by-day, as they have been now for many months, and we'll continue to work through the highly coordinated effort that is being run across the country. But at the end of the day, it comes down to places like where we're standing at the moment, planning and directing the response here on the ground. I wish you, Steven, all the best over the next few days and all of those out there fighting the fires. Happy to take questions.
JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, some of the fires have been raging for months [inaudible]. Is four weeks going to be enough? What don’t you follow ANZ’s leave and make it uncapped?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, it effectively is, because if there's a requirement for any further leave beyond that, then the request needs to be made and I can see no reason why it wouldn't be granted. What I'm effectively doing is under the various agencies, there are some 100 agreements, and they all have various forms of leave which are written into those agreements, from a few days to a couple of weeks. I'm establishing, as the Minister for the Public Service, not just as Prime Minister, a new minimum standard that there must be four weeks for emergency services leave, and then additional leave can be granted on application.
JOURNALIST: Will this also apply to other emergencies, floods and those sorts of things or just bushfires?
PRIME MINISTER: It will apply to all of those arrangements.
JOURNALIST: Why not offer cash or cash for firefighters or some sort of reimbursement? Wouldn’t that help the volunteers on the ground more?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, that's not the advice that I'm receiving from the premiers or the fire commissioners. I need to restate that these fire services are run by state governments. They're not run by the Federal Government. And we work as a team with the state governments to determine what the priorities are in maximising the force that we can put out there on the fire ground and we listen to those experts about what the priorities should be. And those priorities are being set by those fire commissioners in their regular hook-ups and in their own jurisdictions. They're being affirmed, then, by their own ministers, and indeed, premiers. I've been in discussions with premiers about the issues. What they need is for the focus to be on the things that they say the focus should be and I've got to back in the operational agencies that are fighting these fires.
JOURNALIST: How much is this extra leave going to cost the Government?
PRIME MINISTER: All of the costs will be absorbed in the agencies. There will be no net additional cost.
JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, in the last couple of days here in South Australia we’ve had some scammers targeting bushfire communities pretending to be from the bank and asking for people’s bank details. What do you make of that?
PRIME MINISTER: I think they're scum. It makes me sick. And you know, in these fires, we have seen the best of Australia. The overwhelming story of these fires is the best of Australians in their response. But in some cases, we've seen some ugly stuff, and they should be ashamed of themselves.
JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, you said you’ve been encouraging other companies to also follow suit on this. Which are the large companies, private companies, that you've reached out to?
RIME MINISTER: Well, they're private conversations. I'm not here to name any or do anything like that. It's really up to each and every company to make their own decisions. We're seeking to be a model employer about how we do this. We've sought to do that, not just on things like this, but frankly, how quickly we pay our invoices. And we've encouraged private companies to follow us on that front as well. So this is a general encouragement, an invitation, to continue to join the cause. I know that these companies are already very generous in the way they continue to provide leave. For many, it won't require much, if any change at all. For some, it might. So I invite them to make that assessment and to support that effort.
JOURNALIST: Is it tokenistic on the Government’s behalf considering most of these volunteers say they would have come out anyway, if they didn’t get the leave?
PRIME MINISTER: Why would you suggest that?
JOURNALIST: The volunteers I’ve spoken to today said they would have taken leave anyway, unpaid they would have come out and done their duty.
PRIME MINISTER: Well I think that this actually supports the effort. And I've taken this decision, I should say, particularly in consultation with the fire commissioner in New South Wales, as well as the Minister in New South Wales, where most of this effort has been required. I know that there is a very strong effort here Steven, as there is in Queensland and Victoria. But this was seen as being a very practical and a very helpful thing to be doing, and was warmly welcomed when we walked through this issue yesterday. There's 150,000 Commonwealth public servants, and beyond that, there's the ADF and many other agencies, and this will just provide a further opportunity for call outs to be able to be made. And people to be in a position where they can respond to those call outs. It isn't the solution to the whole issue, but it certainly is a practical assistance, and the longer-term issues when it comes to how these things are considered - well, they'll be considered by our Chief Ministers and Premiers and myself, when we come together at COAG and the work for the things that will be considered post fires, is very much underway right now.
JOURNALIST: Were you struck by the randomness of this fire in the Hills? As opposed to what has happened in New South Wales?
PRIME MINISTER: You always are. Whether it’s here in the Hills or anywhere else. One home standing and the home next door is obliterated. One vineyard is flush with grapes and the one next to it, is torched. That's hard. That is just so hard. The loss is one thing, but the mystery of that is torture for those who have had to live through it. But the spirit to rebuild, the spirit to come to terms with this, and in a lot of these cases, almost all of these cases, people who have endured these terrible losses, have worked so incredibly hard to build up what was there. And they're very determined people. And my encouragement to them today has been to make access to the help that's available. People can be very resilient, and that's wonderful. But equally, whether I've seen it in floods up in North Queensland, or drought or fires, people need to feel good and comfortable about reaching out to the support that's there for them. It's designed to be there for them. No-one is invincible. No-one can carry all of this on their own. And it's important, like we saw in the community today, just how much people are prepared to reach out and help each other.
JOURNALIST: Premier, just on the Prime Minister's directive today, obviously there are Commonwealth public servants in South Australia, but there are many more state public servants. Would you consider making the same directive?
THE HON. STEVEN MARSHALL MP, PREMIER OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA: We really welcome what the Prime Minister is doing with the Commonwealth public servants being able to take paid leave to undertake these important firefighting duties. We've had this same arrangement across the public service in South Australia for some time. There are 15 days that volunteers can take from the public service for volunteer work.
JOURNALIST: Does it need to be lifted though? To four weeks or more?
THE HON. STEVEN MARSHALL MP, PREMIER OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA: The advice is that this is what is required at the moment. But like the Prime Minister has said, you can look at issues on a case-by-case basis and we're happy to do that in South Australia.
JOURNALIST: Sorry just on another topic, Kylie Gilbert-Moore (sic) she’s in an Iranian prison there and she’s written that open letter, will you be providing her any assistance?
PRIME MINISTER: She's been receiving consular assistance for some time now and she had a visit very recently. We've been working discretely and conscientiously on her case now for some time. And she's very aware of the efforts we're making, as some of you may know. Foreign Minister Marise Payne and her team at DFAT have had some great success over the course of this past year in being able to extract a number of Australians who found themselves in these types of situations. But the key to getting that success is the determined way in which they pursue this, the patient way in which they pursue it and also the very discreet way in which they pursue this, and obviously, that's why I can't comment too much on the nature of the efforts that Australia is making. But I can assure you, and I know that Kylie also knows the extent that the Australian government is going to, to do everything that we can do bring her home.
JOURNALIST: Are you concerned for her welfare?
PRIME MINISTER: Yes of course I am. As I am for any Australian who finds themselves in these types of situations. But I’ve got to tell you, our team that works these consular cases in these very, very complex situations, does an extraordinary job, absolutely extraordinary. There's no-one better and they get great support from our partners in other countries who have been very helpful to us in ensuring the return of other Australians more recently. The Weeks case in particular - the tremendous support we received from the United States. So we'll work with other governments around the world. We'll work with those governments where we are seeking to get an Australian home, and we'll continue to do that in a very professional way, but in a very quiet and discreet way, because we know she’s [inaudible].
JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, we've just been told that the court has dismissed the case against Frydenberg and Liu, are you relieved? You’re reaction to that?
PRIME MINISTER: I'm not surprised. I'm not surprised because of the nature of the case. There is another case that is ongoing in relation to the Treasurer, and I've got to say, it's the most despicable case that I've seen undertaken against a member. You know, I’ve called it out as being anti-Semitic, and I still think that it is.
JOURNALIST: Specifically on this case, to do with the [inaudible] signs outside polling booths-
PRIME MINISTER: I know that it is a separate case.
JOURNALIST: Legal issue aside, are you concerned the Liberal Party acted unethically here?
PRIME MINISTER: No, and I think that the court decision bears that out. I mean, it was a smear job and it's been chucked out.
JOURNALIST: New Zealand has suspended the search for two people missing after the White Island disaster. One of those is an Australian. Are you satisfied that everything has been done to find those? Have you spoken to the New Zealand government?
PRIME MINISTER: I haven't had the opportunity to talk to the Prime Minister today about those issues, for obvious reasons. I've been focused on the fires here. Jacinda, Prime Minister Ardern and I have spent quite a bit of time working together on that incident in New Zealand and I know that the New Zealand Government has done everything, and is doing everything they possibly can. These decisions would not have been taken lightly by them. They have been very thorough in wanting to ensure, not just the recovery of the bodies of those who were affected and I've got to tell you, over the period before they went in and did the recovery, I mean, the risks to those who are going on the island - this is as had been demonstrated, a very dangerous situation. And the careful risks that were assessed and the brave actions that were taken from those who were doing recovery, I can only say thank you, kia ora to New Zealand, and for everything that they've done to assist those Australians and those Australian families. That was ANZAC mateship at its best. So I have no doubt that they are exhausting every, every channel available to them to recover those remains.
JOURNALIST: What do you have to say to firefighters who say they have had to take out loans to stay financially afloat?
PRIME MINISTER: Again, these are matters for our state agencies. And any proposals that are believed to be the priority right now - I mean, let's be very clear about what we need to focus on in the fires at the moment. These fires always raise many issues - hazard reduction, how you manage national parks, how you manage communications to ensure that there isn't carelessness - at best, or arson at worst. Consulting Indigenous Australians about their practices and how effective they've been in managing fire hazards over centuries. How you ensure and maintain the best turnout and callout of your volunteer force around the country, particularly over sustained periods of time. Now, these are issues that you don't have knee jerk responses to. You carefully consider the options. You work up proposals. They come up and they come to leaders and then you make a decision that will work, not just for now but into the future. If there are any urgent issues in relation to what you've raised, then that, I am confident, if it were considered to be a priority of those agencies in relation to the firefighting effort, it would be elevated. And it would be recommended. That is not what is taking place. So I'm going to continue to follow the lead of the priorities that are being set by those who are tasked and have the responsibility of fighting the fires. That's who I'm listening to. I understand the great sacrifice so many Australians are making in fighting these fires. I was out yesterday at a tiny little brigade out on the other side of the Blue Mountains. And those guys - they were tired - really tired. And they're also dealing with the drought. There were farmers who were dealing with stock losses at exactly the same time. So that's why the announcement I've made today, in part, is designed to try to assist to ensure that we can get more of those who, for example, are Commonwealth public servants or working for large companies, able to turn out to provide some relief to those. We will consider looking at other options that can provide support to small businesses and others where we think that that can be delivered appropriately. But again, it comes up through the state agencies. The Commonwealth is not going to go around telling the state agencies how to do their job, or what their priorities should be. Those priorities should be set by the people who are fighting those fires and have command responsibilities.
JOURNALIST: But you accept that this is a problem?
PRIME MINISTER: I accept that it is a great challenge. We have 210,000 volunteer firefighters around the country, and the challenge of these fires, particularly in the eastern states, and God forbid that it becomes the challenge here in South Australia, is that people are out for three or four weeks at a time. Particularly over this period of the year and that is what the Commissioners are looking at closely on a daily basis. If they need to initiate something in that area, then I have no doubt they will. But I’ve got to tell you, I was there with Steven today and we were out there at the –
THE HON. STEVEN MARSHALL MP, PREMIER OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA: Woodside.
PRIME MINISTER: At the Woodside Brigade.
THE HON. STEVEN MARSHALL MP, PREMIER OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA: Yes.
PRIME MINISTER: And you know, you talk to people, and if there is resource for these sorts of things, then they say - well, it would be good to have a shower. Now that one has one, but the one down the road…
THE HON. STEVEN MARSHALL MP, PREMIER OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA: Lenswood.
PRIME MINISTER: Lenswood doesn't have one, or it would be good to have a new kitchen or something. They think about their facilities. They think about, because you know, these fire brigade buildings are community hubs in rural towns. They are places of community. And you walk into them and they are spotless, the care that they take with these, and the equipment and the materials and the assets that they have. And there are many views, as you've seen, on this very topic that you've raised. There are many different views on this topic. And you know, I live in the city. I'm going to listen to those who fight fires for a living, and for those who do it out of great volunteer spirit every single day. And there's a command structure that they respect. And that's what I'm going to listen to. And as much as I empathise with those who are going through economic hardship as they fight these fires, at the same time, I'm going to listen to the experts that we've entrusted with responsibility of fighting and commanding those forces.
JOURNALIST: Is that the long-term challenge here though as these fire seasons get longer, these fires get more difficult to fight, you’ve got more and more fatigued firefighters. Is that going to, past this fire season, going to require a systematic change to the way these volunteer firefighters work?
PRIME MINISTER: It is certainly a challenge that's been identified in this latest set of fires. And that is certainly the challenge that now needs to be addressed through the policy process. There's no doubt about that, and I've made no secret of that. But it's not going to be done on Twitter. It's not going to be done on social media. Social media is not going to set Government policy in this country, whether it's at a Commonwealth level, or I'm sure at a state level here in South Australia. There are always lots of experts when any of these things happen, but I can tell you as Prime Minister and as the Premier, the experts we’re listening to are the ones that have the command responsibilities. They have thousands of people whose safety and lives they're responsible for - property, operations, resources, budgets. We task them with a very big job, and in the middle of fighting a fire, I'm not going to seek to distract their agenda. I'm not going to seek to try and change their priorities when they've set them out clearly and they understand what they need to do each day. It's my job, and as the Premier knows, it's his job, to back them in and to support them and the decisions that they've got to make on a daily basis. The longer-term planning and the longer-term policies. That's what you do in the sober light of day post the event, and you consider all the options. And you make sure that the work gets done. You just don't run out of a press conference and just make something up because you think that it is going to give you a headline. What you do is you do the careful work to actually deliver the response and deliver the support that is absolutely necessary.
JOURNALIST: Just quickly PM, just very quickly on one other final issue…
PRIME MINISTER: Sure.
JOURNALIST: What do you make of the Sentencing of 5 people to death over the murder of Jamal Khashoggi?
PRIME MINISTER: I haven't been briefed on this issue, to be honest. And it’s not something that I would likely respond to. But when we're dealing with the sorts of issue that is this case relates, then obviously Australia has always taken a strong stance. But our positions on things like the death penalty never change. Thank you.
Interview with Tony Pilkington, 5AA
24 December 2019
TONY PILKINGTON: Our Prime Minister Scott Morrison joins us on the program. Prime Minister, good morning and welcome to Adelaide.
PRIME MINISTER: G’day, Pilko, I wish I was here under different circumstances, but here nonetheless and to check out how things are up there in the Hills and to be there with Premier Marshall and to look at the operation there and to provide our support.
PILKINGTON: Prime Minister, I'm not going to bore you to death and our listening audience with questions that you've been asked a million times since you've got back. A question I wanted to put to you - would you consider, would the government consider the purchase of some more of these Canadian heavy water bombing planes? I'm imagining if we could get, I don’t know, three or four, I know they're expensive, and put them in a place like Edinburgh. They could service us and New South Wales and Victoria. Is that sort of something you would consider?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, we take our advice from the fire chiefs about how we put together the aerial firefighting fleet. There are 144 aircraft that are part of that, that are being deployed all around the country. And they make decisions and make recommendations about whether things should be leased and purchased and all of that. So we're always open to all the advice and recommendations they make. In fact, we just put an extra $11 million into that fleet just recently and that comes to the top of the $15 million that we put in together with the other states and territories. So we're very open to all the recommendations and have moved very quickly, I think, to act on those when they're made. So that's really the answer. I mean, if they think that's the way to handle it then I'm sure that they will recommend that. But they look at these things very carefully and, you know, the costs and how they can best apply the resources to get the most out there and up in the air and used in their firefighting efforts.
PILKINGTON: We're talking to Prime Minister Scott Morrison here in Adelaide on the way up to Lobethal, to the Adelaide Hills. Prime Minister, what about the suggestion that Premier Marshall made, that perhaps there could be a discount available for volunteer firefighters not having to pay a service levy? And would the federal government look at some sort of recompense to the volunteer firefighters?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, the Country Firefighting Association and others have been pretty clear about these sort of things. I mean, oftentimes when you talk to those directly involved here, they typically want and ask, you know, things like additional facilities in their state and things like this. So it really is about how you set the priorities of where you put things. And, look, after these fires, like there is after every fire, there is a full review and in March, when the Premiers meet, we'll be looking at a whole range of recommendations that even now are being prepared and have been prepared since the Ministers were meeting some weeks ago. There is a very big nationally coordinated effort that goes into all of this. It happens 365 days a year, not just when fires are burning. And Emergency Management Australia, headed up by Rob Cameron and the Home Affairs Department, they do this all the time, working very closely with the state and territories who are responsible for the operations and the fire services and the SES’s and all of these which deploy in these circumstances. So we're always open to ways that things can be done better. But I can assure everyone in South Australia, as I can all around the country, that this is the best resourced, best coordinated fire response of anywhere in the world.
PILKINGTON: Prime Minister, you've been in New South Wales. You've met a lot of people on the ground, volunteers and people that have been affected. You must have been impressed by the courage and the resilience and the support from everywhere that these people are getting. It's just typically Australian. I don't want to sound hokey pokey about it, but you've nearly got to be proud of the way some people say, listen, we'll actually go that extra mile and help these people.
PRIME MINISTER: Absolutely, and I'm sure you are also, Pilko. I mean, we see the best of Australia in these responses. Sadly, on occasions too we see some of the worst.
PILKINGTON: Oh yeah.
PRIME MINISTER: But that's not the normal story. That's not the big story. What's the best is what we're seeing. And I was sadly with the families of Geoff and Andrew, Andrew O’Dwyer and Geoff Keaton, who we were lost in Horsley Park Brigade in New South Wales, were lost in that terrible incident where the tree fell on the back of the truck. And I was out there with their wives and partners, Melissa and Jess and their two, they both had 19 month old kids born within about a week or so of each other. And I was there with them but what was amazing was the spirit and that local brigade were family to this family and they were all banding together, all supporting each other, just as they do out on the fire ground. They do it back at base and they do it in their communities. And that's really the heart and soul of Australia.
PILKINGTON: Yeah, it brings out the best in so many people. As you say, occasionally, you see the scumbags who do the looting and things like that. But we've got to accept that there's always just a few who will do that. PM, before we let you go and I know you're busy, it’s 10 to 10 [am]. What are the plans? Tomorrow you'll go back to Sydney and spend it with Jen and the girls?
PRIME MINISTER: I will, that's the plan for tomorrow and looking forward to that. But I do know that around the country there'll be people won't be able to do that tomorrow and we thank them and not just those who will be out fighting fires tomorrow and the volunteers supporting them. But you know, as is every Christmas, our police and emergency services, our firies, our nurses, our paramedics and ambulance officers, those serving meals for homeless people and those less fortunate in our community, in local churches, synagogues and other things. It's a remarkable spirit we have in this country and I would just hope that as we go forward, we can just keep focussed on the things that draw us together. I have noticed sadly in this fire season, there have been a bit of a tendency to cause a bit of division and strife and point scoring and that sort of thing and that's unfortunate this time round and I hope that will abate.
PILKINGTON: It happens all the time.
PRIME MINISTER: And people can do what we always do and that is come together. I'm pleased to be here in South Australia. I mean, the fires are horrific in New South Wales, obviously my home state and my home city, but they're everywhere around the country. They're here in South Australia. They are in Victoria down in Gippsland. They’re up in Queensland. And so there is a national effort going on here and I certainly didn't want those who've been devastated here, over 80 homes lost and sadly, one person passed away. The devastation, to a lot of vineyards and businesses up in the Hills. So I’ll be there with Steven today. I think he's done a wonderful job leading the effort here in South Australia, Steven Marshall, and to stand with him and stand with all South Australians as they combat, you know, the fury of these fires and let's hope we don't see too much more of it. But it's a tough season.
PILKINGTON: Prime Minister, I know your people are giving you the wind up and saying, listen, get rid of that old bloke-
PRIME MINISTER: Not at all mate
PILKINGTON: Just before you go, I know you barrack for the Cronulla Sharks. You're just about a tragic, as a matter of fact.
PRIME MINISTER: Yeah, that is true.
PILKINGTON: The only thing you haven't done is be in the corner when Paul Gallen fights. Tell me, PM, do you follow anybody in the AFL?
PRIME MINISTER: No, I don't.
PILKINGTON: You don’t?
PRIME MINISTER: I love going and I enjoy the game but I wasn't brought up on it.
PILKINGTON: A very diplomatic answer.
PRIME MINISTER: You know, when it comes to sport, what you see for me is where I'm fair dinkum. But I like going. I always have, but I really… I mean, for a while there, I used to take a keen interest in the Western Bulldogs because Rodney Eade, who was a friend of mine when he lived up in Sydney, and that was sort of out of friendship more than anything.
PILKINGTON: And that’s about as close as you got, was it?
PRIME MINISTER: When he moved on, I sort of moved on too at the time and have gone back to my home code.
PILKINGTON: I reckon it's only a matter of time before you pull rank and actually get a game, even if it’s for the reserves. I can see you running out for the Sharkies.
PRIME MINISTER: I’ll run the water.
PILKINGTON: Prime Minister, welcome to Adelaide, Prime Minister. Enjoy your Christmas with Jen and the girls up there in Sydney. Thanks for having made the trip down and thanks for having talked to us.
PRIME MINISTER: Thanks, Pilko, and to all your listeners and to Leon’s listeners over the course of the year, as always, thank you for having me in your in your living rooms or your cars or wherever you've been when I've been able to have these chats and I wish you all a very Merry Christmas.
PILKINGTON: Good on you, PM, enjoy the time. Prime Minister Scott Morrison on the way to the Adelaide Hills.
Doorstop - Mudgee, NSW
23 December 2019
THE HON. ANDREW GEE MP, MEMBER FOR CALARE: G’day folks, thanks for joining us here in Mudgee. It’s a pleasure to have the Prime Minister here with us today and also the Mayor of the Mid-Western Regional Council, Des Kennedy. We would have loved to have welcomed the PM here under better circumstances and easier circumstances for our region but we’re very grateful that you’re here, PM, to see firsthand what’s happening in our area and also to support our hardworking volunteers, our firies and emergency services personnel who are out there on the frontline and have been for weeks and in some cases months. It is a huge fire that we have burning right throughout this area. I was up in the air yesterday and there are fires all through the back of Ilford and Running Stream and through the Capertee, the Gardens of Stone. The back of Capertee is in danger so there is a whole lot of work that is going on around the clock and I just want to pay tribute to our hard-working volunteers and emergency services personnel. Everyone out there is very tired and very weary, everyone wants it to rain so that we can all go home but until that does happen, we’re going to stick with our firies and volunteers and our communities and together we are going to get through this. So, PM, thank you very much for joining us and I’ll throw over to you and Des after that.
PRIME MINISTER: Well, thank you, Andrew, and thank you for your leadership on the ground here and you Des, thank you also for the great work that is being done by the local council. Mudgee is a great town and it’s sad that I'm back here under these circumstances. But seeing the bustling little town here today and the spirit of people here and the way they're supporting each other, I think is just very inspirational. We came here today as we flew across the range and up the Bells Line and out through Wollemi and we saw what is the absolute incineration of such large tracts of land and to see the homes decimated. And then to move from that, as we came out across and onto the plains here and where you saw the two great disasters that our country is facing now joined into one and that is the drought and that is these fires. And they come together here as a double whammy on these communities, whether it's here or Ilford or other places that have been mentioned. And so that makes this task even tougher. Those dealing with their properties and then out fighting fires and volunteering in the centres here, it once again shows the great community spirit and the incredible scale of the response that we're seeing here.
It was also good to meet up with some of those who've been out here from the United States and Canada who are stationed here and it'll be their first Aussie Christmas, maybe not under the circumstances we would have preferred, and it's wonderful to have them here. And I had the opportunity to thank them yesterday when I was out at the headquarters and two of them who are stationed here were at the headquarters yesterday. Others have been out for a couple of weeks and in chatting to them it's clear once again, wherever I go and have been over the last several months as part of these fires that have been running through since September, the scale, coordination and the level of professionalism of the response nationally to this disaster is extraordinary. It is world-class. It is world-leading and Australians should feel very reassured. I know whether it's the haze that sits on Sydney or whether it's the smoke that we can see further afield or whether you're right in front of the fire line itself. I spoke to one family down there in Mudgee today where the fire went right up to the back steps and now they sit there having got through the first wave, worrying about the weather turning and the fire coming back to their property as well. And so wherever you are, be reassured that the effort and the coordination is extraordinary. That level of detail, whether it's in the headquarters or whether it's in the incident response centres like we are here in Mudgee, is extraordinary. They have the tools, they're applying them, they have their challenges. Not everything always goes right and never does. But the way they respond and work as a team is truly inspirational. The teams are tied here like they are in so many other parts around the country and so we'll continue to work with everybody to ensure that they get the support they need.
I was speaking again to the South Australian Premier, Premier Marshall again this morning about the terrible situation which has emerged there and we're keeping a close eye on things there, as we are in Victoria and as things continue in Queensland. The weather might help for a little while, but the weather will turn from friend to enemy very quickly in these fires as we see and the great planning work that's been done in these areas and ensuring the crews and the aerial firefighting is in place to mitigate and prevent and strategising that goes ahead and is then executed is extraordinary. So I want to thank everybody for the work they're doing now.
From the Commonwealth's point of view, whether it's our Defence Force, whether it's those administering the disaster recovery payments and getting those out there, whether it's the work being done by Emergency Management Australia as they brought together our own council this morning to meet and to continue to plan. And what will happen after these fires is we'll plan to do it even better next time. The premiers will meet with me in March. There are already options and proposals that are being worked on now for us to consider. I've already been talking to the Premiers about those, but what we don't want to do is distract from the here and now operational requirements and that's where we need the focus of our chiefs right now. There'll be plenty of issues to review, everything from how hazard management is dealt with in national park areas. I mean, in so many of the area areas that we've seen incinerated, that has happened through dry lightning strikes or in carelessness on some occasions. That's why communications are so important or in worst cases, arson. All of those things are things that will be looked at and taken into account, but it will be through the Premiers and through the state governments that we’ll be seeking to provide our support and our response. The Premiers and the state governments are the ones who run the agencies that run the response to these fires, and it's important that we work closely with them to achieve what we need to. So I want to thank everyone again and to you, Andrew, and I'll hand over to Des. But everyone down there at Club Mudgee at the moment, thank you very much for that. Wherever our service clubs are, they are doing a great job in standing up these evacuation centres and giving people a real sense of comfort when they need it most. Des.
DES KENNEDY, MAYOR OF MID-WESTERN REGIONAL COUNCIL: Thank you, Prime Minister, and thank you, Andrew, for visiting our wonderful region. Not so wonderful this time of the year with these fires and drought. From a community point of view, I would just really like to reiterate the words from Andrew and the Prime Minister that the work these people do, these volunteer fire people and just the general community. I walked into a coffee shop this morning to get a coffee, and here’s a lady I’ve known for 30 years since I've been here, gathering goodies from volunteers to take to the people of Ilford that are in the hall there. Bags of biscuits and coffee and bread and milk, all the essentials. So just from a thank you point of view from the, you know, from the community of this whole region, particularly the people that live in town that are a bit oblivious to how bad the fires are out there. I think we've lost five homes in the Ilford/Razorback/Running Stream area at the moment. Luckily, no fatalities, no loss of life or bad injuries. So that's one good thing. So just thank you to the community, the RFS and just anybody at all that's involved in these horrific conditions we’re in, you know, not only drought as the Prime Minister… we've got the worst of both worlds just at the moment. So I don't know whether you're religious or not, but if you have got a slight bit of religion in you, say something to somebody to make it rain and we'll be all happy. Thank you.
PRIME MINISTER: Very good point, Des. Very good point. Happy to take some questions.
JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, why are you at odds with Michael McCormack over the need for stronger action on climate change?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, we're not. I mean, what we're both talking about is the Government's policies, which for some time now we've said we'll continue to be addressing the challenge of climate change and our policies already, already have ensured that we can continue to make further improvements to what we're doing. I've said ourselves that we want not only to just meet but beat our commitments that we've made for Paris in 2030. Angus Taylor himself was saying the same thing several months ago. So when I say that we're sticking with our policies, our policies actually address the need to continue to address this challenge. So I know people want to play word games and look for conflict where there isn't any and there's not here. We have a clear policy on these things and we'll continue to pursue it.
JOURNALIST: You say you're saying the same thing. He argued a few days ago... agreed a few days ago that more action, stronger action...
PRIME MINISTER: Because he understands that our policies include more action. That's how I can say it. I understand what the policies are and I understand that people want to try and create conflict where there's none. There isn't any.
JOURNALIST: Do you think the sentiment in the community has changed since you outlined those policies when you brought them to the election? Do you think people in the community have now changed their view on climate change or think more needs to be done?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, what I know is that the need to take action on climate change hasn't changed. You don't run government on sentiment. You run government on the facts and you run government on what you need to do to protect our environment and it's sustainability for the future, to protect our economy and the jobs and the livelihoods that Australians depend on. What you run government on and the decisions you take are based on those important facts and the facts when it comes to addressing climate change and the facts on when it comes to ensuring we have a strong economy which provides people with the livelihoods that they depend on. They remain the same. And so we will remain very focused on those policies and implementing them in the way we promised at the last election, which was only six months ago. And those policies will see us meet and beat our commitments when it comes to Kyoto and I believe it will achieve the same when it comes to Paris because our policies embrace taking additional actions and that's been set out for some time.
JOURNALIST: The Opposition has called for COAG to be held in…
PRIME MINISTER: We might just move it around.
JOURNALIST: The Opposition has called for COAG to be held earlier than March to consider the likes of compensation for volunteer firefighters. Would you consider holding it earlier? It is four months away.
PRIME MINISTER: It's important to do the work properly and it's important to properly consult with the state premiers and chief ministers and that's what I'm doing right now and have been.
JOURNALIST: But those people aren't going to be earning any money potentially for the next few months.
PRIME MINISTER: If there is the need and fire commissioners and chiefs and state premiers wish to raise issues before then, and I've been talking to them and they are not, they are very comfortable with the arrangements we have.
Ministers that are responsible for these issues have already been meeting. They met just only a couple of weeks ago, they will fully review what's happening in response to these fires and for future management of these issues, and if there is a need to address things urgently and before that time, then there are existing processes to make that happen. I think we need to be clear here. It's important that we all keep working together. I know some will seek to take political opportunity in these events. I don't think that's very helpful. What's really helpful is focusing on what the fire commissioners and the premiers are talking to me about on a daily basis now that I've come back - and it was happening before I went away - to ensure that we get the resources where they need to be. This is an incredibly well-coordinated response to these fires. I think there has been an under-appreciation of just how much preparation goes into a fire season like this. Fires are not new in Australia. Fires are by no means new. And our fire services are responding to this fire better than last time and the next time, it'll be better still with the resources and the technology and the other things we can put in place. So there's no need for knee jerk responses. There's no need, I think, for doing anything other than sticking to the plans that have been set out and the preparations that have been made and making sure they're implemented. The challenge is that the duration of these fires during the season and this matter was only dealt with yesterday by Commissioner Fitzsimmons at a press conference similar to this. So I'll just refer to what he said yesterday. He wants to stay focused on the job and what's directly before him and he has my full support.
JOURNALIST: Today, Prime Minister, you’ve indicated that you think there’s a problem with how we manage fuel loads. You stepped up the rhetoric, specifically identifying that is an area where the laws might need to be changed. What’s informed your opinion to the extent of now potentially calling on the states to change how they manage those loads?
PRIME MINISTER: All I simply said is when you go through a fire season like this, you need to look at everything, absolutely everything and, of course, that includes how you're managing fuel loads in national parks. Of course, it means how are you dealing with native vegetation clearing regulations and laws that exist. That means that you need to look at how you're listening to what, you know, Indigenous practices are in containing and dealing with fire risk in the community. I've simply said that all of these things, all of the factors that can contribute to these fires and contribute to how you can better manage these fires when they occur, all of these things have to be considered. All options have to be on the table and they will be on the table and they will be on the table as premiers and chief ministers meet and until that time, the various governments will be working together to come up with the best possible options. That's how you run good government. You don't do it in a panicked, knee jerk political mode. You do it by just getting the information right, making good decisions together, consulting strongly with the premiers and chief ministers to make sure you can make it work across all of these jurisdictions. Because at the end of the day, they have to run the agencies and they have to run the operations which make the response to these fires.
JOURNALIST: You’ve acknowledged the intersection here of the drought and the fires, particularly damaging conditions, places like Stony Creek have been dry for four years. Is that not something that we had time to maybe prepare for and look at things like land clearing or management if that was an issue?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, if that is one of the issues that have particularly contributed here, then I'm sure that will be identified in the reviews that have taken place. It's important that they are the questions that are asked, like many questions will be. Because the reason Australia leads the world in response to fire disasters like this is because we ask those hard questions after every single event and we improve the processes every single time. That's how we have become the world's best in these responses and that's why Australians who are anxious at this time when they see the impact of these fires, whether it's on the air quality that they are breathing in the cities or the fire literally on the back steps, they can have greater confidence during this fire because of all the work that has been done in preparation for this season and from all the lessons that have been learned over a long period of time.
JOURNALIST: Is it fair that the communities who are facing bushfires today would have to wait until after March for any decisions from state and federal government?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, the presumption of your question is wrong.
JOURNALIST: But you've just said policies won’t change, you’re sticking to them.
PRIME MINISTER: Are you talking about climate change or are you talking about…?
JOURNALIST: I’m talking about the approach to the fires and climate change.
PRIME MINISTER: Well, if there are decisions, any decisions... I mean, the Premier and I made decisions yesterday when it came to financial support for affected communities. The Premier and I made decisions yesterday about further Defence Force assistance. Decisions are being made every single day and that will continue to happen. That's what governments working with each other do. That's what the coordinating mechanisms through COAG actually achieve. This is how it's done. This is how the support is provided and it's how it will continue to be provided. I know the Labor Party is making a point about the timing of a meeting - we can make decisions and do make decisions every single day. When premiers and chief ministers come together as part of a COAG process, they'll be considering longer-term and mid-term responses and other issues that deal with our capacity in the future. When it comes to making these other decisions in the short term, they are made every single day. The commissioners of all the fire agencies all around the country meet on a regular basis. The ministers themselves have only met recently and that is assisted greatly in a lot of the things that are happening right now on the ground. So I just simply don't accept the proposition that there has to be a meeting of COAG earlier for anything to get done. Things get done every single day and will continue to get done every single day and I think people should leave the politics out of it.
JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, in terms of compensation, there’s been talk of raising taxes to try and pay the RFS volunteers or tax exemptions. What would compensation look like to you?
PRIME MINISTER: I don't know if compensation is the right word to use. What's important is that we give our fire commissioners the tools they need to best support and raise that volunteer force as it's needed…
JOURNALIST: We’re talking money.
PRIME MINISTER: ...over across the fire grounds and where they need to meet that need. So these are issues that will continue to be worked up together between states and territories. I talk to the Premiers all the time about these things. I've been talking to them in recent days, talking about them ever since these fires have been raging in terms of the operational response over this season. And so we will continue to do that.
JOURNALIST: If compensation is not the right word, then what would be?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, it’s what I just said. It's the resources that enable the commissioners to be able to turn out the volunteer force. I mean, we need to understand that whether it is fighting fires or patrolling our beaches or supporting Meals on Wheels or any volunteer SES arrangement which supports during floods or storms, Australia's system all around the country has always and will always depend on having a large volunteer force to deal with these issues. And when people join these organisations, they do it to protect their communities and they do it out of a sense of great service and we rightly celebrate that. What is particularly taxing during this fire season is the length and that's why I'm taking advice from fire commissioners on what is best needed to continue to support access to that important volunteer force that is out there. And so I'll take my lead from them. I'll take my lead from talking to the premiers who have the responsibility for leading and resourcing those agencies and the Commonwealth obviously plays a big role in supporting their efforts and we will continue to do that.
JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, you talk about resourcing. Take Mudgee, for example. The locals here have been putting up RFS volunteers for free. Are you saying that they have to rely on private charity to be able to get access to the resources they need?
PRIME MINISTER: No, I'm not saying that and I think that would be incorrect of you to suggest that. When you have a national disaster, there are a range of responses that come in and people's generosity are part of that. This is why Australia is such an amazing country, because of the generosity of spirit, which has enabled us to deal with these types of disasters for a very, very long time. That is an important asset for Australia. I met a young family today who just came along to offer their accommodation support to anyone who might need it. Now, that's just an act of generosity and kindness. That's what Australia is all about and that will continue to be helpful with every disaster we face. These acts of kindness and support, the donations that are provided, the toys that are even provided for children of firies who won't have the time to go out and buy presents for their kids this Christmas. That is a big part of why Australia is so strong in responding to these sorts of issues and that is part of the way we manage this.
JOURNALIST: If the government is able to be making the decisions that you've said as you’ve been going speaking to the Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, and making decisions about supporting communities, then why can't the government make the same types of decisions about support for these volunteer firefighters?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, there are no recommendations coming to us from fire chiefs about those issues at this time. That is not an issue that is being managed with us by those who are leading the fire response effort. I know it's a matter being raised by political leaders, but it is not a matter that is being raised directly as a matter for a decision right now by Premiers or myself.
So, I mean, it is constantly said that political leaders such as myself, premiers and chief ministers, should be listening to the advice of those who are running the agencies that are leading this response. And we are listening to them, and that's who my ears are glued to when it comes to what they need and where they say they need something then we've moved very quickly to respond to those needs and we will continue to do that. So that's where... my focus is where those who are actually leading this stuff on the ground operationally in every state. My focus is where their focus is and they're setting out to me what the priorities are and what the decisions that are needed and they are the decisions that we're taking.
THE HON. ANDREW GEE MP, MEMBER FOR CALARE: And just on the issue of fuel loads, it's my hope that when these fires are eventually put out and the rain does come that we actually talk to the brigade members on the ground. Because I've been spending a lot of time with them recently and they've got a lot of things to say. And for example, up here out in the Ilford area, they've been telling me that they've been out in these parks and forests and in some cases they've been wading through leaf litter which is knee-high. So these are the folks on the ground who are putting in the hard yards and knocking themselves out around the clock. They've got a lot to say and they want to be heard and so I think it's really important once we get through this emergency that we go through a process of sitting down with our volunteers and talking to them and let us hear what they've got to say and hear their experiences, because I've heard some stories which would make folks out there just shake their heads. But now is not the time to go into it. Let's get through this first and then let's sit down with all of the relevant people, but most importantly, the people who've been out there on the frontline day in, day out, knocking themselves out for us.
JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, Greta Thunberg has tweeted her 3.7 million followers videos from the Australian fires criticising the lack of political action on climate change. What do you think of her comments?
PRIME MINISTER: Australia and the Australian Government will set our policies based on Australia's national interests. On what Australia needs to do. That's where I keep my focus. It's not for me to to make commentaries on what those outside of Australia think Australia should do. We’ll do in Australia what we think is right for Australia and that has always been my guiding principle. I'm not here to try and impress people overseas. I'm here to do the right job for Australians and putting them first and that means putting the environment in which we live at the top of that agenda, along with the economy in which people live at the top of that agenda and making sure we've got responsible plans that balance these issues to ensure that people have what they need going into the future and they can be confident about their future. And I believe they can. I think they can be very confident. I mean, right now, particularly here in Mudgee, where you've got the double blow of drought and fires, you talk to people and what they talk to you about is their hope and they talk to you about their future.
JOURNALIST: On a separate matter, there are reports that you were in New York to help open a new church or be there for the opening of a new church.
PRIME MINISTER: Where?
JOURNALIST: With Brian Houston in New York. Is that correct?
PRIME MINISTER: That's rubbish.
JOURNALIST: Were you in New York in the past month?
PRIME MINISTER: No.
JOURNALIST: Were you… have you been in contact with Brian Houston in the past month?
PRIME MINISTER: No.
JOURNALIST: So you can categorically rule out being in New York and being at the church?
PRIME MINISTER: Who is suggesting I was in New York?
JOURNALIST: There are reports.
PRIME MINISTER: By who?
JOURNALIST: Media. News media reports.
PRIME MINISTER: What media?
JOURNALIST: Daily Mail.
PRIME MINISTER: What would they know?
JOURNALIST: I’m asking you.
PRIME MINISTER: Well, if you're going to ask me a question about something specific as that you might want to actually tell me the source of what it's based on. I haven't. So someone somewhere has started some rumour about apparently me being in New York and we're going to ask about that in the middle of the bushfires? I mean, seriously, I think they’re...
JOURNALIST: So that's no?
PRIME MINISTER: I haven't been anywhere near New York since I was there early this year when I was there as part of the visit to the United Nations.
JOURNALIST: So is the opening of the church a complete fake?
PRIME MINISTER: I've got no idea. I've got nothing to do with it.
JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, on the Queensland and Victoria gas plants…
PRIME MINISTER: Sorry, that was the very definition of a left-field question.
JOURNALIST: Just quickly, how will the new gas plants you’re opening in Queensland and Victoria bring down power prices?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, as we've already seen, the ACCC has shown a $65 annually for poor power prices as a result of the policy we have taken, particularly with the large energy companies. What these programmes do, whether it's down in the Dandenongs or up in Queensland, is it ensures that we get to an underwriting of reliable power into the system. And that's particularly needed in Victoria, as we know, and so these projects have gone through a very extensive evaluation and that was taking place for some time. There'll be more projects which we'll be announcing, but this is all about getting the reliability into the system and when you get reliable power and when you get access to that gas and you can make sure that's flowing into the grid, well, that helps you get both reliable power that keeps the lights on and more affordable power. That's the objective of our policies. Whether it's, you know, we want sustainable action on climate change which also gets electricity prices down and that's what we're achieving. You know, emissions in Australia are 50 million tonnes a year on average less under our government than our predecessors. We're going to beat our Kyoto targets. We're going to beat, I believe, our Paris targets, and we're going to do that with the welcomed increased investment in renewable technologies, but also getting power prices down. That's what we were elected to do and that's what we're doing. Thank you very much.
Interview with Mark Levy, 2GB
23 December 2019
MARK LEVY: Prime Minister Scott Morrison, good morning.
PRIME MINISTER: G’day, Mark.
LEVY: There's a lovely photo, Prime Minister, today on the front page of The Daily Telegraph. It's the widows of the two firefighters killed at Buxton, embracing each other, remembering their husbands as heroes and you met with Melissa and Jess over the weekend.
PRIME MINISTER: Yeah, I met them yesterday and I also met Andrew and Geoff’s parents and other members of the Horsley Park Brigade. They're an incredible band of brothers and sisters out there and they’re giving them both the family's tremendous support. I embraced them as anyone would and hopefully that provided some comfort but they're obviously in terrible shock and in terrible grief. Two little ones, 19 months old, born just a week or so apart. It's just... it is just a devastating, devastating scene. I mean, the incident was tragic. If the truck had gone through half a minute earlier or later, then things may have been different. And so that's all just a lot to take in for the family. But with the group support that I saw in place there today and the generosity of spirit and the flowers that have been laid already and from all around the country out there at that Brigade, it again in the worst of times, the best of Australians.
LEVY: I think heroes is the right word to describe both the professional and volunteer firefighters, because, you know, they are there putting their lives at risk to protect lives and homes. I mean, I was talking last week about a story, Prime Minister, an RFS captain lost her own home and 24 hours later, she was back fighting the fires. It's just extraordinary.
PRIME MINISTER: Well, that's right, and Horsley Park Brigade went out again and they wanted to because they knew that’s what they believed Andrew and Geoff would have wanted. And as always with Commissioner Fitzsimmons yesterday, on the Saturday there was a call put out for additional support and volunteers - 1,000 turned up extra. 1,000.
LEVY: It’s extraordinary.
PRIME MINISTER: 2,000 were already there. This is an amazing volunteer force that we have in this country. There's over 200,000. 70,000 in New South Wales. But, you know, just like on our beaches where we rely on our surf lifesavers or Meals on Wheels or emergency services [inaudible] fires. Australia's response really does rely on volunteers [inaudible].
LEVY: We've got a bit of a shaky line there, Prime Minister. We'll try and keep going and see how we go. But just on these volunteers, I mentioned the fact that quite a lot of them have taken time off work to pitch in and fight the fires, which they're doing so brilliantly well. Most of them have taken unpaid leave. What can the federal and state governments do to compensate them?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, I don’t know if compensation is the word. We will always rely around the country on our volunteer forces, whether it's on fires or surf lifesaving or anything else. But, you know, right now, the Commissioner has reminded me that they need to focus on the operational effort and not be too distracted by those issues at the moment. But together with the premiers, I've been talking with them about how we can do things that can better equip the commissioners to be able to provide specialist support or additional capacity to be able to roll out what they need to fight these fires. So, you know, we're not going to make any knee jerk responses. It's easy to say those sorts of things. But it should be carefully considered because at the end of the day, they're all state and territory agencies and I'll consult carefully with those. But what matters is that you're able to give our commissioners the resources they need to even better respond. But I've got to say, this is the best firefighting force in the world and their response on this has demonstrated it once again.
LEVY: There's been plenty of criticism levelled at your government for not calling in the Defence Force to help these firefighters. But what people seem to be ignoring is the fact that you have offered up the personnel and the machinery in the affected areas and I'm assuming that's ongoing.
PRIME MINISTER: Yeah, the Defence Force has been totally involved and they have been. I mean, my first visit when the fire season began early was up in Canungra at the Canungra Base where they were providing accommodation support, airlift support and logistical support. The incident response centre was on the Base. The Armed Forces and Defence Force are involved in all of these and where there are Defence Force personnel that are trained for firefighting, well, they are out on the fire ground with their brigades, just like, you know, an employee of any other company or a self-employed person is out there volunteering. And our Defence Force personnel who have those skills are doing just that. But they're clearing roads, they're clearing debris, they are providing night flight reconnaissance to be able to position and provide technical information to the predictive fire technologies that is used in the command centres. I mean, the Defence Force are heavily engaged in this effort and at a local level. I'm out here at Richmond just now. I mean, those commanders on bases here were given a direction many months ago by myself and the Defence Minister to take what action was necessary locally on their own command.
LEVY: Just on the topic of clearing, one of the constant complaints we get here at the radio station is the fact that landowners and farmers, they aren't allowed to clear their land which is what's fuelling a lot of these flames. Is that something that we need to address in the new year?
PRIME MINISTER: Oh, absolutely, Mark. There are a lot of issues that go into these fires and obviously the drought and the dryness of the fuel load is one. I mean, how fuel loads are managed in national parks right around the country by state. Obviously, that's an issue. Native vegetation clearing, how the rules that sit around clearing trees that are close to your houses and all of this. I mean, it is true that this fire season is much more prolonged and started earlier and will go on and it won't have the relief of a dousing that you’d normally expect not too far from now, the Commissioner tells me here in New South Wales. But the reality of that and the way these fire seasons are now presenting means that all those who, frankly, have been quite difficult when it comes to these native vegetation management issues of land clearing issues and things like that. Well, if they say and they're right to say these seasons are changing, well, it means that you've got to change those rules, too, and they shouldn't be resisted.
LEVY: All right. A couple of quick things before I let you go, you're a busy man. You haven't changed your position on climate change and global warming. But it seems your deputy is being brainwashed by these environmentalists, with Michael McCormack saying Australia must increase its efforts to tackle climate change and the bushfires have increased community fears about global warming. Is there a divide in the Coalition at the moment on this issue?
PRIME MINISTER: No, I think that’s... no, I don't think so at all, Mark. We're saying the same thing….
LEVY: But you’re not saying the same thing, though, Prime Minister. When you're saying that there's no change and he's saying that we need to increase our efforts. That’s a difference.
PRIME MINISTER: Our existing policies have increased efforts, Mark, so that's the point. We're going to beat our commitments that were made for 2020. We will meet and my intention is to beat our commitments to 2030. The emissions that are coming out of Australia today on average are 50 million tonnes less today than they were under the previous government. So, look, I'm following with my Deputy Prime Minister a responsible path on this. I'm not going to adopt the policies that destroy people's jobs or turn our back on traditional industries. I mean, that won't cool the globe one celsius or a fraction of it. All it'll do is make the livelihoods of Australians more challenging. And so we're going to just keep a sensible path. The calls for panic... I don't panic. Anyone who does that shouldn't be running anything.
LEVY: All right. You're announcing today the construction of some renewable gas-fired power plants in Queensland and Victoria. Can we expect some announcements on coal, maybe even nuclear energy in the new year, or are renewables the way of the future?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, look, you need the whole mix, there's no doubt about that. And firstly, there's a proposal for Collinsville up in North Queensland which we're expecting a report on very, very soon. There are some others in New South Wales and we'll see where that goes. I'm quite agnostic, just as long as it's reliable and it’s cheaper. And I did welcome the fact yesterday, Mark, that the ACCC showed that we had a $65 on average reduction where there have been… sorry, a $65 reduction annually on power bills as a result of what we put in place on the energy companies and I welcome that. I think that's great. So, you know, you deal with the environmental challenge. You make sure you keep your economy growing and you get power prices down. That's what I'm trying to do, that's what I promised the Australian people I would do and we're getting on with that. There'll be lots of shouting noises elsewhere, but I tend to listen to those quiet, still voices.
LEVY: And the farmers as well, Mr Morrison, what can they expect in the New Year? I mean, these low-interest loans that they tell me are just putting them further and further behind. What can the Federal Government, your Government, be doing to help those struggling through this devastating drought in the new year?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, what we've just announced as Parliament wrapped us this year. What worked incredibly well up in North Queensland was our response to the floods up there and we set up to the Livestock Industry Recovery Agency up there which Shane Stone was heading up. I’ve now broadened the commission of that organisation to now directly oversee and manage our drought response nationally. So they can expect that absolutely. And that will better connect those affected in drought areas to all the many programmes we have. The suggestion that there's no money going in to support drought-affected areas is just simply not true. And this is a way of better connecting people to the support that's there. Now, on these no-interest loans, we'll look at the drought conditions several years from now when things get into that situation. And obviously whether further support is needed then that will be provided. What we most need, of course, is rain. And people know we can't make it rain, but through all the massive stimulus spending we’ve put into local towns and districts to keep people in work, the direct support we've provided to over 10,000 farmers specifically through the Farm Household Allowance, where we've got rid of a lot of the paperwork. We've also got rid of some of the rules that prevented access to people. Over a five year period people would be getting in the order of over $100,000, or just over four years, I should say. So, you know, we're dealing with those issues as they arise. But it's tough. It's really tough.
LEVY: And I reckon you'd be pretty easy to buy a Christmas present for this Christmas. Jenny and the girls, they’d just log on to the Sharks website, wouldn't they Prime Minister?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, yeah, we're not going to be playing at home this year. We will be over there at Jubilee so that should be an interesting season sharing it there with the Dragons. I met a bloke yesterday, Mark, and this just I think goes to just where people's heads are at where they've been directly affected by fires. This bloke and his wife had lost their home, he was worried about his business. He builds playgrounds and it all he could talk to me about was how he wasn’t going to get that playground he was working on out at Menangle finished in time for Christmas. And the selflessness of it was touching. But the thing that really seemed to be upsetting him is he'd lost a lot of his Dragons memorabilia in the shed that he'd had. And so I’ll have a chat with the guys down at the Dragons and see if they can help him out.
LEVY: Just make sure you don’t get a seat in front of our broadcast box otherwise you'll have the Big Marn on your case. Always good to talk with you, Prime Minister. Have a Merry Christmas and a happy new year.
PRIME MINISTER: Thanks a lot, Mark. Nice to talk to you.
Interview with Today
23 December 2019
JONATHAN UPTIN: The Prime Minister joins me now from Kirribilli House in Sydney. Good morning and welcome home.
PRIME MINISTER: Good morning.
UPTIN: The fires and the drought haven't snuck up on us. We have known for months this will be a horror summer. The gut instinct of our firefighters echoed it will be a bad summer. Can we trust your gut instincts as leader if your gut told you it was safe to go to Hawaii?
PRIME MINISTER: Look, I suspect Australians are very fair-minded people. They know that whether you are a Prime Minister or anyone else, you juggle the demands of family and I have a young family as Australians know, and the demands of your role and your work that's as true for a Prime Minister as it is for anyone else and you try and make the best decisions. Where you can think you could have made better decisions you are upfront with the Australian people about that, which I was yesterday. And I know Australians are very fair-minded about those things. These fires have been going on for some time. My first fire visit this year was up to Canungra many months ago back in September. There have been many other visits - Wauchope, Taree, Wilberforce and at various other centres. Yesterday down in Picton and Wollondilly and later today we will be out in central western New South Wales. These fires have been going for some time and they will go for some time yet. But I’ve got to say, the most important visit I made yesterday was to visit Melissa and Jess, Andrew and Geoff's wives and their families and to spend time with them and the incredible people at the Horsley Park Rural Fire Service Brigade. They are banding together as an incredible family. It was a very moving time yesterday and it is very hard for that family and I was pleased to provide some comfort yesterday on behalf of Jenny and I and obviously when we lost Andrew and Geoff that required me to return to Australia.
UPTIN: You mentioned family there and you said that one of the reasons you gave up those holiday plans was being a father trying to keep a promise to your daughters. Now, it is understandable. Many fathers and mothers, as you know, fighting fires this Christmas - they would have also broken promises to their kids. As you just mentioned, two fathers won't be coming home for Christmas, not to mention the men and women in our Defence Force, who are soldiers first and parents second. Do you accept the criticism your comments missed the mark?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, I was very upfront about that yesterday. I was very clear about my regrets and the apologies I made yesterday. But I also thank the many Australians for their messages of support at the same time and including those I was with yesterday. They understand what the focus needs to be and that is on what's happening on the firegrounds and the volunteer efforts to support that. But they understand what the role of the Prime Minister is, what a role of the Premier is, of a Fire Commissioner. I mean, these days I could stay in regular contact as I was and obviously returned home after we had the tragic loss of Andrew and Geoff. And Jenny and I felt very strongly about that, that's why I returned. But Australians are very fair-minded. They understand the complex nature of these things and as we go into Christmas, my thoughts will be very much with Andrew and Geoff’s family. And overnight, yesterday we have learned that we lost another Australian down in South Australia. We’ve got to remember these fires aren't just happening in New South Wales, they are in South Australia. I have been speaking to the Premier there. I spoke to the Premier in Victoria, I spoke to the Premier there yesterday, Premier Andrews. And of course up in Queensland where they have been raging for some time. So this will go on for some time. Australians obviously have to keep going on with their daily lives as they will. Christmas will come and it will go, and these fires will remain. But there are those directly fighting the fires but I want to assure Australians that the coordinated effort, the resource that goes into our fire services all around the country and the volunteer and paid effort that goes into the broader operations is the best of anywhere in the world. It's the best of anywhere and it is recognised as that. And one thing is certain about these fires, they have started earlier and they will run longer and there won't be that dousing we would have normally hoped for with rain. But we have also got a force that is as experienced and as well-resourced and as best-prepared of any that we have seen before going into any disaster season.
UPTIN: Ok. We have been reporting this morning that the debacle has made international news. Are you embarrassed at all how Australia has been seen, particularly your leadership as well?
PRIME MINISTER: No, look, people from outside Australia will make whatever comments they want. I will set Australia's policies consistent with what I took to the last election and what I believe and my Government believes is in Australia’s national interest…
UPTIN: Sorry to interrupt, but hasn't that changed a bit? Look, I'm someone who was probably on board with what you took to the polls when you went. I think now, though, that I'm part of a growing groundswell of support of people who think that more needs to be done, now is the time for action. It's not a time to sit around to keep chatting and saying we will discuss this down the track. Do we need to act now?
PRIME MINISTER: We are acting now. Australia is…
UPTIN: Do we need to do more?
PRIME MINISTER: Australia’s emissions are 50 million tonnes on average lower every year under our Government than the previous government. Emissions have fallen for the last two years. We have got more renewable energy going into our system now than we have seen before. We have the policies and plans to not only meet and beat our Kyoto commitments which fall due next year, but also we will meet and I believe we will be able to beat our Paris commitments as well. Australia is taking action on climate change. What we won't do is engage in reckless and job-destroying and economy crunching targets which are being sought to be postured to us at the moment, taking advantage of national disasters. Because no Australian would think that the direct policies of any single government in the world is directly linked to any fire event. That's not true.
UPTIN: Of course.
PRIME MINISTER: And the challenge of climate change has not changed since May. That's why the actions that we have put forward and we are taking - it's not a question of whether you take action or don't, that's not the question. We are taking action. The question is do you engage in reckless targets which take people's jobs or do you take the responsible path as we have and as I took to the election to ensure that we do take the appropriate action in Australia's interests.
UPTIN: Ok. We appreciate you are a very busy man. Will you taking holidays again before the end of the year, very quickly?
PRIME MINISTER: Before the end of 2019? At the moment, if I get to take a few days with the family I will always seek to do that, if I get that opportunity.
UPTIN: Good on you. Make sure you will tell us as well, Prime Minister, won't you? We will leave it there.
PRIME MINISTER: We’ll follow the proper processes. Happy Christmas to everyone
UPTIN: Happy Christmas to you. We appreciate your time. Prime Minister Scott Morrison, thank you.
Interview with Sunrise
23 December 2019
MONIQUE WRIGHT: Good morning to you Prime Minister thank you so much for your time we appreciate it.
PRIME MINISTER: Good morning Monique.
WRIGHT: Can we start with, how was your holiday?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, we were very focused on things back here to be honest Monique. We were keeping in, regular updates with what was occurring and of course when we lost Andrew and Geoff in that terrible incident late this week, Jenny and I were heartbroken. And obviously we made the decision then that I should return home as soon as I could, so I saw Melissa and Jess yesterday out with the whole team from Horsley Park. They are an amazing group of people and to meet Andrew and Geoff’s parents and spend time with them, I am glad home to see them. That’s why I came home. I wanted to personally convey my and Jenny's condolences to them. It was a hard day.
WRIGHT: I can imagine how heartbroken they were. Even when you went on holidays, these were extra ordinary circumstances Prime Minister, people are looking for leadership. Why was your judgement so off and why did it take you so long to come back after you said that you were going to?
PRIME MINISTER: Monique, that's your take on the events. Seven weeks ago we planned this. But we all make decisions Monique. You do as a parent, I do as a parent, we all seek to balance our work life responsibilities and we all try to get that right. We can all make better decisions on occasions, and I was pretty upfront with the Australian people about that yesterday. Whether it is on a Friday afternoon and you are deciding to take that extra plumbing contract and you said you were going to pick up the kids, or something at my level, these are things you juggle as parents.
WRIGHT: I get that.
PRIME MINISTER: I have young kids and I sought to make some good decisions there, and I could have made better on this occasion. These fires have been raging since September Monique. Jenny and I, we were up in Canungra back in September. We have been in Wauchope, we’ve been in Taree, we’ve been in Wilberforce, we’ve been up at the Brisbane, the headquarters up there in Queensland. These fires have been running for a long time, and they still have a time to run yet, and we will be out there again today seeing what's happening on the ground. My concerns are for those who are deeply impacted by them Monique.
WRIGHT: Look ok, the last one on the holiday, just why was it a secret?
PRIME MINISTER: Well it wasn't a secret, I texted the Leader of the Opposition about it myself. I mean everybody knew I was –
WRIGHT: But isn’t there usually a press release that’s put out to say who’s in charge? That didn’t happen and then it seems from journalists who contacted your office, they were given a runaround?
PRIME MINISTER: I followed the same process I had on previous occasions and no journalist raised any issues on that on the last two occasions over the last year and half, so I said yesterday if we can improve that for next time, then fine. I think that this is an issue the media’s got very excited about and my political opponents are seeking to exploit. But look, I think the time for politics and point scoring and all of this sort of stuff should be seen for what it is. What matters, is what is mattering to Melissa and Jess's family, what matters is the firefighters, what matters is the support that needs to go in place and is being provided. These are the most coordinated, best resourced, most amazingly fought set of fire disasters our country has seen, and Australians should be very proud of what is happening out there. Sure, there will be critics, and we can always improve for next time, but Australians should be very proud of what everybody from our defence forces through to our fireys, through to our state emergency services and the coordination and delivery on the ground by the state governments, whether it’s in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia- we lost another gentleman overnight in South Australia yesterday. And so the fires are burning in many places and the coordinated effort is extraordinary.
WRIGHT: Look I think you’ve got a lot of support for that. But Prime Minister, people can't live their normal lives under these bushfire conditions, in the city or the bush. People are scared that this is what our future now looks like. Do you accept that things are different now to when you won the election?
PRIME MINISTER: I don't know what you are referring to, are you talking about the fires?
WRIGHT: You were saying you are now fulfilling your obligations as you said you would when you went into the election, but do you think the zeitgeist, the community feeling has changed with regard to climate change? Given what has happened over the previous weeks in this bushfire emergency?
PRIME MINISTER: The need to take action as we are on climate change, and the science of that is as true as we went to the last election, as it is now. The plans we have are as important now as they were then. We will meet our Kyoto targets and beat them. We will meet our Paris targets and I intend to beat those as well. We have record investments in renewable energies and I look forward to welcoming more of that. Emissions on average under our government are 50 million tonnes lower than under the previous government. Power prices, as the ACCC showed yesterday, are coming down by $65 a year as a direct result of our policies. What I won't do though Monique, is I never panic. I don't think panicking is the way to manage anything and the urge for panic that has come from some, often politically motivated to pursue a particular agenda, is not something I'm ever intimidated by or ever distracted by. I made a promise to the Australian people to take action on climate change and I am, and I will meet those commitments.
WRIGHT: Former fire chiefs wanted to meet with you in April to forwarn you of these very conditions and they say you refused to talk about climate change. Our top medicos are banding together saying this is a health emergency. What is the next step? What is your medium and long term plan now?
PRIME MINISTER: We have our $3 billion climate solutions fund. We will meet all of our commitments that we have made globally, we will continue to see renewable investments come into our country. We will also be taking action on the other great environmental challenges of waste management and reducing plastics in the ocean. We will continue to have this transition in our economy, but what we won’t do Monique, is I am not going to write off the jobs of thousands of Australians by walking away from traditional industries, I’m not going to embrace economy wrecking job destroying reckless targets, which will only - not change the temperature of the globe, but just take people's livelihoods away. I'm going to maintain the course of responsible management, responsibly addressing the changes of climate change and responsibly ensuring that we can grow our economy in what is a very tough climate at the moment.
WRIGHT: Alright, Prime Minister, there’s lots more that we could talk about but we know you have to go, you’ve got a busy day ahead and we really appreciate your time. Thank you so much Prime Minister.
PRIME MINISTER: Thanks very much Monique.
Interview with John Stanley, 2GB
20 December 2019
JOHN STANLEY: Mr Morrison, good morning to you.
PRIME MINISTER: G’day John, terrible news overnight. I can only think of those families of those who've lost loved ones overnight and then there’s those who have been terribly injured from the Horsley Park Brigade. It's just an absolutely horrendous thing and I can't imagine how difficult it is for those families in that community today.
STANLEY: Now I know you're still overseas and you have said in your statement that you’ve been keeping in touch with what is going on and presumably with the Acting Prime Minister, Michael McCormack as well?
PRIME MINISTER: Correct. Yes and David Littleproud who’s the Minister responsible and so we've been keeping in close contact. These events, John, are just horrendous. I mean, if it was possible not to be where I was this week, well, maybe. But this had been arranged some time ago and that's just how it was. But I'll be coming back as soon as I can. It's not that easy to get back, but we'll get back as soon as we can and I’ll go and see the team at the RFS and get an update.
STANLEY: Now, in your statement, you said the leave was brought forward because you had to cancel scheduled leave in January because of a visit to India and Japan. And look, everyone has to go on leave. Was it a mistake not to announce that you were going on leave?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, we don't normally, John. I mean, I took leave in June as well and we did follow exactly the same practice. So I mean, we don’t always say where we're going. My privacy with my family when we’re having leave, I'm sure people understand, that's something that I know Australians would respect. But I think on this occasion, John, because there have been such horrendous events that have understandably caused a lot of anxiety, I deeply regret that and so does Jenny and to all those who were affected by the fires especially, we deeply regret it. And I'll be getting back there as soon as I can. The girls and Jen will stay on and stay out the rest of the time we had booked here. But I know Australians understand this and they’ll be pleased I’m coming back I’m sure. They know that, you know, I don't hold a hose, mate, and I don't sit in a control room. That’s the brave people who do that are doing that job. But I know that Australians would want me back at this time out of these fatalities. So I'll happily come back and do that.
STANLEY: Because we’ve had people saying well, he can’t go out and fight the fires, which is obviously true. But even just that, the announcement wasn't made here. Maybe it was a problem in another office that we weren't aware that Michael McCormack was the Acting PM.
PRIME MINISTER: Well, Michael stood up as Acting Prime Minister on Monday and I texted Anthony Albanese before I left saying I'll be away for the next week and that Michael would be taking… would be Acting Prime Minister during that period of time. So, I mean, that's…
STANLEY: You told Anthony Albanese, did you? Is that right, you texted him and let him know?
PRIME MINISTER: Yeah.
STANLEY: Ok, alright, are you able to say where you are? I know there is security and you talked about your privacy.
PRIME MINISTER: Well, it's more about privacy at the end of the day. But look, the girls and Jen, they love holidaying in Hawaii and so we’ve had a few nice days here and that’s just where sometimes we go privately for our holidays. We’ve spent a lot of time in Australia on our holidays as well. We had planned to spend it down on the south coast, as we usually did that, but we had to bring it forward as I said, because of those commitments we had in India and Japan. So we had to tell the girls we wouldn't be spending as much time down there. So in return, I tried to give them a bit of a surprise and take them here. So that's what I think dads try and do when if they can when they’ve been working hard all year and I know there are lots of dads and mums out there who work hard all year and try and treat their kids this time of year and that's what I was just trying to do. It's just unfortunate that it’s come at such an awful time, particularly for those living in and around Sydney and New South Wales. And it's just devastating to be here and seeing what's happening there. So I'm pleased to be returning.
STANLEY: Ok, you’re going to come back, obviously you can't fight fires, but have you got some ideas of what you'll do when you get here?
PRIME MINISTER: Obviously as soon as I can get back I'll go down to the RFS Headquarters and get an update from the Commissioner and see what other support we can provide. But I know that every support that is being required of the Commonwealth and the Federal Government is being provided, that's already been allocated and the Acting Prime Minister and the Minister responsible, David Littleproud, is on this every single day. So there has not been a breath of difference between what was needed in New South Wales and what the Commonwealth can be providing. So all of that support is there. But if I can return and provide some moral support to people who are out there doing it really tough, then that's what I can do and that's what I'll be very glad to do. They need all our support and I'm happy to provide mine.
STANLEY: Yeah. Do you understand those people who are saying that they don't want you to go and fight the fires, but that leadership was lacking in the last few days?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, we were keeping in contact very strongly with what was happening, John. And I think that with the events of last night, with those terrible fatalities, I think it's appropriate for me to return now.
STANLEY: Ok, so you’ll be back when, over the weekend?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, we're still trying to arrange that. We're working on that right now. We've been working on it since early this morning.
STANLEY: To get on a plane and get back here? All right. We'll see you when you get back. Thank you very much for your time. Thank you.
PRIME MINISTER: And to everyone who is out there fighting fires right now, all the communities, especially tomorrow, which is going to, I know, be a very, very hot day around Sydney. Stay tuned to those broadcasts, particular the Fires Near Me app and all the other information. Stay close, stay together and stay safe.
STANLEY: Thank you, Prime Minister.
Statement on PM Leave
20 December 2019
Over the course of the past week I have been taking leave with my family. Our leave was brought forward due to the need to cancel our scheduled leave in January because of our official government visit to India and Japan at the invitation of PMs Modi and Abe.
I deeply regret any offence caused to any of the many Australians affected by the terrible bushfires by my taking leave with family at this time. I have been receiving regular updates on the bushfires disaster as well as the status of the search for and treatment of the victims of the White Island tragedy. The Commonwealth’s responsibilities have been well managed by the Acting Prime Minister, Minister Littleproud and Minister Payne.
As noted, given the most recent tragic events, I will be returning to Sydney as soon as can be arranged.
Statement on Firefighters
20 December 2019
I express my sincere condolences and sympathies to the families of the firefighters who have so tragically been killed overnight.
They were bravely defending their communities with an unmatched spirit and a dedication that will forever set them apart amongst our most courageous Australians.
Their sacrifice and service saving lives and saving properties will be forever remembered. I wish those injured all the best in their recovery.
Our hearts go out to their families, friends and colleagues who have been working tirelessly beside them, particularly during this Christmas period.
These fires and heat conditions are horrendous, and there are still difficult days ahead, with Saturday predicted to be the most severe day, with extreme temperatures and wind making conditions very difficult for fire crews.
We wish all of those putting themselves in harm’s way for all of us, all the best. Stay safe, stay together.
Know that Australians are deeply grateful. To Australians living in fire-ravaged regions, please heed the warnings of the authorities, and stay safe.
Given these most recent tragic events, I will be returning to Sydney from leave as soon as can be arranged.
The Federal Government stands ready to deploy whatever further assistance State and Territory authorities request to manage this disaster.
Boosting Indigenous Participation in Northern Development
13 December 2019
Prime Minister, Minister for Resources and Northern Australia, Minister for Indigenous Australians, Chief Minister of the Northern Territory, Premier of Western Australia, Premier of Queensland
Indigenous Australians will take a stronger role in the economic development of Northern Australia under a new Accord launched at a Northern Australia Ministerial Forum in Katherine.
Ministers from the Commonwealth Government, the Northern Territory, Queensland and Western Australia launched a new Accord, agreed by the Northern Australia Strategic Partnership, that will provide a framework for parties to work together to advance Indigenous economic development in northern Australia.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said his Government looked forward to working with land councils and Traditional Owners to deliver more jobs and economic prosperity.
“This is about creating jobs across northern Australia, which is so important for the region, and our indigenous population. This can only be achieved by working closely together.”
Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Matt Canavan said Indigenous participation had always been a key aspect to economic development in the north.
“The Northern Australia Indigenous Development Accord will ensure that governments, communities, individuals and industry work together to advance Indigenous economic development across our north,” Minister Canavan said.
“The resources sector is already leading the way in creating opportunities for many Indigenous Australians, with around 3.7 per cent of our mining workforce and 4 per cent of mining industry apprentices and trainees being Indigenous – double the national average.”
Minister for Indigenous Australians Ken Wyatt said the Accord recognised that Indigenous participation in the northern economy was critical to increase productivity, encourage investment and create new jobs to accelerate growth across northern Australia.
“The Accord sets out the commitment of governments to strengthen Indigenous economic participation in this nationally significant northern development agenda, and includes milestones to allow progress to be monitored,” Minister Wyatt said.
“The Indigenous Development Accord is an important step in harnessing Aboriginal economic development and creating jobs across northern Australia. In the Territory we will work with land councils and Traditional Owners to deliver jobs and economic prosperity for all,” Northern Territory Chief Minister Michael Gunner said.
Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan said he welcomed the Indigenous Development Accord and looks forward to collaboration with respect to the northern economy.
“Taking a collaborative and regional approach between Indigenous people, governments and the private sector through the Accord framework has potential to be a powerful vehicle to achieve greater Aboriginal participation in the northern economy. I look forward to the Western Australian Government collaborating with the Commonwealth and the governments of Queensland and the Northern Territory in its implementation.”
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said communities like Weipa on Cape York had shown how true partnerships had reaped mutual rewards.
“Rio Tinto’s Amrun bauxite mine is merely the latest development achieved in true partnership with the local Wik-Waya people delivering jobs for 400 indigenous workers and more than $1 billion for local businesses and suppliers,” Premier Palaszcuzuk said.
“We work best when we work together and these achievements are ones we can all be proud of.”
The Ministerial forum acknowledged the importance of the Indigenous Reference Group’s work to maximise Indigenous participation and enhance economic opportunity and contribution of northern Australia Indigenous businesses, individuals and communities.
Ministers agreed to extend the term of the Indigenous Reference Group until December 2020. The next steps in developing an Indigenous Commercial Research Plan and locations for Regional Collaboration Areas will be considered at the next Ministerial meeting in 2020.
Ministry Arrangements
13 December 2019
The Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs, the Hon. David Coleman has requested and been provided with leave of absence for personal reasons.
Minister Coleman is an incredibly valued member of our team and has been doing an outstanding job. I look forward to him to returning to his Ministerial role when he is in a position to do so.
I have appointed the Hon. Alan Tudge to take on Mr Coleman’s ministerial responsibilities in an acting capacity effective immediately until such time as Mr Coleman is in a position to return. Mr Coleman will continue to perform his local responsibilities as Member for Banks.
Mr Tudge has previous experience in this portfolio area in Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs and will continue with his current responsibilities as Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure.
To assist Minister Tudge I have tasked the Member for Fairfax, Ted O’Brien to lead the Government’s negotiations in relation to the South East Queensland City Deal. This new responsibility will complement his existing role representing the Australian Government in relation to the 2032 South East Queensland Olympics and Paralympics.
Minister Tudge will also be supported in his new responsibilities by Assistant Ministers Wood, Gee and Morton.
Director-General of the Australian Signals Directorate
13 December 2019
Prime Minister, Minister for Defence
The Governor-General has accepted the Government’s recommendation to appoint Ms Rachel Noble PSM as the Director-General of the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD).
Ms Noble’s deep experience in intelligence strongly positions her to lead ASD in executing its important national security mission.
She has vital technical expertise having previously worked in ASD and has a strong understanding of the role the organisation plays in the National Intelligence Community. Most recently Ms Noble has been the Head of the Australian Cyber Security Centre, where she is responsible for leading the Australian Government’s cyber security capabilities, responding to cyber security threats and incidents, and collaborating with government, industry and the community on cyber security matters.
Ms Noble is the first woman to be appointed to lead ASD and she is the first woman to head a major intelligence agency in Australia. Her appointment to this leadership role is a significant step forward for women in the national security sector and we congratulate her.
We thank Lieutenant General John Frewen DSC AM for acting in the role as Director-General of the ASD. LTGEN Frewen is a highly capable officer and will now return to his role of Principal Deputy-Director General.
ASD plays a critical role in supporting the Australian Government and the Australian Defence Force through intelligence, cyber security and offensive operations, defending Australia from global threats while advancing our national interests.
We congratulate Ms Noble on her appointment who will take up the role in February 2020.
Australian War Memorial Director Appointed
13 December 2019
Prime Minister, Minister for Veterans and Defence Personnel
Matthew Anderson PSM has been appointed as the next Director of the Australian War Memorial by the Government following a formal selection process.
Mr Anderson, a veteran himself, is the current Deputy High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.
He will replace outgoing Director, Dr Brendan Nelson AO, who will conclude in the role at the end of this year.
The Prime Minister said Mr Anderson’s skills, knowledge and experience will ensure the continued success of the Memorial.
“Mr Anderson is well placed to guide the Australian War Memorial through generational change to tell the stories of our more recent conflicts,” the Prime Minister said.
“He has demonstrated his passion for military history and ensuring future generations are educated about the service and sacrifice of our personnel, having written three children’s books on Australia’s involvement in the First and Second World Wars.
“Over the past three years he has further built on his knowledge and passion, serving as the Australian Alternate on the Board of Trustees of the Imperial War Museum and Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
“I would like to congratulate Mr Anderson on his appointment and wish him all the very best for his tenure in guiding the memorial through an important part of its history and upholding its purpose in assisting to remember, interpret and understand the Australian experience of war and its enduring impact on Australian society.”
Minister for Veterans and Defence Personnel Darren Chester said as a veteran himself, Mr Anderson will understand the importance of the Memorial’s development project and ensuring the stories of our veterans are appropriately told.
“Mr Anderson is a Graduate of the Royal Military College Duntroon, spending eight years as an Australian Army Officer, including three years as Troop Commander for the Royal Australian Engineers,” Mr Chester said.
“His service, along with his proven record of achievement in senior diplomatic postings, demonstrated leadership and knowledge of military history, will ensure the continued success of the Memorial.”
The Prime Minister thanked Dr Brendan Nelson for all he has done to remember the almost two million people who have served in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations, but also ensuring the stories of those currently serving are told in a solemn and respectful way.
“Dr Nelson has ensured the stories of an entire new generation of service are told and remembered alongside those that inspired their own sacrifice and to do the same for future generations. I wish him all the best for the future,” the Prime Minister said.
Delivering for Australians - A World-Class Australian Public Service
13 December 2019
I am pleased today to release the Independent Review of the Australian Public Service and the Government’s response.
Australia already has a world-class public service, however all organisations need to adapt and evolve to ensure they can be their best. The Australian Public Service is no different. Australians rely on the essential public services the APS delivers on behalf of the Government.
That is why the Government commissioned the Independent Review of the Australian Public Service in 2018.
We are committed to ensuring the needs of Australians are always put first. That is why we have already announced a new structure of government departments, to ensure the APS delivers better services and has a clear line of sight to the Australian people.
The APS Review delivered 40 recommendations to help ensure the public service remains fit-for-purpose in the decades to come and provides a comprehensive platform for change.
The Government agrees with the majority of the independent panel’s recommendations and I have asked the heads of the public service to take these forward.
The Secretaries Board, led by the Secretary of my Department and supported by the Australian Public Service Commissioner, will lead the reform effort beginning with a rapid planning phase over the next few months.
The Government is investing an additional $15.1 million to support the Secretaries Board and the Australian Public Service Commission to commence reforms.
The APS Review is part of a broad set of Government reforms including a new APS structure to improve coordination, Services Australia and digital reforms.
I thank the APS Review Chair, David Thodey AO, the independent panel and the APS Review team for their work undertaking this review, the largest of its kind in 40 years.
I also express my gratitude to all those members of the public and the Australian Public Service who took the time to contribute to the Review.
Further information on the review and the Government response is available at:
Delivering for Australians: https://pmc.gov.au/resource-centre/government/delivering-for-australians
Final report of the APS Review: https://pmc.gov.au/resource-centre/government/independent-review-australian-public-service
Response to Digital Platforms Inquiry
12 December 2019
Prime Minister, Treasurer, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Communications Cyber Safety and the Arts
The Government has today released its response and implementation roadmap to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) Digital Platforms Inquiry.
In December 2017, the Government directed the ACCC to inquire into the impact of digital search engines, social media platforms, and digital content aggregators on the state of competition in media and advertising services markets. The Inquiry formed part of a package of reforms to modernise and update Australia’s media laws.
The ACCC conducted an extensive and detailed world-leading inquiry and the report sets out 23 recommendations in response to the substantial market power that has arisen through the growth of digital platforms, their impact on competition in media and advertising markets and implications for news media businesses, advertisers and consumers.
Following receipt of the report, the Government undertook a 12 week public consultation process, receiving more than a hundred written submissions and holding numerous stakeholder meetings.
Both the ACCC Inquiry and the feedback from the consultation process emphasised that there is a need for reform to better protect consumers, improve transparency, address power imbalances and ensure that substantial market power is not used to lessen competition in media and advertising services markets.
Digital technologies are going to be an increasingly important part of our economic and social landscape. The Government wants to get the right regulations in place so Australia can be a leading digital economy.
That also means ensuring the protections that exist in the real world also exist in the digital world.
The reforms agreed to by the Government and outlined in our Implementation Roadmap will strengthen competition and consumer protection and improve the sustainability of the Australian media landscape. The implementation roadmap will provide clarity and certainty for business and consumers on our commitments and the timeframe for implementing our response.
The Government’s role is not to protect domestic businesses from digital competition, but rather to ensure the proper functioning of markets and a fair approach to regulation that ensures the rules of the physical world apply equally to the digital world.
While a number of the ACCC’s recommendations will be progressed immediately and several of the recommendations align with existing commitments, others will need further consideration and engagement given the complexity of the issues and the potential to have economy-wide effects.
The Government’s immediate response includes:
Investing $26.9 million in a new special unit in the ACCC to monitor and report on the state of competition and consumer protection in digital platform markets, taking enforcement action as necessary, and undertaking inquiries as directed by the Treasurer, starting with the supply of online advertising and ad‑tech services.
Commencing a staged process to reform media regulation towards a platform-neutral regulatory framework covering both online and offline delivery of media content to Australian consumers.
Addressing bargaining power imbalances between digital platforms and news media businesses by asking the ACCC to work with the relevant parties to develop and implement voluntary codes to address these concerns. The ACCC will provide a progress report to Government on the code negotiations in May 2020, with the code to be finalised no later than November 2020. If an agreement is not forthcoming, the Government will develop alternative options which may include the creation of a mandatory code.
Conducting a review of the Privacy Act and ensuring privacy settings empower consumers, protect their data and best serve the Australian economy, which builds on our commitment to increase penalties and introduce a binding social media and online platforms privacy code announced in the 2019–20 Budget.
The first stage of media regulation reforms will commence in 2020 with a focus on:
Developing a uniform classification framework across all media platforms.
Determining the extent of Australian content obligations on free-to-air television broadcasters (including drama and children’s content), and whether there should be Australian content obligations on subscription video-on-demand services.
Identifying other aspects of the policy framework to support Australian film and television content.
In early 2020, the Government will release an options paper co-authored by Screen Australia and the Australian Communications and Media Authority that will look at how to best support Australian stories on our screens in a modern, multi-platform environment.
Through our response, the Government will deliver a regulatory framework that is fit for purpose and better protects and informs Australian consumers, addresses bargaining power imbalances between digital platforms and media companies, and ensures privacy settings remain appropriate in the digital age.
The Government’s full response is available at: http://www.treasury.gov.au/publication/p2019-41708
Boost for Australia's Aerial Firefighting Capability
12 December 2019
Prime Minister, Minister for Water Resources, Drought, Rural Finance, Natural Disaster and Emergency Management
The Australian Government will boost the country’s aerial firefighting capabilities by $11 million.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said this additional funding would see more specialised firefighting aircraft take to the skies to keep Australians safe this summer.
“In response to the request from our national fire chiefs we’re backing our firefighters and our water bombing fleet with an extra $11 million boost. That’s on top of the $15 million we already deliver each year for aerial firefighting to tackle what has already been a devastating fire season,” the Prime Minister said.
“Each bushfire season we take the advice of the states and experts about what we can do to keep Australians safe. As we continue into this hot and dry bushfire season we want to ensure our fireys get the aerial support they need and have asked for.
“We saw how useful our extra support was last season which is why we’re boosting it again this year.
“As we’ve said all along, my government stands ready to deliver whatever further assistance is asked of us by the states as they battle these devastating fires.”
Minister for Natural Disaster and Emergency Management David Littleproud said the additional funding announced today would enable annual lease periods of firefighting aircraft to be extended and ensures the right mix and type of aircraft are available to protect communities this summer.
“We recognise the vital role that aerial firefighting plays in protecting communities, essential infrastructure, and environmental values, as well as supporting firefighters on the ground,” Minister Littleproud said.
“Once again, we owe a debt of gratitude to our career and volunteer emergency services who are out there protecting our communities in the face of very difficult conditions.”
“It is clear we are facing longer and more intense seasons, and as this summer has only just begun we have already seen devastating fires tear through communities right across the country.
“Sadly, bushfires are part of the Australian landscape and while we cannot always prevent them, we can prepare for them and ensure that we are responding in the most effective way.”
The National Aerial Firefighting Centre has more than 140 aircraft at its disposal to be directed to wherever they are needed. These aircraft, contracted on behalf of state and territory governments, are supplemented by additional state owned, and state contracted aircraft and other aircraft hired to meet peak demand across Australia. In total more than 500 aircraft, provided by over 150 operators, are available for firefighting across Australia.
Medical Transfers
11 December 2019
Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Minister for Women, Minister for Defence, Minister for Water Resources, Drought, Rural Finance, Natural Disaster and Emergency Management
Today is another difficult day for those involved in the White Island volcano disaster in New Zealand, for people who remain in hospital and families who have received the most devastating of news, and those still enduring the agony of awaiting news of their loved ones.
Our hearts go out to all of the Australians and their families caught up in this tragedy, and our Kiwi cousins across the Tasman.
This is a time of immense grief and great sorrow for everyone involved.
Together with the New Zealand Government, and relevant authorities, we are doing everything we can to assist those directly impacted and their families.
The Government has activated a repatriation plan to bring a number of Australians injured in the White Island volcano tragedy from New Zealand to Australia for specialist medical care.
This plan has been formed following the Australian Government’s offer of assistance to New Zealand to support its response to the tragic events at White Island.
Australian and New Zealand authorities are working closely together to enable the repatriations.
We anticipate transferring up to 10 injured patients to New South Wales and Victoria, starting within the next 24 hours. Any transfers will depend strictly on medical decisions from doctors that it is safe to move the patients.
Our focus, and that of the New Zealand Government, is on providing the best, most immediate clinical care for those most in need. The plan also requires significant contributions from State Government agencies, for which we are immensely grateful.
Three Royal Australian Air Force aircraft have been deployed to New Zealand as part of the repatriation effort.
A C-130 Hercules departed RAAF Base Richmond and two C-17 Globemasters departed RAAF Base Amberley to Christchurch, with a team of specialist aircrew and medical equipment on board.
The NSW, Victorian, Queensland and South Australian Governments have also provided aircraft.
Emergency Management Australia has coordinated the repatriation effort at the request of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Defence, Australian Border Force, the Department of Health, and the Australian Federal Police are also to be thanked for their efforts.
At this stage the Government is still not in a position to officially confirm the identity and status of those Australians who are unaccounted for and those who are deceased. As always we will act in accordance with the wishes of family members and seek to protect their privacy in this most difficult time.
Protecting Religious Freedom Remains High Priority for Government
10 December 2019
Prime Minister, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations, Leader of the House
Our Government is committed to protecting every Australian from discrimination.
Today, we have released a second exposure draft of our Religious Discrimination Bill, which incorporates many of the key changes that were suggested by religious bodies and other stakeholders after the first draft Bill was released in August.
The release of the revised Bill for a further period of consultation will provide all members of the Australian community an opportunity to consider these revisions and whether the amended Bill further addresses the issues they have raised.
As we have said, this is not a process that should be rushed. What is important is that we get this legislation right and deliver lasting reforms that provide real protections for all Australians.
The previous round of consultation saw members of the Australian community lodge almost 6,000 written submissions. Attorney-General Christian Porter has also met personally with close to 100 stakeholder groups to hear their views first-hand.
As a result of that consultation, key changes to the original draft of the Bill include:
Making it clear that religious bodies, as defined in the Bill, continue to be able to make staffing and other decisions based upon faith, as they can currently do under existing federal law;
Ensuring that religious public benevolent institutions, such as Vinnies, are included in the definition of ‘religious bodies’;
Narrowing the provisions aimed at supporting existing conscientious objection processes so that they apply only to nurses, midwives, doctors, psychologists and pharmacists;
Making it clear that the conscientious objection provisions do not give a right to discriminate against particular individuals based upon gender or other characteristics;
New provisions to make sure that the current status quo under federal law is maintained, allowing religious hospitals, aged care facilities and accommodation providers (such as retirement homes) to employ staff to preserve a religious ethos, with additional specific protections for religious camps and conference centres.
Amendments have also been made to the Bill to clarify the application of certain provisions. For example, the term ‘vilify’ has been defined as incitement of hatred or violence.
In addition, a definition of ‘conscientiously object’ has been included in response to suggestions from a range of stakeholders, including the Australian Medical Association.
Any form of discrimination cannot and will not be tolerated by our Government. We already have in place laws that protect people from discrimination on the basis of their race, sex, age or disabilities. It makes sense that religion should be included so that Australians are free to live their lives in the way they choose to.
We also understand that this process is about striking a balance. That is why we have said from the outset that the protections we deliver must be a shield from discrimination, not a sword.
The draft Bills are available at http://ag.gov.au/Consultations/Pages/religious-freedom-bills-second-exposure-drafts.aspx
Submissions on the Bills close on 31 January 2020.
Keeping Australians Safe at Airports
6 December 2019
Prime Minister, Minister for the Public Service, Minister for Home Affairs
The Morrison Government is increasing counter-terrorism measures across nine airports by boosting the Australian Federal Police’s capability to disrupt and deter high-risk-incidents.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said 135 additional police and protective service officers, as well as firearm and explosive detection canine handlers, would be rolled out over the next 18 months.
“My first priority is to keep Australians safe and these new measures will help protect thousands of Australians that travel and visit airports every day,” the Prime Minister said.
“We will take no chances when it comes to keeping the community safe and these new enforcement officers will now have increased firearms and protection capabilities to respond to a changing crime environment.
“These highly trained officers run towards dangerous incidents, not away from them, and it is vital they have every resource necessary to help them do their job and protect the community.”
The new AFP Protection Operation Response Team (PORT) officers will be armed Mk18 Short-Barrel Rifles barrelled rifles, have new body cameras and receive training in hostile threat and behaviour assessment, alongside new teams of firearm and explosive detection canines.
Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton said this action was based on longstanding ASIO threat assessment advice.
“Recent global events serve as an important reminder that the threat posed to the public by terrorism and other crime types hadn’t diminished,” Mr Dutton said.
“This national roll-out is a necessary and timely measure to counter aviation security threats and will support the dedicated officers of the AFP in protecting our community.
“We know that Australia is at risk. In July 2017, a major terrorist plot was disrupted targeting a passenger flight departing from Sydney and just this week our law enforcement agencies have arrested a 21 year old who is alleged to have been involved in advocating and preparing for terrorist acts.
“I want to pay tribute to the AFP and all frontline law enforcement officers who dedicate themselves to preventing potential tragedies here on Australian soil – the Morrison Government is committed to ensuring they have the best training and are equipped with the necessary capability to keep Australian’s safe,” Mr Dutton said.
Today’s announcement is part of $107 million package to strengthen aviation security, with funding announced in the 2018-19 Budget.
The rollout of this capability across the nine designated Australian airports will be phased in over the next 18 months.
Australian’s travelling through Canberra or Brisbane will see these new officers patrolling before Christmas.
Over the next six months officers will armed with the new capability will be present in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and the Gold Coast, followed by, Cairns, Adelaide and Darwin Airports in 2021.
The travelling public should be aware while there won’t be any changes to the way they move through Australian airports, they will start seeing PORT members patrolling alongside general duties members, specialised firearm and explosive detection canines and rapid appraisal officers, who are responsible for rapid, targeted assessment of potential explosive threats.