Doorstop - Macquarie Park, NSW

29 June 2020

JOHN ALEXANDER MP, MEMBER FOR BENNELONG: Premier Gladys Berejiklian, whose parents are constituents of mine, Minister Constance and other dignitaries. And Alex, whenever I meet Alex he was born in the year I played Davis Cup. This is a very, very important issue, infrastructure. In Bennelong, we have five of the 10 most congested roads in New South Wales. So this pinch point programme is really targeted. So thank you very much for your initiative in this area and I will hand it over to our Prime Minister.

PRIME MINISTER: Thank you, JA, and it's great to be here with the Premier and, of course, the Transport Minister. Also great to have Alex Hawke here and Dave Sharma, local members, together with John Alexander, congestion busting, making roads safer, working with local governments to get important infrastructure projects moving. This time last week, the Premier and I were standing at the near-completion of NorthConnex. And here we are today, standing together again with the next round of really practical infrastructure transport projects, which not only are going to make a big difference to getting people home sooner and safer and getting to work sooner and safer to make a city like Sydney which needs this congestion busting infrastructure for it to function. But also today, the Deputy Prime Minister is out in Yass and he's talking about the road safety projects we're investing as part of $451 million, supported by even more than that by the state government, over $560 million working together in partnership to bring forward much needed transport infrastructure projects which are necessary to boost our economy, come out and through of this COVID-19 recession. 

These projects are part of $1.5 billion worth of works that we're putting right around the country, all states and territories working as part of a team with state and territory governments. The National Cabinet has been absolutely vital in how we've been addressing and managing the health crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic. But it has been equally beneficial in the partnership we're forming and we're working together on to ensure we're doing the right things to bring Australia through this COVID recession and out the other side. And that's all about jobs. These projects we're talking about here today, some 5,500 jobs which will come directly by getting these projects underway. So it's the most basic of projects at local government levels across the state, going through to important road safety projects and dealing with congestion pinch points like we're here now. You can hear the traffic around us and that is the noise of a city that is returning to normal and it's the noise of a city that needs continued investment in important transport infrastructure to ensure that we emerge more strongly from the COVID-19 recession. And I want to thank, again, Premier Berejiklian for her partnership on the economics, on the transport infrastructure, on the health management that has been so vital. New South Wales has been in the most difficult of situations in facing the COVID-19 pandemic. Were it not for New South Wales stepping up where the majority of international visitors, Australians returning to Australia, coming back and being looked after here in New South Wales and the quarantine so successfully managed here in New South Wales, then if it were not for them stepping up and also meeting those costs, as Victoria have as well, Victoria and New South Wales have had to deal with the majority, overwhelming majority of returning Australians. And that means they've been under the most pressure and I want to commend Premier Berejiklian and all of her team for the wonderful leadership that they've shown in staying on top of this and it's great to have her here with me today as we embark on yet another important economic infrastructure partnership. Thank you, Gladys.

THE HON. GLADYS BEREJIKLIAN MP, PREMIER OF NSW: Thank you, PM. It's great to be here announcing this joint funding, because now more than ever before, whether you're a citizen of New South Wales or more broadly, you care about the national interest. It's about the federal and state governments working together to really have a building-led recovery for COVID. And for us in New South Wales, building our way through COVID is certainly one of the key planks of our economic recovery and I want to thank the Prime Minister and his colleagues for working with us in relieving in the process these many pinch points in our urban communities, but also regional road upgrades and road safety in the regions. Key areas of funding. The fact that we can bring these projects forward not only ensures this vital infrastructure is delivered, but also creates, as the Prime Minister said, thousands and thousands of jobs. And as you know, whether it's the Governor of the Reserve Bank or whether it's leading economists around the nation, everybody is urging us to look at bringing forward smaller and medium-sized projects, in particular, in very localised ways. It can really give that jobs boost. And so not only will our communities have that much needed relief, whether it's reducing travel times or increasing safety, but also we know that jobs boost is so vital given the precarious position that we're in, especially in New South Wales, where in April alone we lost more than 220,000 jobs and we know come the end of September, we need to be prepared and make sure many of our people who haven't previously been able to find work in the intervening period do have those options. And certainly infrastructure is one of those key areas. So I thank the Prime Minister. I want to thank Minister Constance from a New South Wales level for overseeing the process. And certainly the $569 million we're contributing towards this package is money well spent and it's part of our $3 billion acceleration programme in New South Wales. We're investing more than $100 billion in infrastructure over the next four years, bringing forward $3 billion worth. And certainly this additional funding from the Federal Government means we can move even more quickly, we can bring things forward and we can provide relief in more areas across the state.

THE HON. ANDREW CONSTANCE MP, NSW MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT: Well, look, I mean, it's a great day, and particularly this is the best way to create jobs quick. Small projects are the ones which you can get jobs on the ground straight away. Pleasingly with today's announcement, a lot of money is going into the regions, where obviously we've been through drought, fires and now COVID recession. And importantly, with 258 projects in the bush, 11 major projects here in the city, this is a great way to get jobs on the ground, get those boots working quickly so that families can get through this recession as quickly as possible. Thanks.

PRIME MINISTER: So today's all about our JobMaker plan. Our JobMaker plan has infrastructure at the heart of it, along with everything from workplace relations, industrial nations, skills training, all of these issues to drive our economy forward. Happy to take questions. 

JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, you’ve spoken about the need for tax reform out the back of this crisis. Will you consider taking to the next election either an increase in the GST or a broadening of the base of the GST in order to get rid of and decrease other taxes or is that something you would rule out?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, what I'm focused on at the moment is the decisions the Government has to make in relation to JobSeeker and JobKeeper and they’re important decisions as we move to the next phase post September. And I've got to say, Andrew, that's where my attention is right now. 

JOURNALIST: So it’s something you might consider down the track?

PRIME MINISTER: No, Andrew, I'm not going to let you put words in my mouth. I've said what I've said. You know, we're focused on the questions that Australians are most interested in at the moment. And that is, frankly, the next phase beyond JobSeeker and JobKeeper. There is still a lot of work to do there and that's what we're focused on now. 

JOURNALIST: Were you concerned…

PRIME MINISTER: No, it's not a one on one today, Andrew, there's many other journalists here. I'm happy to give you another one later.

JOURNALIST: Do you see JobSeeker aiding those people who are going to lose JobKeeper when that ends?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, again, we're focused on the next phase post the end of September. There are many businesses, thankfully, which are now seeing an improvement in their turnovers from the big fall off they had from the introduction of all the restrictions and it's good to see a lot more activity. It's good to see some businesses doing better. But there are other businesses that will be at a much reduced level of turnover and I've spoken about those businesses in the past week or so in particular. The aviation sector, the tourism sector, particularly in rural and regional areas which have been most affected by the international travel bans, the entertainment sector, the conferences and events sector. There are a lot of businesses that will still be impacted by these restrictions and that's, obviously, what the Government has to take into account. But you're right to highlight that, you know, there are many moving parts in this. This is not a simple issue. There is the JobSeeker programme, there's the JobKeeper programme, there's the apprenticeships programme, there's the business cashflow support. As a Government, we're putting support through into the loans and guarantees and support that's supporting and aiding and working alongside the work of the Reserve Bank. I mean, our fiscal support of the economy is unprecedented. When you're burning through cash at a rate of almost $11 billion a month on JobKeeper, then obviously that's not something you can continue in that form forever and that's why the Government is being very careful in the considerations we're having. We're not rushing to any decisions. We are working carefully through all the various elements.

JOURNALIST: Do you have increased concerns about China’s influence in Kiribati over the past week with the reelection of a pro-Beijing Prime Minister and do you agree with a former intelligence chief for the US Navy, specifically he says that failing to aggressively counter China’s actions in the Pacific will lead to… it’s just a matter of time before PLA warships are in the Pacific region.

PRIME MINISTER: Well, the Pacific are our family. We have the Pacific Step Up, which our Government has been implementing now for many years, and that is going through new phases now. I mean, I speak regularly to Pacific leaders and Alex Hawke is the Minister for the Pacific, he’s with me here today, and he is in constant contact with our Pacific family. We have our Vuvale Partnership with Fiji. We have, are in the position right now, where we're finalising further loan arrangements for Papua New Guinea. We're doing this because they're part of our region. They're part of our family, and we're trusted by our family in the Pacific to be stepping up with them. We're stepping up with them at the moment in relation to their response to COVID-19. Fortunately, so far, we have not seen major breakouts within the Pacific nations. We were very concerned that that would take hold in Pacific nations, particularly in Papua New Guinea. Now, so far, that has not occurred. And we've been redirecting a lot of our aid to focus on COVID programmes throughout the Pacific. But not just there, also in Southeast Asia and places like Indonesia as well and I speak to those leaders often. So our focus on the Pacific is there because it's part of our family. It's part of our region. And I don't think there's any doubt about our support and commitment to that sector and the United States and other countries who have an interest in the region fully appreciate and understand that and we work with them all. 

JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, when will the Brereton Report [inaudible]?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, that's a matter that's going to the Chief of Defence and I have no intention of involving myself in what is an independent process. There are very serious allegations that are part of that process and it will run its course and once that report is in the hands of Defence, then that is the next stage at which these matters will be considered. But I think it would be very unwise for me to make any commentary on those independent matters under review.

JOURNALIST: China state media says Australia is engaging in an intensified espionage offensive against China. Is there any truth in this?

PRIME MINISTER: I wouldn't be relying on Chinese state media for your sources for questions. 

JOURNALIST: If you were to extend JobKeeper, Prime Minister, would you be able to do it, could you do it, sector by sector? Or would it be based on the turnover, a big increase in the turnover?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, Andrew, you're getting ahead of the positions that the Government has taken and when the Government has fully considered all these issues, then we’ll be making announcements. Today, we're not making those announcements. So it is not appropriate for me to sort of go into speculative questions that you're putting to me today. 

JOURNALIST: Are you concerned Annastacia Palaszczuk might not reopen the borders? She won’t even let the Richmond footy club up there this morning. How on earth could she then open the border by July 10? It doesn’t look like it’s going to happen.

PRIME MINISTER: Well, she made her statement about July 10 previously and the people who would be the biggest losers from that border not opening up are the people of Queensland. The people of Queensland need their economy to refire and to resurge. There are Queenslanders who aren't in jobs which need their borders open. And I've been very consistent in advocating to all the premiers and chief ministers, regardless of what side of politics they come from, that it's important to get these borders open. I welcome the decision by the Tasmanian Premier, Peter Gutwein. I welcome the decision by the South Australian Premier, Steven Marshall. And while we have a serious outbreak in Victoria, I'll be speaking to the Premier again later today, we will put every resource that we need to deal with that outbreak in Victoria. Victoria has our full support, as I know it has the Premier's full support here in New South Wales. The thing about the National Cabinet is it's a place to work together and support each other. And were it not for the great support that each of the states are getting from each other, I think we would be finding this a much harder task than it is. 

JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, there are 75 new cases again in Victoria. How concerning is that though? What do you mean when you say that every resource is being given to them? What else could be given to them to help?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, it is of a serious concern and the increasing number of cases that we're seeing Victoria, while of grave concern, is not surprising given the nature of the outbreak we're seeing there at the moment. I intend to get further information on that later today and speak to the Premier about whatever additional resources the Premier may need. Then I'm sure we'll be able to fulfil those requests. At this point, no additional support has been asked for from the Victorian Premier. We are already providing significant support, as the other states are, whether in testing or additional resources to assist with tracing of contacts. The ADF is very involved in Victoria. 

This is a serious outbreak, but it's one every effort and coordination and planning and resources being put towards. I mean, we have seven states and territories at the moment in Australia where there is either no or virtually no community transmission, including here in New South Wales, which is a great credit to the New South Wales government. And what that means is resources that are available in other states can also be deployed to assist with the outbreak in Victoria. And we discussed that, as Gladys knows last Friday, about how we can marshal those resources across states and territories and get them to where they're needed in Victoria right now. So Premier Andrews has the full support of myself and every premier and chief minister in the country to deal with this outbreak. It is a difficult situation and we're not on top of it yet. But every effort is being put in place to make sure we are. We've got time for one more. I don’t think we’ve had a question over here.

JOURNALIST: Hi. With what’s happened with Shaoquett Moselmane, are you concerned or are there concerns about the infiltration of any other political offices?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, the raid on the home of the New South Wales Labor Upper House MP is a very serious issue for ASIO and the AFP. We introduced our foreign interference laws because we didn't want Australia's political system or any other part of the country to be interfered with. And we just didn't put in the laws, we backed it up with the resources and the taskforces to investigate and where they're able to form a case to prosecute. And so I think it is very, very concerning that there has been this investigation launched by that taskforce into what someone who has been a very, very long standing and relatively senior person within the New South Wales ALP. That is troubling. I'm sure it's very troubling to the Premier as well, who's been kept up to date of these issues. But this is an issue that the Federal Government will not shy away from. It's very important to our integrity as a country and our security as a nation. We take it very seriously.

JOURNALIST: Given that, Prime Minister, should political candidates be subject to security vetting by the agencies before they are allowed to go into Parliament?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, we have a very robust system of investigating these matters, as has just been demonstrated. And this is a threat that our Government has been increasingly aware of and has been ramping up for many, many years and so it's I think that is the appropriate way to deal with it. There are many laws in this country and it's important that people who are putting themselves forward for public office don't find themselves foul of those laws or act contrary to those laws.

JOURNALIST: [Inaudible] the Federal Court’s decision to overturn, to award compensation over the Gillard government’s ban on live exports?

PRIME MINISTER: We're still considering that matter. But what's important is to note that those live cattle exporters were dealt with egregiously by the Gillard government and they deserve the support of ensuring that their injury and their hurt and their loss is addressed and I have every intention of making sure that is done. 

JOURNALIST: What’s caused your concern about misinformation on social media and are you worried it could interfere with the Eden-Monaro byelection or future elections?

PRIME MINISTER: The disinformation, sorry?

JOURNALIST: Ah, your concerns that you’ve raised today about disinformation on social media? Or fake news on social media?

PRIME MINISTER: I'm not sure what you're referring to. 

JOURNALIST: Is it time for suburban shutdowns, for suburbs to be shut down in Melbourne?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, the premier in Victoria has flagged that that is an option and that they are matters that I'll discuss with the Premier. It's ultimately up to the Premier of Victoria what further steps are taken along those lines. But I can assure all Australians that the Premier and I are very adamant that we do what is necessary to contain this outbreak. Now, Victoria will lead that approach and they will be the final arbiter of what steps they take. But we can leave no stone unturned and no resource left unapplied to this task. And we, I certainly will be considering all options and supporting the Premier in any such strong options that are necessary. Thanks very much, everyone. I've got to go to Canberra. Okay, cheers.

https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-42872

Interview with Ray Hadley, 2GB

29 June 2020

RAY HADLEY: Prime Minister, g’day.

PRIME MINISTER: G’day, Ray.

HADLEY: Let's go back to Friday before we get to the good news about announcements today. What was the general feeling about National Cabinet in relation to Queensland opening the border sometime in the next fortnight?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, as I understand, Annastacia Palaszczuk is going to make an announcement soon, I would hope, to confirm that 10th of July date. She didn't offer any more on that on Friday. But I was pleased to see that both South Australia and Tasmania confirmed their openings. There's no reason we can't go ahead with these openings. They should go ahead. It's costing jobs in those states and so I'm pleased for those states that have pressed ahead. And I would hope that Annastacia Palaszczuk would do the same thing in Queensland. The prevailing mood, though, was one of strong support to do whatever we needed to do to help Victoria through this most recent outbreak. There's genuine concern there, but there's everything is being thrown at it and from both federal resources and other states, including Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania as well, pitching in and WA was happy to help as well. So everyone's focused on dealing with the coronavirus rather than anything else.

HADLEY: Look, I know we haven't played the blame game, but you everyone's concerned. I've gone through the figures day by day out of Victoria and we had another 49 yesterday. We had 41 on Saturday and in total we've had 323 since the 15th of June. Because you have constant contact with the medical people including, you know, these really good people you work with in Canberra, Dr Murphy and the like. Is there any suggestion, can we explain why it's happened? You know, without apportioning blame, has someone taking their foot off the pedal down there? What happened?

PRIME MINISTER: Look, we always said there's the risk of outbreaks and you've got one outbreak that has come out of a hotel quarantine where there's been a breach there and those issues have been identified and addressed. There was another one in a community area, which was a bit of a spill-over from what had happened with the meatpacking company and some non-observance of social distancing and particularly parts of a number of suburbs. So it meant that that's the stuff that can happen and that's the great risk of COVID-19 and we can't be complacent about it. And, you know, in seven states and territories, we don't have any community transmission at all. But the major risk has come from people returning and that's why the quarantine has been so important and you've got to keep that as tight as you can. It's not invulnerable, but I think particularly here in New South Wales, they've done an amazing job with the volume of cases they've had and had to deal with in quarantine. But down in Victoria, we've been surging the support on the tracers. They're obviously doing comprehensive testing. The ADF is supporting them in that, as are the other states. We've just got to work hard to get on top of it. So, you know, my job is not to criticise and I know you're not inviting me to, but just to provide every support we can to get on top of it. Yes, it is a genuine concern. But my advice is it's something we'll be able to get on top of if we just keep applying the focus and doing what's necessary.

HADLEY: I've got to say, Prime Minister, I was a bit surprised when I heard the Deputy Chief Medical Officer in Victoria say oh, you know, we've got 30 percent of people not being tested when they are leaving hotels or coming into hotels and that's okay by us. I was a bit astounded by that and surely to goodness the words of Dr Murphy are now resonating in her ears and that'll be done in the future. They will be careful, they'll stay there.

PRIME MINISTER: Yeah. You’ve got two choices. You can stay longer or you can have a test. And that test, the throat and the nasal one, is a bit unpleasant for a few minutes. But then they were also trialling another saliva test down there. It's not to replace, it's not at the same level of accuracy as the other tests, but particularly when you've got young children or you've got people with disabilities or things or particularly the elderly, it does provide another helpful option. But I should stress and the medical advice is it's not the same as the other one, but it's, you know, it's done by the Dougherty Institute. So it's pretty, it's a pretty good test.

HADLEY: Okay. We'll get quickly to the announcement today, which has already been preannounced, in partnership with the New South Wales government. $1 billion for major road infrastructure. And these are job ready, they're ready to go. In other words, it is not a planning process, it’s bang crash, let's get it done. Is that right?

PRIME MINISTER: Yeah, that's right. It's part of a programme we're doing right around the country. It’s $1.5 billion in bring-forwards and new projects. Here in New South Wales we're putting in $451 million, to be precise, and the state government has $569 million. It's congestion busting projects, its road safety projects. There's support for some 5,500 direct and indirect jobs. And just to give you, there's 11 congestion hotspots around Sydney that we're particularly focusing on. There’s a couple at Macquarie Park, there's another one out at the Showground and Carrington Road intersection upgrades. There’s the Pacific Highway and Finley Road. I could go on. I'm not going to bore your listeners, but it's quite granular. Up at Bondi Junction, another one out at Canterbury Road, King Georges Road. So these are hotspots that we're dealing with, some $240 million for that. There's also - that's combined with the state government - there's over $380 million on local council upgrade roads. They always have projects they need to get on with. They’re being identified now by those councils and importantly, there's a lot of road safety projects. It's a good opportunity to get some support into those rumble strips, regional areas, and there's about almost a thousand jobs there. The Deputy Prime Minister is out focusing on those today. So infrastructure is going to be a very important part of how we continue to support jobs as we come out of the COVID recession and this is just another practical thing. We've already brought forward almost $10 billion dollars in the last eight months on projects, and that's just from the Commonwealth's investment. So it's a big part of our plan.

HADLEY: JobSeeker, JobKeeper. People, they get confused about JobKeeper and it was only meant to be there to September and the Government said, okay, we're doubling the payment in relation to JobSeeker. It goes to $1,100 a fortnight, not $550 or thereabouts, depending on other benefits you get with rent. And there are people jumping up and down today saying, well, you can't do this, you've got to leave it there. If we leave JobSeeker where it is at the moment, we'll all go broke, won't we?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, just on JobKeeper, so not taking into account the old Newstart payment. I mean, that's got a cash burn of over $10 billion a month.

HADLEY: $10 billion a month?

PRIME MINISTER: A month. So, you know, the budget figures at the end of May we handed out on Friday, and it has a deficit already of up around $60 billion and we haven't finished the month yet, sorry, the year yet. So, obviously, we said at the time it was temporary. It can't be sustained forever at that level. But equally, we've got to look at what's happening post-September. There are a number of industries that will continue to be affected by restrictions, particularly in the aviation sector, in the tourism and hospitality sector, particularly those that were highly dependent on international travel. There's lots of parts of the events and entertainment industry, the conference business, things like that. So those companies are still going to be very down on what their normal turnover is. But for many other companies who are currently on JobKeeper, then thankfully their turnover would have been getting up above those previous downturn levels. So, you know, we've got to get this right, Ray. I know people want to know what's going to happen at the end of September. We gave ourselves six months, not three months with this programme, which means when we make the next decision about the next phase, and there will be a next phase of this, that we get it right. And, you know, rushed decisions are never smart in an environment when you're spending that amount of money and you want to make sure it's targeted to the people who get it who need it most.

HADLEY: So JobKeeper, the door is ajar. Go back to JobSeeker, formerly Newstart. What do we do there?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, on JobSeeker, we doubled the payment with the supplement because we knew unemployment was going to be rising steadily and it has and that's been devastating. And Australian's, your listeners, only know too well about that. And the prospect of someone getting another job in the short term was pretty remote and so we knew we had to boost the supplement for a period. What we have to be worried about now is that we can't allow the JobSeeker payment to become an impediment to people out and going doing work, getting extra shifts. And we are getting a lot of anecdotal feedback from small businesses even large businesses where some of them are finding it hard to get people to come and take the shifts because they're on these higher levels of payment.

HADLEY: Yeah, sure.

PRIME MINISTER: And so we've just got to make sure that we continue to provide what is a reasonable level of support in the middle of the worst recession we've had since the Great Depression. But at the same time, we can't let the help get in the way that we're giving to people. And so these aren't easy decisions. They're very complex. Our opponents are going around and stamping their feet and smashing their fists on the table, demanding to know. But they clearly don't appreciate just how complex and intricate this decision is. There are a lot of moving parts. And so the Treasurer and I and the Finance Minister, we're in constant meetings with constant advice, you know, working through all this. I mean, I’ll see the actual report for the first time today that the Treasury has done. So there's still a fair bit of work before we can get those decisions right.

HADLEY: Okay. Now I suspect we won't be discussing Shaoquett Moselmane and ASIO investigation, but on a broader picture of China's efforts to interfere in a whole range of areas. There's a story today, as you no doubt know, about the interference in Kiribati and other places. Should we be concerned as a nation about China's intrusion into the Pacific islands? It hasn't been just happening this year. It's been happening for quite some time, obviously.

PRIME MINISTER: Well, for some years now, we've had what we call the Pacific Step Up and we have redirected large amounts of the aid that Australia has been putting more broadly around the world, we've been channelling that in the Pacific, into Papua New Guinea, into Fiji and Solomon Islands in particular, which is our second largest recipient of aid in the Pacific. A lot of these island states and we've been giving them significant support on climate resilience projects, on road projects. We are now working through a very significant loan with Papua New Guinea. We work with other partners on this, like Japan and the United States, to give that support. And so we're no stranger. We are the biggest single provider of development assistance in the Pacific. No one comes close to us because it's our family and that's how we look at it and we want them to be independent and sovereign. And Alex Hawke as the Minister for Pacific and International Development works closely with all of those leaders and I talk to them quite regularly, too. And so we've been working hard on those relationships very, very hard.

HADLEY: Just on Eden-Monaro coming up on Saturday, the by-election, there's a story today and polls, as you well know from a previous federal election, don’t mean a lot sometimes. But it says Trevor Hicks from the National Party increased his vote by six per cent in a fortnight and now up to 11.5, which would give your candidate a very real chance of winning the seat based on preferences, obviously. So it could be a strange set of circumstances, given Newspoll today and other things that all of a sudden Eden-Monaro, which most people would think would be retained by Labor, could fall your way?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, I don't get too carried away by polls for all the reasons you said, Ray. The numbers I was most interested on the weekend was 40 to 22 over Manly. I was very happy about that.

HADLEY: I wondered how you would torment our listeners on the Northern Beaches of Sydney.

PRIME MINISTER: I’ve got a Sharkies tie today for the press conference. Just saying. But it was a great game for our boys. But look, the polling numbers, they are what they are, Ray, and people look at them all with a pinch of salt. The Eden-Monaro by-election campaign has been going away for some time. I joined that. But to be honest, I think people understand, particularly those in Eden-Monaro, that the broader national crisis that we're dealing with, both on the economy and health, has meant that I probably haven't been, had the opportunity, to be there as much as you normally would in a situation like that. But I think people understand that. They know they need me to be at the national helm and that's in the best interests of everybody in Eden-Monaro. But we've been doing a lot of work down there, particularly to support the forestry industries, the orchardist industries, a lot of road projects getting funded as part of this work that we're announcing today even. Local government projects which will be supported throughout that community and the bushfire rebuild continues and significant investments have been made. And, you know, we thought we'd spend half a billion between January and the end of June when I announced the National Bushfire Recovery Agency. Right now, we're on track to spend double that and that's been because of the scale and speed of our response. And there's been a few things we've had to fix up along the way. I mean, the small business payments weren’t getting where they needed to. So Andrew Constance and I sat down and we worked it out and, you know, there's over 4,000 businesses in Eden-Monaro now that have received those $10,000 payments and many more across the country. So they'll make their decision and they're rebuilding down there and they are looking forward too. And, you know, we would obviously argue that the economy and the recovery effort is best in the hands of the government and particularly if I can have a local member who was a Liberal member, then we're going to get even more done.

HADLEY: Well, perhaps they can take the lead from the NRL, the Liberal Party Eden-Monaro, and get a cardboard cut-out of the Prime Minister and prop it up somewhere prominent for the rest of the week. If you can't get there, they’ll just have a cardboard cutout like they do with rugby league. On a serious one and finally, you've threatened the charity status and funding of organisations who are still refusing to sign the Child Sexual Abuse Redress Scheme by the deadline tomorrow. Look, I've read and I won’t identify those organisations one by one because, you know, they know who they are. I just think after the most important Royal Commission we've had, I think, in relation to the protection of children, that these organisations are resisting what they should do, which fair… and they purport to be Christian organisations. They should do the right thing, Prime Minister.

PRIME MINISTER: That's what... they should do it because it's the right thing. And I've been very clear in the letter I've written to them with the Social Services Minister that, be aware, that failure to sign up to this programme means I will ensure that there will be no further public funding that they'll be eligible for going forward. I'm certainly prepared to do that and even prepared to consider their charitable status, which I'm sure your listeners would not just appreciate me doing, but expect me to do.

HADLEY: Exactly, exactly.

PRIME MINISTER: And so Anne Ruston and I are not kidding. We expect people to sign up. And if you don't want to sign up, then I won't be signing any cheques.

HADLEY: All right. Always good to talk to you. Have a good week and we'll talk soon. Thanks very much.

PRIME MINISTER: Up, up, Cronulla. Cheers.

https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-42871

$1 Billion to Unlock Thousands of Infrastructure Jobs in NSW

29 June 2020

Prime Minister, Premier of New South Wales, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure, NSW Minister for Transport, NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads

The Federal and State Liberal and Nationals Governments will support nearly 5,500 jobs across New South Wales through a joint $1 billion investment in shovel-ready infrastructure projects and road safety upgrades.

The funding will be allocated to three key priorities:

• $240 million to fix 11 congestion hotspots around Sydney, supporting 1,000 direct and indirect jobs;

• $382 million to help local councils upgrade roads across regional NSW, supporting 3,500 direct and indirect jobs; and

• $398 million for road safety projects in regional areas, supporting 950 direct and indirect jobs.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said further investment in infrastructure would play a critical role in the Commonwealth’s JobMaker plan and help the New South Wales economy as it recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Partnering with state and territory governments to invest in more major infrastructure projects across Australia is a key part of our JobMaker plan to rebuild our economy and create more jobs,” the Prime Minister said.

“This funding injection means we have brought forward or provided additional funding of more than $2.7 billion across New South Wales in the past eight months.

“This package builds on the fast tracking of $570 million for infrastructure in New South Wales which we announced last November, locking in priority upgrades that will bust congestion, increase productivity, improve safety, and boost jobs at a time we need it most.” 

The jointly funded package is supported by investments from the Commonwealth ($451 million) and New South Wales Government ($569 million).

Premier of New South Wales Gladys Berejiklian said the stimulus package would drive thousands of jobs and improve the safety and travel times of journeys in both the city and the regions.

“This stimulus package builds on NSW’s record infrastructure investment of $100 billion over 4 years, including an extra $3 billion to accelerate projects and create jobs,” the Premier said.

“Projects equal jobs and fast-tracking these infrastructure projects are more important than ever as the economy recovers from the pandemic.

“Building infrastructure will be key to our economic recovery which is why we have already accelerated a number of infrastructure projects, creating thousands of jobs.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Government had worked closely with State, Territory and Local governments to identify shovel-ready projects to help reignite the economy and get money flowing into jobs and businesses as soon as possible.

“This funding will help turbocharge the NSW Government’s Fixing Local Roads program, jointly funding $382 million of projects on a 50:50 basis on the local roads that communities use every day,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“The Fixing Local Roads package will help to repair, maintain or seal priority council roads and see projects start construction in the next 12 months, creating thousands of jobs in the bush.”

NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the first round of jointly funded projects would deliver more than 258 projects across 83 Local Government Areas.

“This is money for small projects that make a big difference in people’s everyday lives in regional NSW,” Mr Toole said.

“It means communities right across the State will see work starting on the local roads in their area as soon as next month.”

Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said the funding injection would also deliver shovel-ready, urban projects.

“We’re investing $240 million to jointly fund on a 50:50 basis a Pinch Point Program that will bust congestion for freight and bus services across Sydney’s metropolitan road network,” Mr Tudge said.

“These small-scale road improvements will make all the difference for mums and dads doing the school drop off, and people on their way home from work.

NSW Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said the program was saving Sydney drivers from millions of hours spent in traffic each year.

“Since coming into government we have completed 217 projects with huge benefits across the Sydney network. These include improving safety while busting congestion,” Mr Constance said.

“We’ve already spent $579 million on the Pinch Points program, but we have seen $1.37 billion in realised benefits. It’s these smaller scale, local projects that really help to deliver those massive time savings for drivers and make our road network more efficient.

The jointly funded package is supported by investments from the Commonwealth ($451 million) and New South Wales Government ($569 million).

Commonwealth funding for the package has been drawn from the recently announced $1.5 billion allocation for priority, shovel-ready projects and targeted road safety works.

The additional NSW funding is sourced from the $3 billion Project Acceleration Fund.

The Commonwealth Government has now committed more than $35.4 billion to transport infrastructure in New South Wales.

https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-42870

National Cabinet Statement

26 June 2020

The National Cabinet met today to further discuss Australia’s current COVID-19 response, easing restrictions in the coming months, helping Australians prepare to go back to work in a COVID-safe environment and getting the economy moving again.

The Chief Medical Officer, Professor Brendan Murphy, provided an update on the measures underway, the latest data and medical advice in relation to COVID-19.

Treasury Secretary, Dr Steven Kennedy, provided an update on the labour market and current economic conditions.

There have been over 7,500 confirmed cases in Australia and sadly 104 people have died. There are now around 500 active cases in Australia, and over the past week, daily infection rates have remained low. Testing remains high, with more than 2.2 million tests undertaken in Australia.

National Cabinet discussed the localised outbreaks in Victoria and the health response underway and committed to providing as much support as is necessary. Localised response plans are part of the Three-Step Framework for easing restrictions agreed by all jurisdictions. Victoria is responding well, including with testing and tracing, and the Commonwealth and other jurisdictions stand ready to assist where needed.

National Cabinet recommitted to the strategy of suppression of COVID-19 and to the Three-Step Framework to a COVID-safe Australia.

We need to continue to have the right controls in place to test more people, trace those who test positive and respond to local outbreaks when they occur. These are Precedent Conditions to enable Australia to relax baseline restrictions and enable Australians to live and work in a COVID-safe economy.

National Cabinet thanked Professor Murphy for his work on the COVID-19 response and wished him well in his new role as Secretary of the Commonwealth Department of Health.

National Cabinet will meet again on 10 July 2020.

Localised Health Response

National Cabinet discussed the outbreaks in Victoria and how best to ensure a coordinated, cross-jurisdictional response to localised health outbreaks going forward.

The National Cabinet agreed to a new plan for Australia’s Public Health Capacity and COVID-19. Under the plan developed by the AHPPC, six actions for state, territory and Commonwealth governments will improve long term sustainability of the public health workforce for the remainder of COVID‑19 and beyond by:

• strengthening a formal surge plan for the public health response workforce and review the ongoing structure of the public health units;

• progressing the national interoperable notifiable disease surveillance system (NINDSS) project and prioritise appropriate interfaces;

• establishing a national training program for surge workforce;

• better support the Communicable Disease Network of Australia (CDNA), including shared costs;

• prioritising enhancing the public health physician workforce capacity; and

• considering options for developing a formal public health workforce training program.

Hotel Quarantine

National Cabinet confirmed that the current hotel quarantine arrangements remain in place. In addition, National Cabinet agreed that further testing will be conducted for all those in hotel quarantine, including within the first 48 hours in quarantine and then on day 10-12 of quarantine.

Roadmap for arts and entertainment venues

National Cabinet asked AHPPC to develop a roadmap for re-opening arts and entertainment venues, in particular to enable planning for productions to commence.

This will build on the AHPPC Statement on the safe return of crowds to stadiums, arenas and large theatres. Under this plan the AHPPC advises that in Step 3, seated and ticketed events may take place with crowd limits for example, stadiums with a capacity of up to 40,000 people may operate at 25 per cent seating capacity and stadiums with a capacity of greater than 40,000 people may not have more than 10,000 people. In later steps, states and territories may allow all large venues to admit larger crowds provided there is no evidence of community transmission, the event is seated and ticketed, physical distancing and other public health measures are maintained, and all public health risks are managed.

Small venues and physical distancing

National Cabinet agreed that under Step 3 of the Framework for a COVID-safe Australia and based on AHPPC advice, states and territories can allow small premises to apply a one-person, per two square-metre rule with a COVID-safe plan in place.

Federation Reform

National Cabinet today agreed that former Director-General of the Western Australian Department of Premier and Cabinet and former Commonwealth Cabinet Secretary Mr Peter Conran AM will lead the review of the former COAG Councils and Ministerial Forums with a view to rationalise and reset their work. National Cabinet also agreed to Terms of Reference for the Review which set out avenues for consultation with Commonwealth and state and territory ministers and officials.

National Cabinet agreed that Review will make recommendations on a streamlined structure, scope and reporting arrangements and on focused regulatory and policy work programs. The review will provide recommendations to National Cabinet by September 2020.

Additional Papers

National Cabinet endorsed a number of papers to enable reopening under a 3 Step Framework for a COVID Safe Australia:

• AHPPC Statement on the review of physical distancing and person density restrictions including for smaller venues;

• AHPPC Statement on Hotel Quarantine;

• AHPPC Statement on risk management for boarding schools and school‑based residential colleges;

• AHPPC Statement to update residential aged care facilities about minimising the impact of COVID-19;

• AHPPC Statement on preliminary media reports of the results of a randomised trial of the use of dexamethasone;

• AHPPC Statement on recent outbreaks of COVID-19 in Victoria;

• AHPPC Statement on the safe return of crowds to stadiums, arenas and large theatres; and

• Australian aviation industry’s protocol.

https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-43991

Trans-Tasman hosts for 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup

26 June 2020

Prime Minister, Prime Minister of New Zealand

The awarding of joint hosting rights for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 is a landmark decision for women’s sport in our region Prime Ministers Scott Morrison and Jacinda Ardern said.

For the first time in history, Australians and New Zealanders will be able to experience a tier one football tournament on home soil.

The 2023 event will be the largest, and no doubt the best, Women’s World Cup that has ever been staged.

This is a huge positive for the footballing and sporting industries on both sides of the Tasman as we recover and rebuild from COVID-19.

As sporting nations we have had a long history of producing some of the best female footballers in the world and this tournament will further inspire our next generation and provide the platform for them to compete on the world stage.

It will also help drive Australia’s goal of achieving a 50/50 split of male and female participation in the game by 2027, and builds on New Zealand’s 35 percent increase in female participation over the past five years.

The event, which will be held between 10 July and 20 August 2023, will provide a near $500 million boost to economic activity for host countries, a significant jobs boost for host cities, and an opportunity for tourist regions in both countries to capitalise on new visitations.

Australia and New Zealand are world leaders when it comes to co-hosting major events with a track record that includes the 2017 Rugby League World Cup and the 2015 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.

We also lead the world in equality and fairness, and we are committed to promoting these values through the tournament and beyond.

Thank you to Football Federation Australia, New Zealand Football, the Matildas and Football Ferns, as well as the broader football family who have supported our bid from the outset.

https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-43990

Interview with Karl Stefanovic, ACA

26 June 2020

KARL STEFANOVIC: The PM joins me now. Prime Minister, good evening.

PRIME MINISTER: G’day Karl.

STEFANOVIC: Daniel Andrews has called it a public health bushfire. I mean, what on earth is going on in Victoria?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, there’s an outbreak in Victoria, and we've always said that as we continue to move forward and as the economy opens up again, that there'll be outbreaks, there'll be cases, and what matters is how we respond to them. I mean, they're inevitable. And the response in cases like we're seeing in Victoria requires a lot of effort. And as you know, and I'm sure your viewers know, the defence forces have been activated to support as, and Victoria's getting support from New South Wales as well as from South Australia. So everybody's coming together to support them. And it's important we get on top of these outbreaks. And that's that's the work that's being done.

STEFANOVIC: Where did it go wrong for the quarantine hotels exactly?

PRIME MINISTER: Well they’re questions you'd have to put to the Premier, because the Commonwealth isn't directly involved in any of those arrangements, but where I would expect that they would have looked thoroughly over where breaches would have occurred and that they would have taken the actions with the contractors who are involved to ensure that those breaches were not repeated. And that would, I think, would be a lesson that all the quarantine arrangements that are in place around the country need to learn from. And it just means you need constant vigilance. I mean, this is a wake up call, but it's not something that is unexpected. I mean, we can't expect there to be no cases. That's not success, because what success is, is that we live alongside the virus. We deal with the challenges that come along. We keep opening up the economy. We keep getting people back into jobs. I mean, other countries are facing the same thing. I spoke to the German chancellor this evening, Angela Merkel. They're dealing with some similar issues as has occurred in Singapore and South Korea and Japan. This is what we can expect. What we have to do is respond and get on with it.

STEFANOVIC: The point is the army, the army is going into these hotels, you want them to be safe, obviously?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, there's been a change to the request by the Victorian government that those issues are now being dealt with by Victorian police and others.

STEFANOVIC: Okay.

PRIME MINISTER: What the defence forces are doing is supporting with all the testing and a lot of logistics and those types of arrangements, which I mean, we've had the ADF involved in the COVID-19 response now for many, many months, and they've been in many states.

STEFANOVIC: The New South Wales Premier says, don't travel to Victoria. And as the day goes by, I mean Victorians, they don't seem to be able to travel anywhere. Would you take the wife and kids there during school holidays?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, I'd go to Victoria, but I wouldn't go to the hotspots. That's the point. There's a localised outbreak and they're containing that and that's what's important. But if you're living in Wangaratta, well, you know, you're as exposed as you are if you live in Wagga. And so I think we have to keep this in perspective. There's an outbreak in Victoria. It's what I'd describe internationally at a very modest level, but it requires a very swift and very comprehensive response. The Victorian government is leading that and they are getting strong support from other states and they're also getting strong support from the federal government.

STEFANOVIC: They're understandably anxious tonight. And then I can say that, I mean, the rest of the country is starting to look at them like they've got the plague?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, I think that would be unfair. And that's why I think we've got to get a bit of perspective on this. The cases that are there are real and obviously it is concerning to see some community transmission taking place. But if you look around the rest of the country, I mean, Australia, even with this, what in international terms, you’d call a mild outbreak. Australia is just in a completely a league of our own with a handful of countries in our response. And I think that can give Australians who may be anxious about what they're seeing a great deal of confidence. Yes, it's important that we respond properly and that is happening. And we can expect outbreaks from time to time. That of itself shouldn’t be a concern. But the level of the response is what is necessary and that's what's being done.

STEFANOVIC: Okay, let's talk Qantas, 6,000 staff and many live in your own electorate. As the leader, how do you ease their pain?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, you continue to provide as much support as you can and that's what our government has been doing right from the outset. I mean, these jobs have been lost because of the coronavirus. This is the COVID-19 recession. And for a business like Qantas's, which is about flying planes around the world, when you can't fly planes around the world, well that has an obvious impact. And look, I know many people who work for Qantas. I've had a long association with the company even before I went into parliament. And I know how just absolutely devastating it would be. I mean, Qantas is a family. There's such a level of pride in people working for Qantas and putting that uniform on regardless of what role you play. I mean, I was at Qantas just as the COVID-19 was actually escalating, and I went down there to thank the Qantas staff for the amazing work they did getting Australians out of Wuhan. And that's just their nature. They always turn up. So I'm gutted by this. I know they will be gutted in my own community in the shire in southern Sydney, they'll be gutted, because everyone will know someone who will ultimately be affected by this. But at the same time, they will, I'm sure, know that with what's been going on that this wouldn't be completely unexpected, but it won't make it any easier. So the support we've got in place for JobSeeker, which is double the normal rate, and the employment programmes and the training that will be there to get them back into other jobs. And I know Qantas will do the right thing by them too.

STEFANOVIC: Did Alan Joyce ask you to extend JobKeeper?

PRIME MINISTER: We talked about that last night. And what he said today is right. We know that there are businesses like Qantas and I was with others today in the entertainment sector who will be affected for much longer than many other businesses. And we know there'll be the need for further targeted support for employers and employees in those areas. And that's what the Treasurer and I and the Government is working on, the current support runs to September. So we've given ourselves the time to make sure we can get that right for the next phase.

STEFANOVIC: Okay. Obviously, there's a lot going on in the aviation industry at the moment. I know that the unions are also seeking some sort of aviation bailout. You haven't decided on that just yet. But can I ask you this just finally and be brutally honest with us right now. Whether you live in Broadmeadows, Brisbane or Bankstown, what are we facing in the coming weeks and months? Because I think it's fair to say people are very uneasy?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, these are very hard times, and those hard times are showing themselves with people losing their work. They're showing themselves with people losing businesses. They're showing themselves with people unable to connect in the way that they have in times past with big family gatherings and those sorts of things. So these are really hard times. But the thing about where we are is Australia. There is hope. And today, the IMF, the International Monetary Fund, handed down again their outlook for the global economy, and they handed out an improved outlook for Australia. From what they said in April to May, now in absolute terms, this is the hardest time we've seen since the Depression. But Australia is doing better than almost every other country in the world, both on the economy and on the health front, because we're working together to get through this. I've been so proud Karl, of how Australians despite the setbacks, have hung together. That's why I know my own community with what’s been happening with Qantas. They're going to get support from each other. And I think Australians are going to continue to do that mate.

STEFANOVIC: Okay and keep leading us. Thank you very much for your time today, really appreciate it.

PRIME MINISTER: Thanks a lot Karl.

https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-42868

Interview with Ben Fordham, 2GB

26 June 2020

Ben Fordham: PM, good morning. 

Prime Minister: Good morning, Ben. 

Fordham: Thank you very much for talking to us. I know it's a difficult day for all of those Qantas workers. Look, they want to know in the short term, are you going to extend JobKeeper?

Prime Minister: Well, JobKeeper, as you know, is there until the end of September and as I said yesterday, and I've been saying that for many weeks now, we understand that there are sectors of the economy - aviation is one, the entertainment industry is another - that will continue to be affected much longer than many other businesses that thankfully are starting to open up again. So it has always been our view that we're going to have to provide targeted support in those areas. Now, we've got the review of JobKeeper. It hasn't hit my desk as yet, but we've been working hard on those issues together with all the budget Ministers, and we'll be able to make a decision soon. But what I've said to Alan Joyce and what I've said to everyone is we understand the need for further support.

Fordham: We have a lot of support stopping in September: JobKeeper,  JobSeeker, business loans, travel subsidies, mortgage relief, eviction bans, they're all gone at the same time. That's got to worry you.

Prime Minister: Well, we put in place a whole series of things three months ago and we put them in place for six months. Now, most countries didn't do that. They did it for three months, Ben, and we did it for six months to give us time to then plan out the next step and that's exactly what we're doing now. I think people shouldn't rush to conclusions about what the government is going to do post-September. We understand what's going on out there. We're very closely connected to that and we're going to keep ensuring we have policies to support people just like we did back in March, just like we moved effectively and significantly. We understand the need. But we've got to make the decisions and we've got to get them right and we've got to calibrate them correctly. We've got to get the design right. And that's why we gave ourselves that six months to ensure we could then plan the next step that goes beyond that. And, of course, there'll be a next step beyond that and we're in the process of designing that now.

Fordham: You know, the timing is crucial on these things because people are nervous and you'd understand that. So when can people expect an announcement?

Prime Minister: Well, the announcement will be made in the third week of July, which is when the economic statement is handed down and we've been saying that for weeks. So that's about three months in advance and that's how we planned it, Ben. We put it in for six months, we planned for a review within the first three months so then we could make further decisions about what happens beyond that point. And you're right, there are many other things which states and banks and others have coming in place and as far as they relate to the Federal Government, we're looking at all of those as well. We've been planning our way well through this, and we're doing better than any other country in the world. But the news for Qantas employees is devastating. As you know, I have many Qantas employees in my own electorate in southern Sydney, in the Shire and in the St. George area, and it'll be devastating for them in the months ahead. But for all of those who are remaining with Qantas, they will remain on JobKeeper and as I said, we're working on the plan for the step beyond that.

Fordham: PM, as you know, there's a lot of unrest out there about changes to vaping and 28 Coalition MPs have now signed a letter condemning the vaping restrictions. I just want to read this to you so you get an understanding of the emails I've got. Wayne says vaping saved me, I can now watch my children grow up. Chloe says my dad, partner and I all quit smoking thanks to vaping. Owen says vaping not only saved my mental health, it saved my life. Brian says if vaping gets banned, I know I'll start smoking again. Tara says, my kids need me. Vaping ensures I'll be there for them. Anne says I've saved $31,000 by vaping, I can't go back to smoking. Derek says if vaping is so dangerous, why don't we ban tobacco? There's a lot of unrest out there about these changes, PM.

Prime Minister: Well, individuals who get their vaporiser nicotine containing e-cigarettes or nicotine containing refills, they can get that via permission granted by the Department of Health to a doctor or a medical supplier, who would be able to import the goods using a courier service or by a cargo service. Vaping products that do not contain nicotine are not affected by these changes.

Fordham: You can go to the servo and buy a packet of bungers.

Prime Minister: Ben, there's a review underway at the moment. There's a regulation that the Health Minister has put in place. The Health Minister is handling this issue. He's talking to our colleagues about it. As you can appreciate, my focus is very much right now on the corona recession and on the health pandemic and serious outbreaks going on in Victoria. I must say, it's not an issue that is getting my direct attention at the moment. It's an issue that the Health Minister is focusing on. I know he's been on your station talking about this very issue, and I'm sure he'll be addressing that further, that issue further with colleagues and take into account the various feedback that's coming back.

Fordham: You'll have a look at that feedback, though, because I understand. I mean, we've got jobs as the focus and also what's going on with coronavirus. But this is a big deal to a lot of people and we shouldn't make it harder for people to be able to do this kind of thing. And when we lose thousands of Australians smoking cigarettes every year, it just doesn't make sense and it opens the government up to criticisms and suspicions that people are saying, oh, well, they don't make money out of taxes from vaping and therefore they want people smoking cigarettes.

Prime Minister: Well, nicotine vaping products are currently banned under state and territory regulations currently, Ben. But the nicotine replacement therapies like sprays, patches, lozenges, chews, they're all available and they don't require a prescription. We're very strong on our anti-smoking message, Ben. We don't think it's a good idea to do that. We know what the health consequences of all of that are, and we obviously support and encourage people not to smoke and we've got many policies and other supports in place to support them.

Fordham: But you’re happy to keep an open mind on this, right?

Prime Minister: Well, yeah. But I'm letting the Health Minister deal with it. As Prime Minister, we’ve got National Cabinet today... 

Fordham: Understood. 

Prime Minister: These are the issues that I need to focus on. 6,000 jobs going at Qantas. That's what's got my attention. 

Fordham: Okay. Why don't we just talk about water ownership? Why is there no publicly available register when it comes to water ownership? We know that 10 percent of Aussie water is foreign owned. We don't know the names and faces of the owners. Now, Josh Frydenberg told me this week that the government knows the names of these people and we don't. Should that change?

Prime Minister: Well, I'll discuss that with the Treasurer, Ben.

Fordham: But do you believe that we should know who owns our water?

Prime Minister: Well, Ben, we've got a range of things going on in the water space at the moment, and there's reviews going on with the ACCC and various things like that and we've got advice coming back to government. How we manage our water resources is absolutely critical, absolutely critical, and particularly when we've had such challenges with drought in recent years and with a bit more coming through the system at the moment, we want to make sure it gets to the places which can support farmers to grow the things that is going to support about 60 million people around the world. In fact, more than that.

Fordham: You were out there supporting business last week. I got a call from Andrew who spotted you at Bunnings in Artarmon wearing tracky dacks, buying cubby house supplies. True?

Prime Minister: It is true. I was helping Lily with her passion project for school. We're building a cubby house and I suspect there'll be a few more visits before we're done yet. But Daniel up at Artarmon Bunnings was very helpful and I thank him. But I am missing the Taren Point Bunnings where I would normally have gone when I was back in the Shire.

Fordham: Have you applied for HomeBuilder?

Prime Minister: Maybe CubbyBuilder.

Fordham: Thanks for your time. We'll talk soon.

Prime Minister: Thanks, Ben.

https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-42867

Doorstop - Rooty Hill, NSW

25 June 2020

RICHARD ERRINGTON, CEO WEST HQ: Firstly, on Behalf of West HQ and our Sydney Coliseum Theatre, I would like to welcome you here today which is a very special day for ourselves as a theatre here in Western Sydney. I’d also like to welcome Minister Fletcher. I’d like to welcome back our Prime Minister, Prime Minister Morrison. Guy Sebastian, I hope it’s his first of many performances here and Dan Rosen also from ARIA. We’re very grateful for having you here and I would like to hand over please to our Prime Minister.

PRIME MINISTER: Thank you. Well, it is great to be back here at West HQ and also to have Melissa McIntosh the Member Lindsay here with us as well. I was here in December with Jenny, catching one of my favourite acts, Tina Arena, who was one of the first concerts performed here and this is a magnificent venue and it’s a credit to everyone at West HQ for what they have been able to achieve here on the old Rooty Hill site - it’s still the Rooty Hill RSL - but the vision and the foresight that was led by their board and what they've been able to develop here I think is incredibly exciting. To have a venue of this standing, this capability, and I think Guy was giving them a good check out today and it really is a sign of an international standard. And to have the world's greatest acts, including our own, amongst those being our come here and perform I think is just tremendous for Western Sydney, Melissa, and we're very excited about its future. This venue was not built for six months. It was built for 50 years and it will see great acts return. It will see great crowds fill these seats behind us and that's principally why we're here today.

Before I go to that, I want to say a couple of things. Firstly, about the heartbreaking announcements today by Qantas. 6,000 employees who have been working with Qantas for a long time will no longer have a place at Qantas because of the impacts of the COVID-19 recession. Many of those will be in my own electorate in Cook in southern Sydney, as they will be in many parts of our city. And this will be a hard few months. These are hard days, Australia. They're very hard days. And our strength and our togetherness is tested on almost a daily basis and Australians continue to prove themselves strong. But we're going to really need to call on that strength in the months ahead and certainly to all of the Qantas family who will be hurting badly today, I extend my deepest, my deepest regrets about what has had to be announced today. The thing about Qantas employees is they're passionate about the company they work for and the business they're in. And they understand, ultimately, that when you can't put planes in the air, then the business can't make money and I know that they will understand that, but it won't make it any easier. And so I had a very good discussion last night with Alan Joyce, as he referred to today, and we'll certainly be continuing to do everything we currently are doing, whether it's in Qantas or indeed in Virgin and other parts of the aviation sector. But as I've said many times, there will be parts of our economy that will feel the effects of the COVID recession for much longer, and that is true here in the entertainment industry and the media and the arts sector as well. So I reach out to those Qantas employees, not just those who obviously will be no longer with the company. We'll be there to support them through the many other programmes and to assist them as they look for new opportunities in other parts of the economy as the Australian economy builds back.

And we had the news obviously today with the IMF pointing out once again that relatively speaking that Australia, even though we have these terrible job losses, is making its way better than almost any other developed economy in the world. And that's where the hope comes from, because the hope says that we're on our way back and as hard as these days are, there are better days ahead. And we're here to talk about better days ahead for the entertainment and the media and the arts sector. We've already acted and the sector has already significantly benefited from programmes like JobKeeper and for those who are unable or who weren't 90 per cent of employers in the sector, Paul worked in businesses that were eligible for JobKeeper arrangements, subject to the turnover and other tests that were there. That's been an enormous support to the sector until now and in the consultations we've had as recently as last week, which Dan and Guy joined us for that has been an important part of keeping people in this sector and we met some of them here today. The capability of our entertainment business is significant, as you can see on display here, not just the physical venues, but the people who make the show, whether it's on stage or off stage. It's incredibly important.

One of the things we've been focusing on in this sector is understanding the business of entertainment, the business of performing arts and whether it's Guy or others, they're great performers. They're incredible talents. We all know that. But they're great businesspeople and they take big risks. They run businesses that employ people and they feel the responsibility of that like any other business leader in Australia today. And this sector has had their businesses taken away from them overnight. Businesses like staging that we were just talking to before have had to adapt and that's the process they've been going through. But what we're announcing today is having done the initial support to help people through, to cushion that blow, to keep the sector together, to provide support to other parts of the sector that is providing relief. Now it's about the way back. Now it's about ensuring that we can get the show back on the road and the workers back into the jobs. The thing I love about this sector is the passion about this sector. When Mark Vincent was on the call the other day, he just said, “I just want to sing again, PM”. And I want him to sing again too, and so does my mum, by the way. And he's passionate about getting back on the stage, but he's also passionate, as Guy and Dan and all the other industry leaders we spoke to, they're passionate about getting the shows back on because they know what that's going to mean. 

So today we're announcing $250 million of additional support into the sector, which is all about getting the show back on the road and the workers back in the jobs, doing what they love doing and that has several components to it. There is a $35 million component which goes to support arts businesses and organisations which are at risk of going into insolvency. There is a further combined package of concessional loans which will be done through the banks, 100 per cent guaranteed by the Commonwealth Government, some $90 million and some $75 million in direct grants to support getting productions back up and running. This is about building back. This is not just about providing ongoing support. This is about getting the show back up and running. And there is technical issues that need to be dealt with, and this falls more into the screen side, but it's also been raised in performing outside, about getting key person insurance and things of that nature, which is essential to actually getting the productions running again. And so these are issues that have been raised by the sector. We've listened carefully to the issues that they’ve raised. They've written to us about these things. Paul, I want to commend you for the great work you've done in listening. There's been a lot of listening going on and the key thing that I think has been important for us to really get a full appreciation of is the serious business of entertainment and the hundreds of thousands of jobs that are here and we want to keep that capability together. Those jobs will come back into those businesses when the show starts again and we need to keep them, we need to keep the show together when it comes to the people who make that up. The highly technical skills that go into this, the commercial experience of putting productions together and drawing for every production are completely often different new team of different businesses and people who come together. And so keeping that team together is incredibly important and that's what this support is about today. We've been careful about it, we’ve thought long and hard about it, we've listened to people. I have personally consulted, as Paul has to many, as has Josh Frydenberg, and I think what we've come up today reflects, I think, a very strong response, strong response that I am, I hope, that we'll give all those in the sector, particularly those who put their houses on the line to put shows on, a great vote of confidence from our Government that we believe in what they're doing and we can't wait for them to sing and perform again and I'm looking forward to coming back here and checking out your show, Guy. 

I’ll hand over to Paul.

THE HON. PAUL FLETCHER MP, MINISTER FOR COMMUNICATIONS, CYBER SAFETY AND THE ARTS: Well, thank you very much, Prime Minister, it's great to be here with you at the Sydney Coliseum Theatre with Richard Errington, with Melissa McIntosh, with Guy Sebastian and Dan Rosen. Also, Adrian Collette, Chief Executive of the Australia Council. And we're here because we want to get the shows back on the road. The arts, entertainment and screen sector is about the roadies who carry the gear for the band. It's about the backstage crew. It's about the sound of light and guys, and it's been fascinating to hear about some of the skills that they use today. It's about the front of house people. It's about the ushers. It's about box office. It’s about security guards. It's about all the people who work in the sector and, of course, it's also about people working in hospitality. Because when you go and see a show, very often you go to a restaurant, you go to a bar to have a drink. It's about travel and tourism, because very often when you get to see a show, you might travel, book a night in a hotel. So it's not only about the jobs in the entertainment sector and the arts sector, but in the adjacent sectors as well. It's about the fact that Aussies love to go and see Australians performing and we know that over 80 per cent of Australians go to a cultural or an arts event every year and Australians want to see their much-loved performers out there on the road performing again. 

Now, what we know is that this sector has been hit very hard by the COVID-19 downturn and the social distancing. So we're seeing venues closed, performances cancelled, artists losing their gigs. We've been providing the support through to the sector and across the economy, as the Prime Minister has talked about. What this package is about today, this $250 million of support, is about the way forward. We've got to work out how we get the venues open and we're already seeing that. Museums and galleries starting to open, we've got protocols in place. We've got protocols for the TV and film sector, developed by the Film School with industry wide cooperation. And the Prime Minister will be taking to National Cabinet a proposal in relation to developing a path forward for live performance. What we also need to do is support the investment to get shows, get festivals, get events, get productions happening because it costs money to book a venue, to hire a cast and crew, to market the show, and you've got to do all of that before the revenue comes in. And what we know is the promoters, the producers, the arts companies have chewed through a lot of money just keeping going over this period with no revenue. That's why we're coming in with support. As the Prime Minister has said, $75 million in rise grants to restore investment to sustain and expand. That's about being there to provide capital to support promoters, producers, arts companies. Supported by $90 million of concessional loans, concessional and interest rate concessional, and how long it takes before you have to start repaying. $35 million to support these systemically important organisations in the arts sector and of course, $50 million, the Temporary Interruption Fund administered by Screen Australia to support film and television production and deal with this problem of insurance against COVID-19 having been halted which means you can't get the finance put together for film and TV productions. This is going to come in and support that. 

So, Prime Minister, can I thank you for your very strong support of the sector, your commitment to seeing the roadies get back to work, the ushers get back to work, the front of house people, the backstage crew and of course, the artists and performers. But the sector is so much bigger than that. This is about jobs. It's about a path out. It's about backing the sector, the Morrison Government backing Australia's arts sector, entertainment sector, film and TV sector. It’s about Australians being able to see the performance they love out there back on the road, back on stage. It's about boosting confidence. That's why we're so pleased to be able to make this announcement today.

And I'm now going to ask Guy Sebastian to make some remarks.

GUY SEBASTIAN: Well, firstly, I would like to thank you guys, especially to you, Prime Minister, for listening. You mentioned that you guys were listening and you really were and that was evident the other day when we jumped on that Zoom call and you really did hear us out and you heard all the challenges that we are facing and you've responded so quickly. And on a personal level, you know, I've got my bass player Adam here who would gig eight times a week and that really has dried up, to nothing. And it's people like him, it's like all the people that you mentioned, people who are doing the rigging, who were driving trucks, there is a whole ecosystem under an artist like myself and so many others that it takes to put on a show. But also, I think importantly, there's a huge lag of time, you know, I'm putting on a tour myself, but there's a six to 12 month planning period for me to be putting on a tour and standing on a stage like this. And so it's great that you guys are, you know, filling that gap with this aid and it's going to really aid us to be able to fill this gap and not have the industry fall off a cliff. Because I really do believe if we didn't have this, there would be so many highly skilled people that would go to other places and other sectors and we would lose them and it would be so incredibly hard to rebuild this wonderful arts culture that we have here. So thank you so much and thanks for hearing us. On behalf of myself as an artist, but also people like Adam, who's here today, we really appreciate it, you know, we appreciate that you haven't forgotten us and we were thought of.

PRIME MINISTER: Thanks, Guy. Dan?

DAN ROSEN, CEO ARIA: Thanks Prime Minister and Minister Fletcher. I just want to echo the statements of Guy Sebastian. I think the number one thing here is that the Government has taken the time to understand the sector and recognise there are 645,000 people who work across creative industries. It generates $112 billion dollars to the national economy. It's big business made of lots of small businesses. Behind Guy Sebastian, is a great entrepreneur and small businessman. He hires hundreds of people to keep his show on the road and that's what we want to do. Get the shows back on the road in the pubs and clubs, venues and theatres all around Australia. When Guy comes through a regional town, it means people get back out, they get in their local pub, they get in their clubs, they're putting money into the local economy. We know regional cultural tourism generates $33 billion around the country. So it's hugely important we do this. I want to thank again the Prime Minister and Minister Fletcher and Treasurer Josh Frydenberg for listening, for hearing and coming up with a targeted strategy that will get us through the next 12 months and come out of this bigger and better to entertain people all around Australia.

PRIME MINISTER: Thank you, Dan. Let's take questions on the package first and then I'm sure you want to raise other questions, as usual, and then we're happy for Guy and Dan and others to wait in the wings when we come to that point. So happy to take questions on the package.

JOURNALIST: So there’s 645,000 jobs in this sector. How many of those workers will be supported by this package?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, what this package is about is creating the new shows, the new productions, the new performances. Now, the vast majority of people who are working in this sector and businesses, as we heard, effectively their revenue has gone to zero. They haven’t gone down by 30 per cent or 50 per cent. They've gone down by 95 to 100 per cent and the only thing that gets those jobs stood up again is the production starting again. And so whether it's Harry Potter down in Melbourne or Hamilton coming or any of these sorts of big productions, I mean, the scale of these enterprises is large. And so we will see, you know, tens, hundreds of thousands of people as the industry gets back up on its feet, both through these programmes and the multipliers that come from these productions going and getting running again. One of the things we learnt as we listen to the sector is that these shows are typically put on out of people's own capital. They often will not even go to the bank to secure any loans against the production itself. So they've been running down their own capital. They've been pulling off their own superannuation to pay their staff on top of what they've been getting through JobKeeper and that means their capital is largely shot. And so the lesson for us was we had to fill the capital pool again for them and we've done that in two ways. We've done it through direct grants, effectively equity, and without taking an ownership stake. That's just a direct grant to boost their equity. But on top of that, the concessional loans. Now, this is actually quite a similar practise we've used in flood relief. I remember when I was up in North Queensland - and Guy, you can put Cloncurry on your tour list too, I know they'd be keen to see you - up there when those terrible floods went through North Queensland. We put together a package of grants for restocking and loans to support the restocking, secured against the stock. And the combination of those two things has actually helped them significantly up there and it was my learnings from that, talking to Paul, listening to what he said, and it was eerie that there was, I mean, obviously two very different issues and I'm not seeking to draw any equivalence between the two. But the response was quite similar. They needed capital and they needed finance and they needed that to be done in an unsecured way so that, you know, they didn't have to put their house on the line for it. And so I think it's quite important that that's how we've pulled these measures together and we hope that it supports hundreds of thousands of jobs, just not now, because this once the sector gets going again, I mean, it's momentum. It's momentum that will just build and we'll see all of those people coming back into work.

JOURNALIST: So when you say hundreds of thousands, do you want to see 50 per cent of the creative sector industry sector back in jobs? You know, what’s your target?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, the challenge we've got right now, which is the other point the sector made to us, is there's these challenges of capital and getting the shows up and running again. But there's also the issues of the certainty that they need to plan around the restrictions. And that's why, again, tomorrow I'll be raising this with the premiers and the chief ministers. Being able to tell Guy when you can fill a stadium - a stadium, there you go - or where, you know, fill a theatre like this or a venue, when that can happen and how many. I mean, at the moment, you know, in outside venues, you know, around sporting they're going to 25 per cent of that capacity. But if, you know, Richard, if you had to run a production here on 25 per cent full of this venue, that would be very difficult to make that pay. And so getting some certainty about when venues can operate at different levels of restrictions is frankly, almost, if not more important than even what we've done today. So when you combine the certainty of what they can plan for so they can actually go forward, access these grants and these loans to actually plan for that and then have the confidence that when the show's ready to go, it can actually go on, then it all works again. And this is one of the challenges of the COVID recession. It's unlike others because it hasn't been caused by an economic event. I mean, the same is true with the devastating news at Qantas. That has been caused by a global pandemic. That is what has caused these terrible job losses and the changes that Qantas have had to put in place to respond to that. This is... we have to deal with the opening up again and get certainty about those issues and that will see the jobs come back.

JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, is there a sense of frustration on a federal level? Talking about planning and what Guy was saying and how long it takes to plan these big events that the premiers are on board? It seems that they seem to be a little bit rogue. You'd have to accept there has still got to be a level of assurance from these industries going forward that they feel they probably can't plan these things.

PRIME MINISTER: Well, that's certainly the feedback we've had and we'll have another very constructive meeting of the National Cabinet tomorrow. And look, I think in the main, there's been an enormous commitment by the premiers and chief ministers. I mean, we're working well through our three step plan. We said that would be completed in July and we're largely on track for that. There are a few challenges in Melbourne at the moment. But as we said, there will be outbreaks, there will be changes. And what can't happen is we can't go, stop, go, stop, go. We can't flick the light on and off and on and off and on and off and on and off. That would be very difficult for the artists, the producers who are bringing together productions, to have that uncertainty hanging over them. So what I'm saying is we're moving ahead. We're going ahead. We’ve built the protections to deal with outbreaks. Whether that involves, as when I spoke to Premier Andrews the other night and he sought that support from the ADF and it was provided immediately, I got straight onto the phone to General Campbell and we threw the plan into action. If that's what it takes then that's what we'll do, because that's what's going to keep people in jobs. We can respond to these outbreaks. We can deal with it. We are dealing with the coronavirus, the COVID-19 better than almost any country in the world and that's got to give us confidence to be able to move ahead, whether it's in this sector or any of the other sectors. But there will be sectors that will be hard hit for longer. And that's what today is about.

JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, Alan Joyce said in his phone call with you last night he asked for an extension of JobKeeper for the aviation sector. Is that something you’re considering and if not, will you commit to further financial assistance for the tourism industry?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, we are working through those issues right now. They are very complex. What I said, as Alan faithfully repeated today, was that we know that there are sectors that will continue to be held down by the COVID recession because of the restrictions that are in place, such as in this sector or in the global aviation sector, which has been decimated. And what Qantas has been able to do, despite the global impact in the aviation sector, has been quite extraordinary, despite what is just the awful news today. And so I was very clear last night that we know that those sectors that continue to be significantly affected will need continued support and so we are just working through the best way to target and deliver that support. As he said today, whether it's through JobKeeper or other measures, what matters is actually an understanding that that's the problem. We know that's the challenge. We know that's the challenge in the entertainment industry and they will similarly be affected long after that. In many other sectors, though, we're seeing a return. We're seeing businesses open again and they're in a much stronger position. So we know that there needs to be targeted support. We're working on how that targeted support can be best delivered and that's why I'll be returning back to Canberra again today to spend quite a few more hours in a room with Josh Frydenberg and Mathias Cormann and my other colleagues, as we have been doing all week on this very issue.

JOURNALIST: Given those struggles, is it appropriate or even legal for states to keep their borders closed to domestic tourism or tourists, or to pick and choose which states are allowed in?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, it's never been the decision of National Cabinet to have internal state borders. It's just never been the decision of our grouping of National Cabinet. They are unilateral decisions that have been taken by premiers. But my message to all of us who form that National Cabinet, now a time, I think, very much to support each other. Victoria's got a challenge at the moment and I want to thank the support that has been provided to Victoria by Gladys Berejiklian in New South Wales and Steven Marshall also in South Australia and I know also Peter Gutwein has reached out and I have no doubt that Anna and Mark have also been lending moral support to that as well. You know, we're working quite well together as a team. Sure, there are few times when state rivalries sort of poke up and I know that can be frustrating to people and we've got to just keep the focus on keeping the economy opening and getting people back into jobs. We've got to live alongside COVID. It's not going anywhere and we now have to look forward and we've got the systems and protections in place, as we're demonstrating even now with the outbreak in Victoria and I think we've just got to keep all that in perspective and we've got to keep forging ahead and do that together.

JOURNALIST: Will the organisations that are predominantly funded by the states be able to access this funding you’ve announced today?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, what we should have mentioned before is about $100 million - and I'll ask Paul to comment on this - there's $100 million already coming in from the states into the entertainment sector. So this $250 million is on top of that. I should also stress that that $250 million we've committed today is for the next 12 months. Not over four years. It's right here, right now getting it out the door to support those productions in the next 12 months, which is quite unlike some of the packages you've seen in other countries which go over four years. This is going in in the next 12 months to really get things going.

But, Paul, you might want to comment on the states?

THE HON. PAUL FLETCHER MP, MINISTER FOR COMMUNICATIONS, CYBER SAFETY AND THE ARTS: Thanks, Prime Minister. So funding for the arts and entertainment sector, there is a set of shared responsibilities between the Commonwealth and state and territory governments. We're certainly keen to work with the state and territory governments. I've already had the chance to speak with a couple of state and territory arts ministers and I'll be speaking with the others. But we also have a clear set of arrangements in terms of particular companies that are supported in a mixed way by state and by Commonwealth and we'll look to work with the states and territories. I make the point also that much of this funding is going to go to organisers of festivals, of events, things where traditionally or historically government’s not been involved, but we're getting in there in an unprecedented way because of these unprecedented circumstances to provide support, to provide additional capital, to back the organisations that are wanting to put together events and to give that shot of confidence so that, as we've heard from Guy and others, there's a lead time. It takes months to plan to get the tour in place, and it also takes the confidence to inject your own money in it. What we're now saying is we're going to put Commonwealth money in there and if the states and territories want to come to the party on that as well, that's great. And already we've seen over $150 million of it being announced in total across the different states and territories. But this is about building that support as we make our way out of COVID-19 so that there's additional support in terms of that capital.

JOURNALIST: The Prime Minister talked about businesses losing 100 per cent of their income and people even putting their own personal assets on the line. What kind of arts organisation in reality is going to be in a position to take out a loan right now?

THE HON. PAUL FLETCHER MP, MINISTER FOR COMMUNICATIONS, CYBER SAFETY AND THE ARTS: Well, we think the lines will have a pretty significant place. Bear in mind, highly concessional interest rate, delayed repayment- 

PRIME MINISTER: 100 per cent guaranteed.

THE HON. PAUL FLETCHER MP, MINISTER FOR COMMUNICATIONS, CYBER SAFETY AND THE ARTS: 100 per cent Commonwealth Government guarantee. So what we think this will mean is for a range of entertainment sector promoters, producers, it might be some of the traditional arts companies, but it will also be people who've never really sought assistance from government before. But we're in unprecedented circumstances. And so when at the moment, often the only option is whatever capital resources you have to yourself. This now means a set of options for people putting together an event, a show, a festival, a production, that weren't there before. So we think with the combination of those grants which do not have to be repaid, plus highly concessional loans, we think this is going to be a very significant injection of support in a way that hasn't been there before and it's designed to get those new shows, those new events up and going.

JOURNALIST: Just a quick question back to the borders. So people from Melbourne have been advised not to travel interstate but we’ve got no way to enforce that in New South Wales. If the Premier of New South Wales did decide to close the border to Victoria, would you support that decision?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, that's a hypothetical proposition which the Premier this morning, as far as I understand, has said that that's not what she's proposing to do. So that's purely speculative. I understand that many Australians would have been very frustrated by the way that the social distancing rules were disregarded and double standards seemed to be put in place recently with the rallies and so on. And I can understand why people might think, well, if they can do it, why can't we just do whatever we want? I get that, but we can't afford to do that. What we have to keep doing is exercising that good common sense because exercising good common sense just doesn't look after you and your own family's health but it looks after the jobs of people who work right here. We've got to think about the bigger impact here. It's not just about us individually. It's about in the COVID recession and in the COVID pandemic we've got to think about everyone else around us because what we do impacts all of them. And this is why over the course of this crisis, it has been my daily mission to bring as many people as I can together to solve problems and to focus on going forward,. Whether that's the National Cabinet, whether it was last week getting on the Zoom call and the many other engagements we've had trying to pull people together. Today, unions and employers are sitting down to work out how they can keep jobs and create jobs as part of the response to COVID and the longer term plan to lift growth in this country. And there's a good opportunity there for us, as the IMF has demonstrated in the report they've released overnight. You go through the list of all the countries and I could only find one on the chart I saw this morning whose forecasts actually improved from April to May. Even South Korea, whose projected downturn this year is less than Australia's, their situation is deteriorating since the position in April. So there is reason, despite the hard days we have right now, there is reason to have hope and what today is about is building back that hope that producers, that performers can reignite those plans they had in their heads and know that they can go out and have a crack again. And there are a lot of businesses doing that right now. They're seeing things open up. They're seeing people come back. They're seeing spending starting to lift, and they're having to make courageous decisions at the moment, opening their doors, putting people on more hours. These are brave people doing this, everyday Australians. I'm so proud of them and we've got to keep going together and we've got to keep going forward.

JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, Dyson Heydon just quickly, the allegations against him are extremely serious. Do you feel there is a broader issue here? Do you feel that victims in the law fraternities may be scared to come forward up against powerful people like Mr Heydon and do you think that a thorough investigation is needed here? 

PRIME MINISTER: Well, of course. Of course. 

JOURNALIST: I mean like a broad inquiry, perhaps.

PRIME MINISTER: Look, if it happens in the legal profession, if it happens in politics, if it happens in the entertainment industry, if it happens in the media, if it happens anywhere. People have to have the confidence and the assurance that they can bring these matters forward, and they should. When my girls go to work, I want them to go to work in a safe environment where they are valued and respected for their talents and their abilities in whatever field they hope to pursue and I would just be devastated if they ever found themselves in a situation like that. And, of course, I'd want to protect them from it in any way I could. And so that is up to all of us, frankly. It is. It's up to all of us that we stand out against these things where it happens and we call it out where it happens and there are proper processes that have to be followed, of course. And so they should be followed.

JOURNALIST: Will you look at an inquiry though, Prime Minister?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, I mean, in the legal profession, I'll leave it to those who work in the profession as to what they believe is necessary. But I think it would be a mistake to think this just happens in the legal profession where there are people who have great power. We know that it happens in every industry. It happens in every walk of life. And wherever it happens, it's not on and it's appalling. And we've all got a responsibility to do what we can to prevent it.

JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, there’s been a public backlash in regards to the ABC’s decision to axe the 7.45am bulletin, particularly in regional areas, are you surprised by that? And do you think ABC management should reconsider?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, I’ll let Paul speak to this. The ABC have made decisions regarding their operations. The ABC’s funding is increasing every year. What they decide to do within that, there are a lot of difficult decisions being made in the media industry at the moment. In commercial broadcasters and commercial news organisations, you'd be, as I'm sure many in the media conference here would be very well aware of the terrible cuts there have been to jobs and operations across the news media industry across Australia. And, you know, that's people are feeling the pain pretty hard across the media sector at the moment, just like they are here in the entertainment industry. But the ABC are making calls about how they best run their operations. That's what they’re charged to do. But Paul might want to comment on that.

THE HON. PAUL FLETCHER MP, MINISTER FOR COMMUNICATIONS, CYBER SAFETY AND THE ARTS: Well, thanks, Prime Minister. The ABC Board and management has statutory independence. They've got a budget of over a billion dollars a year. That's over a three year period, we’re in the first year of a three year funding period. Funding is rising every year in that three year period. And it's for board and management to determine how they allocate their resources to best meet their charter. They released a five year strategic plan yesterday. Australians, I think, will rightly expect that that money is invested wisely and that there's a clear strategic plan as to how the money is expended. But these are decisions for ABC Board and management. Can I say that ABC, the ABC in its five year strategic plan, has committed to 75 per cent of jobs being outside of Ultimo, its headquarters. I think that's a good thing. Sydney is not Australia and Ultimo is not Sydney. The ABC needs to be responsive to the needs of all Australians. It's funded by all Australians. It's there to serve all Australians. So I certainly welcome that element of what was announced.

JOURNALIST: Would you please explain how the ABC's funding is rising? It’s currently under an indexation freeze.

THE HON. PAUL FLETCHER MP, MINISTER FOR COMMUNICATIONS, CYBER SAFETY AND THE ARTS: If you look at the numbers in the budget papers, the ABC's funding is rising. It's all laid out in the budget papers. 

JOURNALIST: Can you tell me the numbers?

THE HON. PAUL FLETCHER MP, MINISTER FOR COMMUNICATIONS, CYBER SAFETY AND THE ARTS: It's all laid out in the budget papers.

PRIME MINISTER: It’s over a billion dollars. 

THE HON. PAUL FLETCHER MP, MINISTER FOR COMMUNICATIONS, CYBER SAFETY AND THE ARTS: It's well over a billion dollars. And it rises each year. We're in 2019/20. In 2020/21 there's more money in 2021/22 there's more money again. It's all laid out in the budget papers. Those are the facts.

JOURNALIST: Can you guarantee there will no further cuts to the ABC?

PRIME MINISTER: There are no cuts. 

JOURNALIST: No further cuts. 

PRIME MINISTER: There are no further cuts because there are no cuts. ABC’s funding is increasing every year. The ABC would be the only media company, organisation in Australia today whose revenue, their funding, is increasing. It would be the only one in the country. We're seeing regional mastheads by commercial newspapers abolished and we're seeing people lose jobs right across and the regional support for the ABC has never been stronger. And it's getting even stronger because we're trying to get the ABC out of Ultimo and into the rest of the country. So I think that's a good change. I think what Ita is doing in trying to get the ABC even more focused on regional Australia and get their heads out of Ultimo and get it into the rest of the country, I think is tremendous. But I've got to say, if you're working in the media industry, if you're a journalist today, the safest place for you to be is actually at the ABC, because your revenue is guaranteed in that industry by the Government. For journalists working in so many other media companies, they are doing it really tough. And I think we need to keep that in perspective. Anyway, time for last one.

JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, I think this is probably the most important question. Would you like to hear Guy Sebastian do an impromptu concert?

PRIME MINISTER: I won't put Guy on the spot.

JOURNALIST: You’ve got the power, though.

PRIME MINISTER: I am looking forward, because it’s actually even more important - as pleasant as I'm sure that would be for all of us - I'm looking forward to coming, whether it's here, which I think the chances of that are improving every minute or elsewhere when Guy comes and runs his tour, runs his performances, whether they're here or out there in regional Australia or anywhere else. That's the day I'm looking forward to. And that's the day we're building to by the announcements that we've made today. So I want to thank West HQ for having us here today. This is an exciting place. It's full of vision in terms of where the industry is going and full of belief and passion. It's one of the great things about the arts and entertainment industry is they are just so passionate about what they do. But what we, I think, are highlighting today is they’re passionate business people. Guy loves to sing, but he likes to create jobs, too. And that's what he does. That's what Mark Vincent does. That's what Tina Area… Ok, there's my playlist. You've got it. But, you know, that's what they do. And they are making a big contribution to our country and I'm looking forward to the contribution that they're going to make. So thanks for joining us here today and I appreciate you, Dan, for joining us as well and I’m looking forward to a stronger road ahead. Thank you.

https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-42866

$250 Million JobMaker Plan to Restart Australia's Creative Economy

25 June 2020

Prime Minister, Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety, and the Arts

Thousands of jobs across Australia’s arts industry will be backed with a new $250 million targeted package to help restart the creative economy and get the entertainment, arts and screen sectors back to work, as they rebuild from the impacts of COVID-19.

A range of new grant and loan programs will roll out over the next 12 months to different parts of the arts sector to support the $112 billion creative economy and the more than 600,000 Australians it employs.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the commercial arts and entertainment sector was one of the first sectors to be impacted by COVID-19 and will be one of the last to come out of hibernation as social distancing restrictions are eased.

“Our JobMaker plan is getting their show back on the road, to get their workers back in jobs,” the Prime Minister said.

“We’re delivering the capital these businesses need so they can start working again and support the hundreds of thousands of Australians who make their living in the creative economy.

“These measures will support a broad range of jobs from performers, artists and roadies, to front of house staff and many who work behind the scenes, while assisting related parts of the broader economy, such as tourism and hospitality.

“This package is as much about supporting the tradies who build stage sets or computer specialists who create the latest special effects, as it is about supporting actors and performers in major productions.

“Many in the sector will find a new way to operate while the current social distancing measures remain in place and while that won’t be easy I know there’s a strong desire among all Australians to see the return of gigs, performances and events.

The support package includes:

• Seed Investment to Reactivate Productions and Tours – $75 million in competitive grant funding in 2020-21 through the Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) Fund. This program will provide capital to help production and event businesses to put on new festivals, concerts, tours and events as social distancing restrictions ease, including through innovative operating and digital delivery models. Grants of varying sizes will be available, from $75,000 through to $2 million. 

• Show Starter Loans – $90 million in concessional loans to assist creative economy businesses to fund new productions and events that stimulate job creation and economic activity. The loans program will complement the RISE Fund and will be delivered through commercial banks, backed by a 100 per cent Commonwealth guarantee.

• Kick-starting Local Screen Production – $50 million for a Temporary Interruption Fund, to be administered by Screen Australia, that will support local film and television producers to secure finance and start filming again, supporting thousands of jobs in the sector. Filming of new productions has largely been halted as insurers are not providing coverage for COVID-19.  

• Supporting Sustainability of Sector-Significant Organisations – $35 million to provide direct financial assistance to support significant Commonwealth-funded arts and culture organisations facing threats to their viability due to COVID-19, which may include organisations in fields including theatre, dance, circus, music and other fields. The Government will partner with the Australia Council to deliver this funding.

• Creative Economy Taskforce – establishment of a ministerial taskforce to partner with the Government and the Australia Council to implement the JobMaker plan for the creative economy.

Minister for Arts Paul Fletcher said the comprehensive package will deliver jobs and give creative and cultural experiences back to Australians.

“We are backing over 600,000 Australians in the cultural and creative sectors whose work contributes $112 billion to our economy. These sectors have been hit hard during the pandemic, and the Government’s investment will play an important role in the nation’s economic recovery,” Minister Fletcher said.

“We are injecting $100 million per month into the arts sector through the JobKeeper program and cash flow assistance, delivering an important lifeline for many businesses, but as social distancing restrictions ease, our plan supports businesses getting back on their feet and getting people back in jobs.”

Following the successful development of COVID-19 safe working guidelines to support the reopening of our National Collecting Institutions and the screen sector, the Government is working with the Australia Council to develop broader guidelines for the arts and entertainment sector to protect the public and workers. The Prime Minister will also seek approval from National Cabinet to give our entertainment industry greater certainty about the timetable for them to be able to re-activate their business, so they can better plan their path forward.

In coming weeks, the guidelines for the grant and loan programs will be released and the members of the Creative Economy Taskforce will be announced.

This plan builds on previously announced measures, including the injection of $100 million per month into the arts through JobKeeper and cashflow support over April and May; $10 million for regional and remote organisations; $7 million to Indigenous Art Centres; $10 million to Support Act to assist with mental health and crisis support; the Australia Council's $5 million Resilience Fund and flexible management of existing funding agreements with Government.

This package also builds on the Government’s investment of $749 million in the arts and cultural industry in 2019-20 – the largest amount ever provided to the sector. The package is in addition to the support being provided by state and territory governments, totalling more than $170 million.

For more information about COVID-19 and arts support visit: Covid-19 Update

https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-42865

$46 Million to Unlock Infrastructure Jobs in Tasmania

25 June 2020

Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Premier of Tasmania, Minister for Population Cities and Urban Infrastructure, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport

The Morrison and Gutwein Governments are supporting construction jobs across Tasmania by jointly investing an additional $46 million to deliver shovel-ready infrastructure projects and urgent road safety upgrades.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said further investment in infrastructure would play a critical role in the Commonwealth’s JobMaker plan and help the Tasmanian economy as it recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Partnering with state and territory governments to invest in more major infrastructure projects across Australia is a key part of our JobMaker plan to rebuild our economy and create more jobs,” the Prime Minister said.

“This funding injection means we have brought forward or provided additional funding in excess of $200 million to Tasmania in the past eight months.

“This package builds on the fast tracking of $173 million for infrastructure in Tasmania which we announced last November, locking in priority upgrades that will increase productivity, improve safety and boost jobs at a time we need it most.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the funded projects in Tasmania include a number of road improvements, such as widening, surface work and bridge strengthening.

“The nine funded projects across the state will improve road safety for all users, while also enhancing accessibility and connectivity of the road network,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“$8 million is going towards main road and highway enhancements and another $7.2 million will go towards the widening of Railton Main Road and Richmond Road.”

Premier of Tasmania Peter Gutwein said the investment will create jobs for Tasmanians and save lives on the state’s roads.

“The Tasmanian Government will also invest $11.7 million in these projects, with $7 million going towards selected shovel-ready projects and $4.7 million to road safety improvements,” the Premier said.

“Many of the projects are due to start later this year, creating jobs and boosting the Tasmanian economy once COVID-19 has passed. This initiative complements Tasmania’s job-creating Construction Blitz plan to stimulate the economy and support thousands of jobs across the state.”

Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said Tasmanians will benefit from improved road connections right across the state.

“Working with the Tasmanian Government, we are developing heavy vehicle rest areas, installing roadside barriers and upgrading the Huon Highway and Sandfly Road junction,” Mr Tudge said.

“Roads are vital for keeping population centres connected in Tasmania, and this funding package will improve reliability of the network and make sure more people get home sooner and safer.”

Tasmanian Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael Ferguson said the package will particularly improve the safety of school students across Tasmania.

“$3 million will be used to provide electronic signs in school zones across the state, while $6 million will also go to the construction of a pedestrian underpass, with an improved new engineering design including disability access, on the Midland Highway at Campbell Town,” Minister Ferguson said.

“The safety of all road users in the state is a priority, whether they are pedestrians, cyclists or drivers.”

Senator for Tasmania Richard Colbeck said getting shovels in the ground on local construction projects was crucial in maintaining jobs and economic growth across the state.

“This funding forms part of the Federal Liberal and Nationals Government’s record $100 billion dollar pipeline of infrastructure projects which is laying the foundations of a financial bridge to recovery on the other side of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Senator Colbeck said.

The jointly funded package is supported by investments from the Morrison ($34.3 million) and Gutwein Governments ($11.7 million).

Commonwealth funding for the package has been drawn from the recently announced $1.5 billion allocation to priority shovel-ready projects and targeted road safety works.

The Morrison Government has now committed nearly $2.9 billion to transport infrastructure in Tasmania.

Total Federal funding: $34.3 million
Total funding: $46 million

https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-42864

$145 Million to Unlock Infrastructure Jobs in SA

24 June 2020

Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Premier of South Australia, Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure, South Australian Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Local Government

The Morrison and Marshall Governments will support construction jobs across South Australia by jointly investing an additional $145 million to deliver shovel-ready infrastructure projects and urgent road safety upgrades.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said further investment in infrastructure would play a critical role in the Commonwealth’s JobMaker plan and help the South Australian economy as it recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Partnering with state and territory governments to invest in more major infrastructure projects across Australia is a key part of our JobMaker plan to rebuild our economy and create more jobs,” the Prime Minister said.

“This funding injection means we have brought forward or provided additional funding in excess of $440 million to South Australia in the past eight months.

“This package builds on the fast tracking of $327 million for infrastructure in South Australia which we announced last November, locking in priority upgrades that will bust congestion, increase productivity, improve safety, and boost jobs at a time we need it most.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Government had worked closely with State, Territory and Local Governments to identify shovel-ready projects to keep the economy moving and get money flowing back into jobs and businesses as soon as possible.

“This package includes a $52 million Regional Road Network Package, which will build on investments under the Roads of Strategic Importance initiative to deliver pavement treatments, shoulder sealing and safety enhancements to benefit the freight industry and regional communities across the state,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“We will also fund a $12 million higher-capacity North-South Freight Route bypassing Adelaide. This will deliver upgrades along the route between Murray Bridge and the Sturt Highway to remove speed restrictions and improve productivity, with initial works to get under way within six months.

“In all, this package will support more than 200 jobs during construction, which is good news for locals and communities across South Australia.”
Premier of South Australia Steven Marshall said the $145 million infrastructure investment is an important part of our plan to create local jobs and help re-build our economy.  

“This significant infrastructure investment is part of our strong plan to create more South Australian jobs and support local businesses,” the Premier said.

“We have worked very closely with the Federal Government to fast track funding for these shovel-ready projects which will complement our record $12.9 billion infrastructure pipeline here in South Australia.”

Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said the funding injection will deliver shovel-ready projects across SA.

“Our investment in road safety infrastructure will transform and modernise the Heysen tunnels under the South Eastern Freeway,” Mr Tudge said.

“We’re also upgrading the freeway to deliver speed-activated signage on the steep descent into Adelaide.”

South Australian Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Stephan Knoll said the focus on regional road upgrade across the state would stimulate regional economies and improve road safety. 

“This massive investment in regional roads will support regional jobs, communities and more importantly, help save lives on our country roads,” Mr Knoll said.

“We are funding a suite of safety improvements across the state which will include fixing  Long Valley Road through localised widening, shoulder sealing, intersection treatments, safety barriers and sight distance improvements.”

The jointly funded package is supported by investments from the Morrison ($115.6 million) and Marshall Governments ($28.9 million).

Commonwealth funding for the package has been drawn from the recently announced $1.5 billion allocation to priority shovel-ready projects and targeted road safety works.

The Morrison Government has now committed more than $9 billion to transport infrastructure in South Australia.

https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-42863

Rebuilding Relief for Australia’s Primary Producers

23 June 2020

Prime Minister, Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management, Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries, Assistant Minister for Regional Tourism

Four new initiatives to support the forestry industry, wine producers and apple growers hit by the bushfires and the effects of COVID-19 are set to form a major plank in the rebuilding effort in communities across Australia.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the $86 million worth of new targeted grants would support some of Australia’s hardest hit primary producers.

“This is about helping communities build back better,” the Prime Minister said.

“As our communities battle to overcome the effects of drought, bushfires and now COVID-19, it’s initiatives like these that will also help accelerate economic recovery and ultimately deliver more jobs to the regions.

“With more than $1.4 billion in recovery and relief already rolling out to bushfire-affected communities for everything from direct hardship payments and support to clear debris, through to wildlife rescue and financial counselling, these new programs will help our forestry industry, and apple and wine growers take the next step on their recovery.”

Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management David Littleproud said the agricultural and forestry sectors form the foundation of our food and fibre security. They are also key to jobs and prosperity in many communities affected by the 2019-20 bushfires.

This new funding adds to the Government’s commitment of $448.5 million for projects identified by communities as part of their local economic recovery plans, and the $15 million investment to help forestry industries transport and store the high volume of bushfire-affected trees.

The Government is also working closely with the forestry industry to participate in the $2 billion Climate Solutions Fund to boost outcomes for the environment, spur investment and create jobs.

“Our Government understands the importance of primary producers to regional economies and community recovery,” Minister Littleproud said.

“The devastating bushfires earlier this year impacted more than 2 million hectares of Australia’s productive forests and our forestry industries are faced with the prospect of wood shortages in major timber regions.

“This assistance acknowledges that the impact on wine grapes extends beyond the fire scar. In some cases, smoke taint from the bushfires has led to a loss of the harvest for the 2020 vintage, estimated to be around 60,000 tonnes lost.

“Our apple producers have suffered significant impacts with Apple and Pear Australia Limited estimating that 170.5 hectares of apple orchards needing to be replaced. To put this into perspective, each hectare can cost around $360,000 to replace, and take up to five years to produce income again.

“As we work to support individuals and businesses affected by COVID-19, we haven’t forgotten about communities and industries affected by the bushfires. Today’s announcement will bring some much needed support to some specific industries.” Minister Littleproud said.

Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries Jonno Duniam said the regional impacts of the bushfires on Australia’s forestry industry could be felt for decades, which was why the Morrison Government is taking action now.

“The $40 million Forestry Recovery Development Fund will secure and create jobs, especially in our regional communities that have been hardest hit by the bushfires,” Assistant Minister Duniam said.

“With this fund, the forestry industry will be able future-proof with innovative investments in new or existing facilities and technology, or assisting in transitioning to smarter, more efficient practices that value-add along the supply-chain.

“The fund will underpin a sustainable recovery that ensures Australia’s forestry industry is productive, profitable and internationally competitive into the future. “On top of this, $10 million will be invested in the establishment of storage facilities for processed wood products, fire-affected salvage logs, and other forestry products in Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia.

“We’ll continue to work with industries as they navigate these challenging times.”

The additional bushfire relief measures form part of the economic recovery effort and include:

• A $40 million Forestry Recovery Development Fund for competitive grants that support processors to navigate future wood supply shortages through innovation and product diversification.

• $10 million for the establishment of storage facilities for processed timber products, fire-affected logs and other forestry products. The fund will produce additional certainty for mills and help businesses plan their long-term recovery.

• A $5 million fund for grants up to $10,000, matched by a co-contribution, for wine grape producers who experienced crop loss because of smoke taint from the Black Summer bushfires in wine regions that aren’t currently activated for the $75,000 primary producer grants.

• A $31 million fund for grants of $120,000 per hectare for bushfire impacted apple growers. This program complements the support provided by the NSW government.

Further information about bushfire relief funding can be found at bushfirerecovery.gov.au.

https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-42861

$53 Million to Unlock Infrastructure Jobs in the NT

22 June 2020

Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure, Northen Territory Chief Minister, Planning and Logistics

The Commonwealth and Northern Territory Governments will support infrastructure construction jobs across the NT by jointly investing an additional $53 million to deliver shovel-ready infrastructure projects and urgent road safety upgrades.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said further investment in infrastructure would play a critical role in the Commonwealth’s JobMaker plan and help the Northern Territory economy as it recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Partnering with state and territory governments to invest in more major infrastructure projects across Australia is a key part of our JobMaker plan to rebuild our economy and create more jobs,” the Prime Minister said.

“This funding injection means we have brought forward or provided additional infrastructure funding of nearly $190 million across the NT in the past eight months.

”This package builds on the fast tracking of $147 million for infrastructure in NT which we announced last November, locking in priority upgrades that will increase productivity, improve safety, and boost jobs at a time we need it most.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the funding injection would support local jobs, businesses and the economy while providing lasting infrastructure to help the Territory bounce back as COVID-19 restrictions ease.

“We have worked closely with State, Territory and Local Governments to identify shovel-ready projects right across the country to strengthen the economy and get money flowing into jobs and businesses as soon as possible,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“In the Northern Territory, this will see us invest in life-saving upgrades along major routes such as the Stuart, Barkly, Carpentaria and Victoria Highways, as well as improving safety around remote intersections and roadhouses.

“By investing in critical infrastructure projects across the country, we are doing more than just supporting local jobs and businesses at this critical time. We are investing in our future beyond COVID-19 by delivering lasting infrastructure which will benefit Australians for years to come.

 “These projects will also benefit hard-working truck drivers, who have been keeping the country moving and shelves stocked through the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Northern Territory Chief Minister Michael Gunner said the package included $34.6 million for life-saving road safety improvements across the Territory.

“This funding will deliver critical safety works along three of the Territory’s busiest highways – the Stuart, Barkly and Victoria Highways – including sealing shoulders and improving or installing guardrails, truck stops and audio-tactile line markings to reduce crashes,” the Chief Minister said.

“We will also be widening and sealing shoulders at critical points along Litchfield Park Road. This is a particularly popular tourist route, so completing these works now will ensure the road is safer for when tourism bounces back in the Territory.”

Northern Territory Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics Eva Lawler said the funding injection would support local jobs, businesses and the economy while providing lasting safety improvements.

“Every single job we can support makes a world of difference to individuals, their families and indeed whole communities – as it will also mean more money flowing through local businesses at a time they need it most,” Minister Lawler said.

“These works will improve road safety and bolster the resilience of the Territory’s road networks, which is absolutely critical for getting all our motorists home safely.”

Senator for Northern Territory Dr Sam McMahon said getting shovels in the ground on local construction projects was important for maintaining jobs and economic growth in the NT. 

“This funding is part of the Federal Government’s record $100 billion pipeline of infrastructure projects which is laying the foundations of a financial bridge to recovery on the other side of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Senator McMahon said.

The jointly funded package is supported by investments from the Commonwealth ($40.4 million) and Northern Territory Government ($12.7 million).

Commonwealth funding for the package has been drawn from the recently announced $1.5 billion allocation to priority shovel-ready projects and targeted road safety works.

The Commonwealth Government has now committed more than $2.4 billion to transport infrastructure in the NT.

https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-42858

$415 Million to Unlock Hundreds of Infrastructure Jobs in Queensland

22 June 2020

Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure, Premier of Queensland, Minister for Transport and Main Roads

The Commonwealth and Queensland Governments will support infrastructure construction jobs across Queensland by jointly investing an additional $415 million to deliver shovel-ready infrastructure projects and urgent road safety upgrades.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said further investment in infrastructure would play a critical role in the Commonwealth’s JobMaker plan and help the Queensland economy as it recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Partnering with state and territory governments to invest in more major infrastructure projects across Australia is a key part of our JobMaker plan to rebuild our economy and create more jobs,” the Prime Minister said.

“This funding injection means we have brought forward or provided additional funding of nearly $1.9 billion to Queensland in the past eight months.

“This package builds on the fast tracking of $1.4 billion for infrastructure in Queensland which we announced last November, locking in priority upgrades that will bust congestion, increase productivity, improve safety, and boost jobs at a time we need it most.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the funding injection would support local jobs and businesses while providing lasting infrastructure to help Queensland bounce back as COVID-19 restrictions ease.

“Every single job we can support means more Queenslanders and their families have one less worry during these unprecedented times,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“We have worked closely with State, Territory and Local Governments to identify shovel-ready projects right across the country to strengthen the economy and get money flowing into jobs and businesses as soon as possible.”

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the Queensland and Australian Governments would continue working closely together to get shovels in the ground to support local jobs and the economy as soon as possible.

“Investing in lasting infrastructure projects now will also benefit Queenslanders in the years to come, strengthening our economy in the long run,” the Premier said.

“Shovel-ready upgrades we’re investing in include the Burke and Gregory Developmental roads as well as smaller works right across the regional network to improve safety, accessibility and flood immunity.”

Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said the funding injection would also deliver shovel-ready fixes for projects like the Gateway Motorway Flyover.

“It’ll mean we can help bust congestion on this busy bridge that has more than 40,000 vehicles travelling northbound every single day,” Mr Tudge said.

“Not only will investing in safer and more efficient road networks help save lives and time, it will strengthen the national economy by ensuring communities are connected with jobs and services and businesses with markets.”

Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said the jointly-funded roads package would support a further 700 Queensland jobs at a time when they were needed most.

“We have started delivering a plan to Unite and Recover for Queensland jobs, so this funding will provide some much needed certainty for Queensland businesses and contractors,” Mr Bailey said.

“In May, we announced a $400 million state-funded roads recovery package to get people into work quickly and this additional Federal investment means even more projects and more jobs across the state coming online to assist Queensland’s economic recovery.”

The jointly funded package is supported by investments from the Commonwealth ($324.3 million) and Queensland Government ($90.3 million).

Commonwealth funding for the package has been drawn from the recently announced $1.5 billion allocation to priority shovel-ready projects and targeted road safety works.

The Commonwealth Government has now committed more than $26.7 billion to transport infrastructure in Queensland.

https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-42857

$35 Million to Unlock Infrastructure Jobs in the ACT

22 June 2020

Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minster, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure, Senator for the ACT, Chief Minister, ACT Minister for Roads and Active Travel, ACT Minister for Transport

The Commonwealth and ACT Governments will support construction jobs across the Canberra region by jointly investing an additional $35 million to deliver shovel-ready infrastructure projects and urgent road safety upgrades.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said further investment in infrastructure would play a critical role in the Commonwealth’s JobMaker plan and help the ACT economy as it recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Partnering with state and territory governments to invest in more major infrastructure projects across Australia is a key part of our JobMaker plan to rebuild our economy and create more jobs,” the Prime Minister said.

“This funding injection means we have brought forward or provided additional funding of $48 million to the ACT in the past eight months.

“This package builds on the fast tracking of $30 million in Monaro Highway funding which we announced last November, locking in upgrades that will increase productivity, improve safety, and boost jobs at a time we need it most.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Australian Government was laying the foundations for recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The Australian Government has worked closely with State, Territory and Local Governments to identify shovel-ready projects to help boost the economy and get money flowing into jobs and businesses as soon as possible,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“Upgrading intersections Territory-wide, improving Northbourne Avenue, delivering a new Mitchell light rail stop and investing in road safety barriers as well as variable speed limit infrastructure on the Tuggeranong Parkway, this package sees the Government stepping up our economic response to lay the foundations for recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic.”

ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the ACT Government was investing $17.6m in the matched program.  

"This jointly funded package is about bringing forward pipeline of transport infrastructure projects across the Territory that will create jobs over the next year of the recovery," the Chief Minister said.

The package includes $1.6 million from the ACT Government to jointly fund targeted road safety investments across the Territory including upgrades to traffic signals to keep them on during power outages, and the installation of road safety barriers to protect motorists on arterial roads. 

ACT Minister for Transport and Minister for Roads and Active Travel, Chris Steel, said the Australian and ACT Governments would jointly fund the Northbourne Avenue Pavement Rehabilitation, an additional light rail stop at Mitchell, and bring forward the construction of traffic lights at four intersections.

“Design is being undertaken on a 14th stop on the light rail line and we will work with Canberra Metro to build the station at Sandford St over the next year,” Minister Steel said.

“The new light rail stop on Flemington Road at Sandford Street will provide better access to the Mitchell business district in addition to the existing stop at Well Station Drive.

“In this infrastructure package we are also bringing forward the installation of traffic lights to improve road safety and pedestrian access at four key intersections in Belconnen and Woden."

The intersections included are:

• Belconnen Way/Springvale Drive, Hawker

• Southern Cross Drive/Starke Street, Holt

• Launceston Street/Irving Street, Philli

• Kuringa Drive/Owen Dixon Drive, Evatt.

The jointly funded package is supported by equal investments from the Commonwealth ($17.6 million) and ACT Governments ($17.6 million).

Commonwealth funding for the package has been drawn from the recently announced $1.5 billion allocation to priority shovel-ready projects and targeted road safety works.

Senator for the ACT, Zed Seselja, said today’s announcement brings Commonwealth Government commitments to $770 million for transport infrastructure in the ACT since coming to Government.

“Today’s announcement builds on our $150 million commitment to the Barton Highway, $100 million for the Monaro Highway, $20 million for William Slim Drive, and $30 million for the Kings Highway,” Senator Seselja said.

https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-42856

First End-to-End Drive-Through of NorthConnex

22 June 2020

Prime Minister, Premier of New South Wales, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure, NSW Minister for Transport

Sydney-siders will be given their first look at the congestion-busting NorthConnex tunnel today following the first end-to-end drive through of the $3 billion project.

A major milestone for the M1-M2 link in Sydney’s north, once finished it will mean motorists will by-pass 40 traffic lights on the Pacific Highway to the CBD.

The nine-kilometre, twin tunnels will change the way people across Sydney’s north commute from work to home.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said NorthConnex has already been a game-changer for Sydney with construction powering ahead and creating 8,700 jobs.

“We are so close to finishing NorthConnex and just today we’ve got around 400 workers across 11 sites.”

“It means across Sydney we’ll be getting you home sooner and safer.”

“It also shows our ongoing successful partnership in creating jobs with the New South Wales Government.”

New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian said NorthConnex, once complete, would save up to 15 minutes’ travel time and allow drivers to avoid 21 sets of traffic lights along Pennant Hills Road.

“Today’s drive-through is another indication of how close we are getting to opening this key piece of infrastructure and helping to alleviate the traffic problems Pennant Hills Road has been experiencing for decades,” the Premier said.

“NorthConnex will return local streets to local communities by taking up to 5,000 trucks per day off Pennant Hills Road, easing congestion, improving safety and local air quality, and reducing traffic noise.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said this project has created hundreds of jobs throughout its construction.

“Our $100 billion 10-year infrastructure pipeline is delivering projects that make a real difference to everyday lives,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“This project is one of many which is moving people safely and more efficiently across Sydney, while creating job opportunities for local workers.”

Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said NorthConnex had been a jobs bonanza for the people of NSW.

“The benefits of NorthConnex are endless, people travelling from the north will save up to 15 minutes getting into the city,” Mr Tudge. 

“It also means you can drive from Newcastle to Melbourne without a single set of traffic lights, which is great news for the people of the Central Coast.”

NSW Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said NorthConnex would be an asset Australians could take pride in.

“We’re installing Australian-first innovative lighting designs, including backlit silhouettes of native birds, trees and starry skies, to keep drivers alert in the country’s longest road tunnel,” Mr Constance said.

“This is a really exciting milestone for a really exciting project.”

The Commonwealth Government has committed $412.3 million towards NorthConnex on top of the NSW Government’s commitment of $577.3m, including the use of Hornsby Quarry for spoil management. The remainder of the funding for the project has been met by the private sector.

* New vision link: https://f.io/Ux2Dvo8x

https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-42859

$223 Million to Unlock Hundreds of Local Infrastructure Jobs

21 June 2020

Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Minister for Finance, Minister for Population, Minister for Population Cities and Urban Infrastructure, Premier of Western Australia, WA Minister for Transport and Planning

The Morrison and McGowan Governments will support construction jobs across Western Australia by jointly investing an additional $223 million to deliver shovel-ready infrastructure projects and urgent road safety upgrades.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said further investment in infrastructure would play a critical role in the Commonwealth’s JobMaker plan and help the West Australian economy as it recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Partnering with state and territory governments to invest in more major infrastructure projects across Australia is a key part of our JobMaker plan to rebuild our economy and create more jobs,” the Prime Minister said.

“This funding injection means we have brought forward or provided additional funding in excess of $1 billion Western Australian in the past eight months.

“This package builds on the fast tracking of $868 million for infrastructure in Western Australia which we announced last November, locking in priority upgrades that will bust congestion, improve safety and boost jobs at a time we need it most.”

Finance Minister Mathias Cormann said the Australian Government’s $176 million contribution builds on its nationwide $100 billion, 10-year infrastructure pipeline.

“Federal funding for this package has been drawn from the recently announced $1.5 billion allocation to priority shovel-ready projects and targeted road safety works.

“We are continuing to work closely with all levels of Government making decisions to create jobs and support our economic recovery,” Senator Cormann said.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Government had worked closely with State, Territory and Local Governments to identify shovel-ready projects to help reinvigorate the economy and get money flowing into jobs and businesses as soon as possible.

“In Western Australia, this will see us investing in critical shovel-ready projects along the Great Eastern and Bussell Highways, Exmouth Road and Toodyay Road while simultaneously delivering a dedicated road safety package for life-saving improvements right across regional WA,” Mr McCormack said.

“Overall this package is estimated to support more than 1,000 jobs during construction, which is absolutely fantastic news for locals and communities across the state.

“By investing in critical infrastructure projects across the country, we are doing more than just supporting local jobs and businesses at this critical time. We are investing in our future beyond COVID-19 by delivering lasting infrastructure which will kick-start our economic recovery and benefit Australians for years to come.”

Western Australia Premier Mark McGowan said the Regional State Road Safety Improvement Program would see the two Governments invest $100 million across the state to deliver improvements over the next year.

“The Road Safety Improvement Program will widen, seal or install audio-tactile line markings on more than 20 regional routes right across the state to reduce run-off-road crashes,” he said.

“These works will improve road safety, saving lives and bolstering the resilience of the state’s road networks, which is absolutely critical for our regional roads.

“The package will immediately help support economic activity and WA jobs, and is another sign of the State and Commonwealth Governments working collaboratively in the interests of Western Australians.”

Senator Cormann further said that bringing forward these key infrastructure projects is part of $13.8 billion in infrastructure funding for Western Australia that the Federal Government has committed to transport infrastructure projects to date.

“The Federal Government is committed to projects that get West Australians home sooner and safer. But particularly as we look to grow the West Australian economy on the other side of the COVID-19 crisis, we want to guarantee work for local trades and keep money flowing through local businesses throughout the construction phase and beyond,” Senator Cormann said.

Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said the funding injection would also deliver shovel-ready fixes to Thomas Road.

“For Perth motorists that includes creating dual lanes for an extra kilometre between the Kwinana Freeway and Nicholson Road and a much-needed intersection upgrade,” Mr Tudge said.

“Thomas Road is used by around 19,000 vehicles every single day and this funding means shovels will be in the ground sooner to support local jobs and the economy.”

Western Australian Minister for Transport Rita Saffioti said the funding injection would support local jobs, businesses and the economy while providing lasting infrastructure to help the state bounce back as COVID-19 restrictions ease.

“This funding injection will help us start work on even more critical regional road infrastructure including the dualling of Bussell Highway, upgrades to key tourism roads in Exmouth and key freight roads through Toodyay.

“These projects will support our local regional economies, creating and supporting local jobs whilst also improving safety.”

The jointly funded package is supported by investments from the Commonwealth ($176 million) and WA Government ($47 million).

https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-42855

Statement on Malicious Cyber Activity Against Australian Networks

19 June 2020

Prime Minister, Minister for Home Affairs, Minister for Defence

Protecting Australia’s economy, national security and sovereignty is the Government’s top priority.

Based on advice provided to the Government by our cyber experts, the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC), Australian organisations are currently being targeted by a sophisticated state-based cyber actor.

This activity is targeting Australian organisations across a range of sectors, including all levels of government, industry, political organisations, education, health, essential service providers, and operators of other critical infrastructure.

We know it is a sophisticated state-based cyber actor because of the scale and nature of the targeting and the tradecraft used.

The Australian Government is aware of and alert to the threat of cyber-attacks.

The ACSC has already published a range of technical advisory notices in recent times, to alert potential targets and has been briefing States and Territories on risks and mitigations.

Regrettably, this activity is not new – but the frequency has been increasing.

Our objective is to raise awareness of these specific risks and targeted activities and tell you how you can take action to protect yourself.

Cyber security is a shared responsibility of us all. It is vital that Australian organisations are alert to this threat and take steps to enhance the resilience of their networks.

All Australian organisations who might be concerned about their vulnerability to sophisticated cyber compromise can take three simple steps to protect themselves:

1. Patch your internet facing devices promptly – ensuring any web or email servers are fully updated with the latest software.

2. Ensure you use multifactor authentication to secure your internet accessible infrastructure and cloud-based platforms.

3. Become an ACSC partner to ensure you get the latest cyber threat advice so you can take the earliest possible action to protect yourself online.

The ACSC and the Department of Home Affairs has published a more detailed technical advisory with advice for Australian businesses and organisations to protect themselves, which is available.

The ACSC has also been actively working with targeted organisations to ensure that they have appropriate technical mitigations in place and their defences are appropriately raised.

The Government’s 2016 Cyber Security Strategy – backed by a $230 million investment over four years – has strengthened Australia's cyber security foundations, stimulated private sector investment in cyber security and positioned Australia as a regional cyber security leader. The Government will release a new Cyber Security Strategy in the coming months, which will include significant further investments.

The Government also invested a further $156 million to build cyber resilience and expand the cyber workforce as one of our election commitments and we invested additional funding for a whole-of-government cyber uplift program.

The work of the Government’s Critical Infrastructure Centre and Trusted Information Sharing Network has also been focussed on the threats to critical infrastructure and other systems of national significance.

But there is more to do and we must do this work together – cyber security is a whole of community effort – government, industry, and individuals.

The risks are present and will continue to be present. That is why these investments are necessary and the protections we put in place necessary. The Australian Government will continue to do everything to keep Australians safe.

The Government encourages organisations, particularly those in the health, critical infrastructure and essential services, to take expert advice, and implement technical defences to thwart this malicious cyber activity.

Further information on how you can protect yourself and your business from cyber threats is available at www.cyber.gov.au.

https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-43989

Doorstop - Polo Flat, NSW

19 June 2020

DR FIONA KOTVOJS, LIBERAL CANDIDATE FOR EDEN-MONARO: Good morning everybody. It’s really good to be. I’m Fiona Kotvojs, the Liberal Candidate for Eden-Monaro and it’s a real pleasure to welcome this morning the Prime Minister and the Minister for Energy, Angus Taylor and Senator Jim Molan to Polo Flat. This is an absolutely fantastic programme. Snowy 2.0 is just doing so much for this electorate and this area but it is great to see work really starting. This concrete segment that is being built, 150 jobs here alone that is created and that is wonderful. So for me looking at this it is all about jobs, jobs, jobs. Jobs, which is something that we need and it’s wonderful to see the start of that happening. In addition, Snowy 2.0 is so critical for firming up our renewable energy supply and that is another real positive which will bring prices for power down. So I’m really pleased to welcome the Prime Minister and invite him to speak.

PRIME MINISTER: Thanks, Fiona. It’s great to be here with you, Fiona, and also to Angus and Jim and Paul Broad who heads up Snowy Hydro and particularly the 2.0 project. This is all about jobs. It’s very exciting to be here today. I have had an association with this project, not going back several generations like Angus Taylor, of course, but previously as Treasurer and now as Prime Minister. From the very start when the 2.0 project was coming together and the decision by the Government when I was Treasurer that we would fully own the Snowy Hydro project and all of its operations. And to now see with the approvals now in place, 500 people already on the job, another 300 to be on the job by the end of the year, some 4,000 people are going to be employed over the life of the project. To be here and to see the dozers out there and the trucks and to see Indigenous Australians involved, to see local companies like Cooma Steel, to see the young people today involved in the skills training program through the Monaro High School, the local Shire’s involvement, all of it is coming together. And this is what job making looks like. This is what we’re doing, job making, and you can see it happening here and it doesn’t happen overnight. It takes forward planning, it takes forward thinking, it’s taken the forward thinking and planning of this Government to be able to get this project happening and now it’s happening. We’ve just come through the town today and you can see the activity, talk to locals here today about what it means for jobs in rural and regional Australia. It is just so tremendously exciting and I know Fiona Kotvojs as our local Liberal Candidate here for the Eden-Monaro by-election who just can’t wait to get her teeth into ensuring, if she is successful at the by-election, to working as part of my Government to ensure we keep delivering the jobs that are part of this project. We’ve conceived it, we’ve worked to make it happen, we’ve made the investments of some $1.4 billion almost in equity in this project to make sure it’s happening. Big projects like this come with leadership, and we’ve only announced this week another 15 big projects all around the country that will benefit from a fast-tracked approval process. Some 6,000 jobs around the country. Again, that’s what job making looks like. Big projects, like this barnstorming project of Snowy Hydro 2.0. This is going to be a huge job generator in this community. And that's how you rebuild communities, that's how you build back. That's how you go through tough times, as we have through COVID-19. It's by embracing and leading on projects like this. So, whether you're generating producing milk, if you're making steel, if you're pouring concrete, if you're driving a truck, if you're looking for your future as an apprentice and going into training and skills, you need these big projects to deliver for your future. So, our JobMaker plan is all about big projects like Snowy 2.0. And with Fiona Kotvojs as a Liberal member for Eden-Monaro, locals throughout the community can have confidence that those jobs which we're creating here will be delivered, with a wonderful and enthusiastic and passionate local member. Part of a Government team delivering this all-important project for Australia, but importantly for the local communities whose history with the Snowy project is such an amazing part of Australia's national story. Now, I'm going to ask Angus Taylor to speak further as the Minister responsible for the project, and Paul Broad as well, to talk about how the project's going and how it's going to benefit the local community. Thanks, Angus.

THE HON. ANGUS TAYLOR MP, MINISTER FOR ENERGY: Thanks, PM. Great to be here with Fiona, with Jim, with Paul. Look, this is incredibly exciting for this region, for me as Minister, and for me personally. I grew up a few kilometres from here and I grew up towards the end of the construction, final construction, of Snowy 1, and Polo Flat, of course, was at the heart, this area right here, of the original Snowy project. But as I grew up, we saw less and less activity around here. But seeing the kit out here today, seeing the jobs being created, 150 jobs here on this piece of work alone, $55 million of investment. This is renewal for Polo Flat, it's growth and jobs for Cooma and the Snowy region, and, of course, this is great news for Australia. Now, so many local businesses and people involved will have 4,000 jobs created over the course of the project, 2,000 at the peak of construction. 500 already now, 850 by the end of the year. This is a jobs boom for the region. A jobs boom for the region. And, of course, that doesn't even include the local businesses that are involved. We were talking to the Wolf Family, Cooma Steel, just a moment ago. Cooma Steel, an iconic business in this area, started back in the '60s by the Wolf family for Snowy 1 and now involved in Snowy 2.0 in providing services and goods into Snowy 2.0. And so many other businesses, like Cooma Steel, that are involved in this project. Absolutely fantastic for the region. Now, it's also great news for Australia, because what this project is doing is putting downward pressure on electricity prices, keeping the lights on in tough times and, importantly, Snowy is the biggest renewable project in Australian history. And it means that when your solar cells are producing during the day, we can store that electricity and use it at night when the sun goes down. This is a cracking project for our electricity system. Downward pressure on prices, keeping the lights on, and growing jobs in this wonderful region. Thank you.

PAUL BROAD, SNOWY HYDRO CEO: Isn't that noise great? Can you hear me? Wonderful. That's progress, that's jobs. Thank you, Prime Minister, for coming down, and Minister Taylor. Prime Minister, you're absolutely correct. I remember on Budget night when you led the charge to buy out the states and take this project on. For us, that’s a huge thank you. These things don’t happen unless we all work together seamlessly and today is a big moment for us. This is crucial for 2.0. They build the segments that sit inside the tunnels that deliver the water. The amount of segments will stretch from here to Melbourne. It’s enormous, it’s enormous. And on global standards, what we’re building here in the Mountains, it stacks up against them all. The engineering challenges for the original scheme were complex, these are as complex. It’s wonderful to see that kids will have a future here. Kids that normally leave to get work in the city, the opportunity here. Out in Cooma, we have a country university led by Dean Lynch and others around here through an education, tertiary education, to get them the TAFE training. These are the things we want for our kids in our region for us to grow. This is just the start. And when I get you all out of [inaudible] I’ll show you something even bigger and more complex, this is a really important part of delivering our future energy delivering economic activity not just here, but in the whole nation and providing the economic changes that we will desperately need over the next few years. Thank you all very much.

PRIME MINISTER: Thanks, Paul. Fiona if you want to join me. Happy to take some questions. We’ve got some local journalists here so very happy to go to them first if they would like to raise any questions. Yes, please.

JOURNALIST: Does this mean the Federal Government has given the go ahead?

PRIME MINISTER: We’ve got some decisions which are pending right now and they’re not too far away. And what I was pleased to say earlier this week when I spoke at CEDA, the Committee for the Economic Development of Australia’s National Planning Conference this week, was that we’ve really been able to put the hard yards into speeding up approval times around these projects and there’ll be more work coming this way very, very soon.

JOURNALIST: Does that mean Snowy 3.0 is around the corner?

PRIME MINISTER: What you can take, not just from my presence here today, but on many other occasions when I have been here as Prime Minister, is we believe heart and soul in this project. We are all in on this project and we’re demonstrating we’re all in by taking out the states position in Snowy. Because we knew it needed a singular vision, a singular focus and a commitment of the Liberal Government to ensure we could see big projects like this be seen through to the end. And so that’s what you’re seeing here. We’re all in for Snowy 2.0, Fiona Kotvojs is all in for Snowy 2.0 and she is the right person to make sure local, that this project delivers local jobs for people right across the community. Any other local journos? It’s always good to have them here. The Canberra guys get to see me more often and they’ve already had two goes, both this morning and yesterday.

JOURNALIST: To be fair, Prime Minister, I was born in this electorate so I am a local technically.

PRIME MINISTER: There you go, you can get the first go, Brett.

JOURNALIST: Just wanted to clarify your comments this morning regarding cyber attacks, there has been some reporting there’s one major cyber attack that’s carried out on a bunch of institutions. Is that correct or is this more a case of a series of coordinated attacks over sort of recent months rather than one single act that has taken place right now attacking all of those institutions?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, Brett, I set out all these issues earlier today and I have made my comments on those issues and set out the Government’s position very carefully so I would just refer you back to the comments I made this morning.

JOURNALIST: It still remains unclear to people, though, has something specific prompted you today or last night to speak to the Opposition Leader and the state premiers about this matter?

PRIME MINISTER: It was time to ensure that we raised greater awareness about this issue, as I said this morning.

JOURNALIST: But is it one coordinated attack, is the headline Australia is under attack right now, hospitals, schools, local government, state government, federal government?

PRIME MINISTER: The Government doesn't write the headlines, Brett, the press does that and I don’t intend to interfere in that process. I have been very clear about what I’ve said about this today, earlier this morning.

JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, even though you haven’t attributed it to China, that is the I guess assumption amongst many. Are you concerned about retaliation by Beijing?

PRIME MINISTER: Again, I set all those issues out this morning and made my comments on that at Parliament House earlier.

JOURNALIST: When you say that Australia is currently experiencing these attacks, what did you mean by currently?

PRIME MINISTER: I mean currently.

JOURNALIST: Are you referring to a single, specific, ongoing attack?

PRIME MINISTER: I’ve already set out those issues and raised those issues in Parliament House this morning, together with the Defence Minister which was the appropriate place to do that and I refer you to those comments.

JOURNALIST: We’re only just seeking a bit of clarification because there is a lot of anxiety since this morning’s press conference and, as you say, you don’t write the headlines but we do and we’re just trying to help clarify the situation because people aren’t clear on it.

PRIME MINISTER: [Inaudible]

JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, on the issue of the Fair Work Commission, they have decided to raise the minimum wage by 1.75 per cent. What’s your response to that and given that businesses didn’t want that to happen, do you think it is an appropriate step?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, it’s an independent process we’ve always respected that processes and they have brought down their findings. But as I said yesterday in the House, what we're looking at here is people in jobs. And I want to see more people in jobs, and fortunately here in Eden-Monaro, and particularly here where we are in Cooma today, where we've got these big projects going, and there's big projects going on all around the country. The inland rail, as we were hearing before, people working on this project were working on that project. But equally as we come out of the COVID-19 crisis, what is important is that employers continue to have that flexibility. That's the real issue. I mean, rates of pay and those sorts of things weren't changed under the JobKeeper arrangement. What was enabled was greater flexibility and we will need to continue to have flexibility to keep people in jobs. You know, there's been a lot of discussion about the JobKeeper program. And as I've said repeatedly, we are always, it was always our intention to review that program and get the balance right about how the Government would continue to be able to support people going through these difficult times. But it is also very important that we maintain that flexibility for businesses so they can keep people in jobs. Lesser flexibility will mean more people will find themselves out of jobs. And so that's why I'm highlighting this as the thing that's going to be even more important in keeping people in jobs as we come out of the COVID-19 period. And so the independent process has made their decision. We've always respected that. What I'm saying is businesses will need continued flexibility to keep people in work, and that's what I'd be encouraging businesses and employers to be able to arrange sensible arrangements, which means people can stay in jobs and as the economy continues to improve, those hours can increase, and we can hopefully get back to as much as normal as is possible. So, I'd just stress the need for that flexibility. Flexibility will keep jobs and it will also, I think, make jobs.

JOURNALIST: Do you think this decision will affect jobs growth?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, that all depends on the flexibility that is available to employers to be able to keep people in work. And we haven't focused on the rates. We have been focused on the ability of employers to keep people in work, under sensible, flexible arrangements, which is what Australians need right now. We're in the job-making business. Fiona Kotvojs is in the job-making business. And as the local member for Eden-Monaro, if she gets that opportunity, as the Liberal member for Eden-Monaro, if she gets that opportunity, which we would earnestly recommend, then she will be in a position to ensure that she can keep job-making for Eden-Monaro and all the communities that make up this wonderful part of the country. Thanks very much.

https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-42854

Interview with Ben Fordham, 2GB

18 June 2020

BEN FORDHAM: Prime Minister Scott Morrison is live on the line. PM good morning.

PRIME MINISTER: Good morning, Ben.

FORDHAM: Thanks for joining us. How bad are they going to be?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, we'll all know what those figures are when they come out Ben and I, of course, don't know what they are at this moment. We'll know later in the day. But I think your assessment and the market expectations are certainly saying the same things. We're in a recession. And when you're in recession, these are the sort of very heartbreaking numbers that we have to deal with. And we've still got a long way to go. And so that's why it's so important that all of our efforts, all of our focus where the parliament's focus should be, certainly where the government's focus always has been, is on creating jobs, keeping people in jobs where we can and where people aren't able to hold onto those jobs that we could find ways to get them back into new jobs and grow our economy again as quickly as possible. I mean, the most recent figures we had, I said this on Monday when I was outlining further parts of our JobMaker plan, and we lost 30 months of jobs growth in the figures that came out last month. And that's heartbreaking because so many businesses, so many people work so hard to create all those jobs. And then almost overnight, we saw them go. So, you know, it's a tough time.

FORDHAM: I know you had a late night last night, and I know that you sweat on these things because you're worried about Australia and Australians. Are you thinking it's going into double digits?

PRIME MINISTER: I don't know, Ben. And that's not Treasury's advice. One of the most difficult things about this crisis is it's not like other economic downturns because it's been caused by a health event. It hasn't been caused by the economy. And when we went into this crisis with the economy strengthening with jobs being created and the Budget coming, the Budget was back in balance effectively at the time. And then this hit. And so we've got to deal with that, we’ve cushioned the blow through the biggest programmes of support through JobSeeker and JobKeeper and the cash flow assistance and the many other measures on leases that the states have done to cushion that blow. But we can't stop the blow. And so we've got to work our way through this. People are pulling together, businesses having to make some very difficult decisions about where their businesses are heading. But it is good to see more and more businesses opening up now. The restrictions are coming off, and I think people do get a sense that we're on our way back. Consumer confidence has recovered the losses that we saw months ago, and business confidence is also coming back. So we need to keep that going.

FORDHAM: One thing that would help is opening up the borders. And this issue is now headed to the high court. And this was all about protecting health, but now it's killing business big time?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, the story this morning, some 5,000 jobs have been costed a week on this. This is why I've been pushing this state so hard and,

FORDHAM: $84 million dollars a day. We’re losing?

PRIME MINISTER: This is why borders should be opened up. There's never been any advice which says they should be closed. And that's why this is so frustrating. I'm pleased that we've got a timetable at least now. And that's important because that means that particularly the tourism industry up in Queensland can now start planning to take people again when that turns back on. And to be honest, that, it would take about a month or so for them to wind back up again for a lot of those businesses to get themselves ready to receive visitors again. So they do need a bit of forewarning about this, but there was no reason for the borders to be shut in the first place. And so they need to be reopened. I know that within those states in particular, whether it be in Queensland or W.A. or Tasmania or South Australia, there are people there who believe that was giving them some protection. But, you know, Australia's had an amazing performance when it comes to the coronavirus. We haven't been going for a complete elimination. That's not a practical goal. What we're doing is staying on top of it. And the numbers show that we're doing that. And business should be able to open and employ people, it’s holding back jobs.

FORDHAM: PM, two universities in the ACT want to fly in about 300 foreign students next month. We've got to get international travel going at some point, obviously, after the state borders are open. But why not test it in this way, with the appropriate quarantine in place? Do you support the idea of testing this with some foreign students coming in?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, we do, I announced that last week, we're working with the ACT and South Australia at the moment, but I made it pretty clear to South Australia you can't have people coming from Singapore if you haven't got people coming from Sydney. And our universities need to be fully open to domestic students in the first instance before looking at this. But yeah, that's the model. And you can do it. I mean, we've seen it work with Australians returning and going into quarantine in hotels. So that system has proved very effective. It's actually kept the virus under control. And so we can start deploying those sorts of resources into those arrangements. And that will be good for those for that sector. And so we're looking to get the economy as open as is practically possible. There is a bit of a glass ceiling on the economy when it comes to you know, the ultimate restrictions, I mean, I can't honestly see international travel more generally, people coming from all over the world to Australia again anytime soon. I think there's the opportunity for Australians to engage in essential business travel, there are already exemptions for that at the moment, provided the quarantine arrangements are put in place when they return. So we'll look, we’re just looking to be as practical as we can about this, Ben, and open up the economy as much as possible, because that's what it's going to get the jobs back.

FORDHAM: Three quick ones. Australian warships have been deployed in the Indo-Pacific alongside some US aircraft carriers. There are a lot of Australians who are worried that things are heating up in the region. Do we need to be concerned?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, these are a part of our normal exercises and operations that we've been conducting for many, many years. It's part of those alliance relationships and it's an important part of our training and our development and our partnerships.

FORDHAM: Not about sending a message to China in any way?

PRIME MINISTER: These are our routine partnerships and exercises that we do. There's nothing extraordinary about that. And I don't think it would cause anyone any surprise who are looking in from elsewhere.

FORDHAM: Some of the damaging branch stacking recordings revealed this week were filmed in the office of a Federal Labor MP, Anthony Byrne. He's been exposed today for sending text messages to colleagues threatening to cut off heads and urinate on corpses. Earlier this week, Anthony Albanese told me, quote, “I know Anthony Byrne and he's a man of integrity.” Should he be reviewing those comments?

PRIME MINISTER: He doesn't seem to even be talking to him. I mean, Anthony Albanese has been totally burned by this scandal. I mean, let's be clear about this. What this is was described yesterday by Anthony Byrne himself as corruption. He wasn’t just talking, I mean, you know, branch stacking. We've all known about that in the Labor Party for years. But more seriously, this has gone to corruption. That's what Anthony Byrne has called it. That wasn't a political gibe from the Liberal Party or anything else. What all this shows, Ben, is that the Labor Party are absolutely at war. We're fighting for jobs, they're fighting each other. I mean, it's 10 years ago since the Kevin Rudd, Julia Gillard blow up here in Canberra and 10 years later, they're still doing it. They haven't changed. They've learnt nothing. I mean, we've been focusing on the terrible challenges of the coronavirus crisis. That's what these guys have been doing. They've been running around with all this nonsense. Anthony Albanese is leading a party in absolute chaos and disarray.

FORDHAM: I presume you've seen the video of these police officers being attacked on the central coast of New South Wales. How did you feel watching that vision, as the son of a police officer?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, upset, but not surprised because I know our police put themselves in harm's way every day and I know their families you know carry that with them as their loved ones go out and pull on that uniform every day. They confront the hardest situations you can imagine on a daily basis. Drug use, domestic violence, they see the most awful things and they have to live and carry that every single day. I'm pleased that today in the police force, under some great leadership over many commissioners now, the police get the support they need on mental health and first responder support, those sorts of things. I think that's tremendous because in my dad’s day, that wasn't around, when he was a young constable and today there is so much more support. But I think it's a reminder to all of us about the wonderful job that our police officers do for us. They step up into the breach on these occasions. So I think that is a tribute to them and I'm always incredibly grateful for what they do.

FORDHAM: Just lastly, the political reporter Peter van Onselen notoriously predicted that you would lose the last election. He said, “There's no way he can win.” I've got some bad news for you, PM.

PRIME MINISTER: What’s that, mate?

FORDHAM: He's now predicting that you can't lose the next one.

PRIME MINISTER: Well, help us from the predictions of any commentators, I think Ben, you'll be pleased to know. And I'm sure those many quiet Australians out there know that I don't pay too much attention to the pundits when it comes to their commentary or their predictions. I just focus on doing the job. And Ben, right now, jobs is what it's all about. I mean, first question to me about these jobless figures. I mean, this is the great challenge our country has. It's like nothing else. I know there's lots of other issues going on at the moment, Ben, but I’ve got to tell you, this one, this is what keeps me up every single night. It keeps me going every single day. We've got to get businesses open and Australians back into jobs. And the clock is running and we are working night and day to ensure that we can make that happen.

FORDHAM: Good on you. The clock's ticking on me as well, so I’d better let you go. Thanks so much for your time.

PRIME MINISTER: Thanks a lot, Ben.

https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-42851