Media Releases
Doorstop - Illawarra, NSW
17 September 2020
SENATOR THE HON. CONCETTA FIERRAVANTI-WELLS: Well, thank you, everybody, for joining us. And can I particularly warmly welcome the Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, to the Illawarra. He doesn't really need an introduction to the Illawarra because it's so close to his own seat of Cook, and also Minister Angus Taylor. It was good to visit BlueScope again today. BlueScope is an international company. It's a company that's always been at the cutting edge of technology. It's a company that reflects Australia's manufacturing history, not just in this town, but internationally. But it's also a company which reflects our migration history. As the daughter of migrants to this area, my father himself worked at BlueScope and like many migrants, helped to create the company that we have today, of which we're very, very proud of in the Illawarra. I'm sure, Prime Minister, that you saw this morning the wonderful things that we're doing here and the capacity of this company to be at the cutting edge of energy and issues. Thank you.
PRIME MINISTER: Well, thank you very much, Connie. It is great to be back here in the Steel city. And it's great to have Dr Foley also with us here today, the chief scientist of the CSIRO and, of course, the Energy Minister and Emissions Reduction Minister, Angus Taylor. We've been spending a bit of time together this week, Angus, because we've been outlining what is a very big plan for Australia's energy future, which means jobs right across Australia. It means jobs here in the Illawarra. It means jobs in the Hunter, it means jobs in North Queensland, Western Australia. The oldest heavy industry regions in the country because these regions have a future on the basis of the things that we've been announcing this week.
Today, we're announcing $1.9 billion of investment into ARENA, the Australian Renewable Energy Fund, which will develop and establish the next generation of energy technologies. Those technologies will not only assist us to meet and beat our 2030 emissions reduction targets, but importantly, it will assist that process of setting up the technologies that we will rely on for the 20 and 30 years beyond 2030. But even more important than that, the investments we're announcing today, 35,000 direct jobs and an additional 35,000 jobs above and beyond that through the flow on of these investments.
It's important that we understand the opportunities that are there for Australia, because those opportunities mean that we don't have to choose between jobs. We can have jobs in heavy industries such as this if we get the energy answers right and we can have jobs in new renewable technologies when it comes to energy. But wherever those opportunities present, they do equal jobs. And that's why this investment in ARENA is part of our JobMaker plan to ensure that we can keep Australia's employment ticker going up, particularly as we come out of this COVID-19 recession. As we come out of this recession, and it's pleasing to know here at BlueScope that they haven't skipped a beat. They've kept their production lines up. They've put COVIDSafe practises in place and they're well established to move forward. But as you go across the production line here, you can see that there are so many moving parts and every little bit counts, every bit you can gain on every process that will improve the profitability of this company and that means jobs. And so what we're investing in through this fund is the new technologies that will enable them to trial them to work together, whether it's here or in any other place, and those deals and those investments are yet to be determined. But we're here today because it demonstrates what we're trying to achieve, and that is to co-invest with industry to trial new technologies to reduce emissions, to lower costs and to support jobs.
Now, the King Review that was put in place by the Minister proposed that we do just this, that we broaden the remit of how we invest in low emissions technologies. We don't want a closed shop on how you invest in emissions reducing technologies that lower costs and create jobs. We can't have these funds constrained by what was put in place 10 years ago. We need a fund that is going to invest in the technologies of the future today and tomorrow. And so we can't have these artificial constrictions, a closed shop, an ideological, frankly, closed shop on how ARENA works. What matters is lowering emissions. What matters is lowering costs. What matters is creating jobs. And the changes we're seeking to make as a result of what we're announcing today achieve all those three goals. Whether it's in hydrogen, whether it's in carbon capture and storage, whether it's in soil carbon, whether it's in how you build homes, how you run hotels, all of these things, how you run your truck fleet. All of this can be done with lower emissions technologies today and we'll be able to do it even better in the future. But as Dr Foley, I'm sure, will tell us, if you don't invest and co-invest now, you won't see these things happen 10 years from now. And that's exactly what we plan to do with this fund.
So it is an exciting day. This is one of the oldest industrial regions in the country. And the people who work here have done an amazing job to ensure they have remained here, that they're continuing and they're finding better and new ways to do their business every single day. And it's our job to help them do that and to invest in the technological changes and the programmes that together, whether it's here or anywhere else, that will see them remain here into the future. Jobs now, jobs tomorrow and jobs into the future.
Angus?
THE HON. ANGUS TAYLOR MP, MINISTER FOR ENERGY AND EMISSIONS REDUCTION: Well, thanks, PM. It's absolutely fantastic to be back here at Port Kembla with the Prime Minister, Connie, Dr Foley and thank you to BlueScope for having us here. It's particularly great from my point of view to be back here. This is the first place I worked after leaving university. And to see it today versus back then in the early 90s is quite remarkable because what BlueScope has done, BHP as it was back then, is deploy technology to drive advantage, create jobs opportunities for Australians, not just here, but all around the world. They've been a pioneer in the deployment of new technologies, whether it's Colorbond, Zincalume, mini-mills. They have been there and that's what Australian manufacturing and industry is all about. So thank you again for having us here today.
Now, this announcement today is a $1.9 billion package is the next stage in our strategy of bringing down emissions while we create jobs and a strong economy through technology, not taxes. Through technology, not taxes. We are seeing remarkable reductions in emissions in our electricity grid, over four per cent reduction last year. Record levels of investment in solar and wind, $9 billion in 2019 and a similar number we expect for this year. And with that, emissions in the grid are coming down. One in four Australians with household solar, the highest rate in the world. But the electricity grid is only about a third of our emissions and falling. The other two thirds are in industry, in agriculture, in transport, in manufacturing. And we need to deploy the very best technologies and improve those technologies across all of those sectors to bring down emissions. But importantly, at the same time, to drive jobs, competitiveness and investment. And this package today, the $1.9 billion package, is all about achieving that. Of the $1.9 billion, $1.6 billion will be deployed by ARENA, $1.4 billion of base funding, as well as a range of other initiatives. And within that there is some really key initiatives that I want to highlight. $70 million for Australia's first hydrogen hub. We've already committed $500 million to hydrogen in this country, a technology with enormous potential, enormous potential. We do it now. It's not a new industry. We already use it for producing fertiliser, but we can do it better and with lower emissions in the future. And that's what our hydrogen initiatives are all about, $70 million dollars for a hydrogen hub. Future fuels are a focus on supporting new transport types into the market with electric vehicles or hydrogen and making sure the infrastructure is there for people to make their own choices about the sort of transport they want. Soil carbon, an opportunity with great potential for our farmers that combines their ability to produce more, more productively, more competitively and bring down emissions at the same time. We need to reduce the cost of measuring soil carbon and we can do it and that's included in this package today. Micro grids, we've already committed around $50 million to micro grids, but there's more potential there, great potential to pioneer new technologies on the edge of our grids in rural and regional areas, in agricultural regions to take those technologies that are emerging now, make them work in a particular area and then we can roll them out, roll them out elsewhere. Energy efficiency initiatives in industry. And of course, we've seen that today. I know this plant, BlueScope here uses far less energy per unit of steel per product than it did many years ago. And we can achieve more of that right across Australia in industry and in the way we build our housing, which is another of the initiatives today.
So it's a total package of $1.9 billion, which will deliver beyond 2030, 170 million tonnes of emissions reductions beyond 2030 and leading up to 2030, 32 million tonnes of emissions reduction on top of what we have already forecast. We will meet and beat our 2030 targets in a canter. This is another part of that canter, and it will position us to meet and beat any target beyond there, drive down emissions long term as we reduce our emissions across all industry and create jobs at the same time.
DR CATHERINE FOLEY, CSIRO CHIEF SCIENTIST: Hi, everyone. I'm CSIRO's Chief Scientist. My name is Cathy Foley. It's actually great to be here because a long time ago in the 1980s, I actually did some work for BlueScope, and it was a different company then, looking at the first continuous casting of steel and seeing whether or not you could actually do that. And then, you know, 30-plus years later, we've got this amazing industry here. And what you're seeing is a consequence of a whole lot of science experiments that eventually lead to the development of technologies and engineering that creates the industries and therefore the jobs and productivity for the nation like Australia, as well as being able to export and have the economic benefits that we all know and love and get a lot of personal enjoyment from.
The thing that's really important today is the realisation that there's not one silver bullet, not one science experiment, not one technology that's going to make the difference to allow us to have the emissions that we need in order to have the world and the globe that we want in the future. And so that means that the investment in a whole range of different technologies and science that is going to allow us to solve these, I think, stretch problems to be able to make the most of our human potential to sort through what is it that is possible to be able to create technologies that are allowing us to have new industries such as hydrogen. A few years ago, we would never even have thought of that as a potential export industry for Australia. But it's absolutely perfect. There are a few technical issues that need to be picked up to make it as cheap as possible, to make it as competitive, and also to make sure that we can use it as an export, using it by turning it into ammonia and then being able to ship it off. The thing that's really interesting, though, the investment in science now is going to be turning into the technologies of the future. It takes time and investment and I want to thank the government for the foresight in this because it's what we need right now. We're seeing the whole science sector across Australia really recognising the need to form together in a form of missions, looking at, for example, hydrogen as one as well as a way to have low emission technologies as well, and working to how they can work together to be able to make sure their work is lined up to jointly come to the outcomes that we're looking for.
So, Prime Minister, thank you for that. I think the science sector across Australia is really excited by this. I know in CSIRO we are really keen to work with you because we know science and technology is the way forward. And there's a lot of great opportunity here because we have some of the best researchers in the world and we're here to help. Thanks.
PRIME MINISTER: We certainly do have some of the best researchers and scientists in the world, and not just at the CSIRO, as you know, although we've got plenty of them. There's no doubt about that. Happy to take questions and stay focused on this topic first, but happy to deal with other topics.
JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, would this move be necessary if there was a market mechanism to provide certainty to businesses?
PRIME MINISTER: What you mean is, would this be necessary if we took the decision to increase taxes? Because that's what that is. We believe in meeting our emissions reduction targets through technology, not taxes. We don't want consumers to have to pay more for this technology. We're going to make the investments to ensure that they don't have to do that directly through high taxes. What we want to do is invest in these technologies now. And it's not just directly in the research projects. A big part of what we're announcing today, this is co-investment. So it isn't just government money going in. This is government money going together with industry money. People who also believe in what those technologies can do to be game changers on their production lines, on their farms, in their transport businesses, in their construction businesses. This is about jobs in our established industries and our future industries. It meets both of them. So, no, we don't agree with the proposition that you should increase taxes on energy to do this. We believe you should invest in science and technology to do this and that's what we're doing.
JOURNALIST: Prior to the election, Labor committed $15 billion to a similar kind of target. Realistically, how much funding and development is needed for companies like BlueScope to make meaningful switch over to these technologies?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, the investment alone through ARENA - and Angus will correct me if this isn't entirely the result - but this will facilitate around six billion, we understand, Angus, in investment, together with the private sector to drive a lot of this work. We're very clear about our commitments and targets. We've just beaten the 2020 target by some 430 million tonnes to reduce emissions. Our government has done that. That started, we came to the 2013 election with a plan for 2020. So seven years before the 2020 target, we had a plan when we're elected to meet that target. It was scoffed at. It was laughed at. They said it was never going to happen. Could never work. We beat it by 430 million tonnes. Now, we have a plan to meet our 2030 target as well and we will meet it in a canter. And these types of investments will ensure that we're able to do that, along with the emissions reduction fund, as it was once known, as the Clean Energy Fund now. All of that is designed to meet those outcomes. Now, I can't say the same for our opponents because they can't even tell us if they have a target for 2030. There's no excuse to go to the next election without a target for 2030. We did it in 2013 for 2020, and we had a plan to achieve it. And so if the Labor Party thinks that target should be different, they should say what it is and they should have a plan to achieve it and how much they're going to cost people on their jobs and their incomes if that's what they want to do. But people know where we stand. We're doing what we said we'd do at the last election. We're doing exactly that. We're investing in the technology. We're committed to the reduction targets that we've set out and we will meet them.
JOURNALIST: Does this announcement or these changes mean that ARENA and the CECS will no longer invest in wind and solar?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, wind and solar stands on its own two feet now. I mean, one of the great, I think achievements of the last decade is they've graduated. Now, there'll be, I assume, some more advanced technologies that may sit around this and around battery technologies, Angus, and you might want to comment on this as well. What we're doing here is we're removing the constraints to broaden the field of inquiry of science and research and technology and not allowing it to be narrow-tracked for political reasons. It's about lower emissions. There are no good and bad emissions reductions. There are only emissions reductions. Emissions reductions by different means have no greater or lesser moral qualities. Emissions reductions are emissions reductions. And you need to invest right across the field and you shouldn't constrain it. I mean, when the fund was initially set up, much of the technology we're talking about now was infant, if that. And so the constraints that were put on in that time did not have enough foresight. What we're doing today is taking the blinkers off those funds so they can actually invest in the technologies which will get emissions down because that's what people want. I agree with that. We want to get emissions down. We want to get costs down, and we want to protect and save jobs. And if you're too narrow a field, if you only let a few horses run on the race, well, you basically let Australia down and we're not going to do that. And anyone who wants to constrain how this fund can be applied because of ideology or politics, well, that's up to them. We just want to get on with finding technologies that reduce emissions.
Angus?
THE HON. ANGUS TAYLOR MP, MINISTER FOR ENERGY AND EMISSIONS REDUCTION: yeah, the challenge for wind and solar now isn't more subsidies. It's integration. It's how we integrate the wind and solar into our transmission networks and how we'd make sure there's the backup and storage so that when the wind doesn't shine and the... wind doesn't blow and the sun doesn't shine, the energy is there. And that is what is needed. So that's got to be the focus. But the point I made earlier I will re-emphasise now. Over two thirds of our emissions are outside the electricity grid. Dairying industry, manufacturing, transport, agriculture. And we need to have a technology focus in those areas. That's what today's package is about, as well as integrating that solar and wind into our system.
PRIME MINISTER: The 2018 [inaudible] also recommended that we go down this path, that we open this thing up and the King Review reinforce that. OK.
JOURNALIST: But to be clear though, we won’t see them investing more in wind and solar?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, I mean, if there are good projects and there are new advanced technologies, I mean, we're not going to throw money at things that have already been established. That's just rent seeking. If there's new technologies, we're interested. We're not going to be constrained by the shackles that were put there before. I think that just harms our longer term interests. I can't see the point of that. We've got a much more open minded view about how we can get emissions reduction in place and at the end of the day, that's the goal along with more keeping our jobs and growing our jobs and getting costs down for businesses like this, who operate in a very competitive environment. Last time I was here, we were announcing when I was Treasurer with the then Prime Minister how we were able to ensure that we kept the competitive position for exports of our steel and aluminium into the United States. Now, since becoming Prime Minister, we've been able to keep that arrangement in place, which has been good for jobs here. And so it's great to come back here to still see them doing well, to be powering through the COVID crisis, not skipping a beat. I met Emma out there on the shop floor. Emma came from hospitality before COVID hit, and she's now working on the line here. And that took the timing of that for her was obviously pretty good. But it just goes to show there are jobs here for young people and into the future and a future for them.
JOURNALIST: Earlier this week you announced the possibility the government would look to develop an old power plant. I guess an old technology plant for gas fired power plant. This one is championing new technology. How are those two meshing together?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, what we're talking about with these funds and these technologies are things that will scale and become part of the mainstream a decade from now. And, you know, at least five years from now for some of these, but a decade from now as well. So it's the next thing we're transitioning to. I wouldn't describe a new gas fired power plant as old technology. I would say it is very current technology and it has the flexibility to deal with firming renewable energy. The point that Angus has just made, what renewable, intermittent or variable renewables, solar and wind, which don't have that baseload capacity, what they need is the firming capability of things like gas fired or pumped hydro, also things that we're investing in. What that does is makes renewables work. Otherwise, you get variability in transmission and all of those issues, which I'm sure Dr Foley and Angus can go into at length better than I can. But the point is, you've got to have gas there, as I think, a very stable transition fuel that helps you move to another set of technologies down the road. But, you know, we're investing in carbon capture storage as part of this programme. There is $50 million that are going to that process, which provides futures for our existing and traditional industries, not just in the mining and resources sector, but also in power generation. Again, if it's being done with lower emissions then that's a good thing.
JOURNALIST: Do we need another gas-fired power station though if projects that are already in the pipeline like Tomago and here at Illawarra. If those expansions go ahead, why do we need…?
PRIME MINISTER: Yeah, I've heard the energy companies sort of put this view that we don't need another power station, gas-fired station. They said the same thing when Hazelwood closed down and they said, oh, there's plenty of projects and plenty of supply coming on and the prices won't go up and we will all be fine. Well, that's not what happened. And the customers know that, too. They're not mugs. They know that it's important to ensure there's enough supply in the market. And our proposition that the Minister and I made the other days is very clear. If they're going to go ahead and get the supply of this reliable power, we're not, we're not talking about variable power, we're talking about reliable power, which can be delivered through a gas-fired power station, which can actually get through the approvals process. It can actually happen. It's a real thing. Then that will, I think, deliver on the gap that will be created by the exit of Liddell when it comes out of the market. Now, this is something the government has been wrestling with for a long time. We've looked at many options. We had the Liddell Task Force, which the Minister put together. We worked with the state government. We worked with some of the big users up there. We were at Tomago just the other day. And what you need is reliable power into that market, particularly to support the almost 2,000 jobs that are up there at Tomago. And you can't have those aluminium smelters go cold. You just can't do it. They shut down. That's actually happening at the moment and it's happening over in New Zealand. And, you know, when you shut down your industry, that's what happens. You can't start them up again. So you can't take punts on this sort of thing. You've got to have certainties. And that's why we're saying we will build it if they won't. We'd much prefer them to do it. If they're saying it's not necessary, well, that's telling me that they think they are not going to build it. That's up to them. Tell you what we'll do. We'll build it.
JOURNALIST: I brought this just in case.
PRIME MINISTER: Sure.
JOURNALIST: It is not needed. I am local and regional media. Funding for regional media and broadcasters has been welcomed but it is, of course, a short term solution. There are many regional newsrooms that are going to exit when it comes around to the next election campaign if this continues. When will your government get serious about a long-term solution for ensuring that regional broadcasters have a future?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, it is a tough market for regional broadcasters. That's not new. The Deputy Prime Minister ran a regional newspaper, and it's been a long time since the paper he used to run has actually employed a new journalist. And that is sadly the consequence of a lot of the changes we've seen in digital media and global media and technology over the past many decades. But that has accelerated. And these forces are real. We can't pretend they're not there. And it's been vital in the work that I've been doing with the Treasurer and the Communications Minister through the mandatory code that we're working on with Google and Facebook, in particular, to ensure that these technologies do not overwhelm the ability for there to be commercial news broadcasters and services here in Australia. Now, that's not just at a regional level. That's even at a national level, such is the threat. And we're very conscious of that. And we need to put in place rules and regulations that are fit for today's media environment. The rules that were put in place for regional media many years ago, I think people would rightly argue have seen their day. Now, the Communications Minister will have more to say about this at an appropriate time. But what I want to assure you is we get it. We know the world has changed. We know that is impacting regional news services. It's why we actually, one of the areas we actually did increase funding to the ABC, it was actually in that area. But it's fine to have the ABC. But you also, that doesn't mean you don't want commercial regional players as well. And we understand that, the Deputy Prime Minister, Michael McCormack, has a keen focus on this and is also working as part of that plan. So we'll have more to say about it. But there's a lot more policy work to be done to get the settings right.
JOURNALIST: And on that, Prime Minister, the Communications Minister had said he would actually come and meet Australia’s largest regional broadcasting network here, the WIN Network, you will see it near BlueScope as you walk out the gates. He still hasn't been up here, is that a slap in the face?
PRIME MINISTER: I'm sure he'll get to that. He's been working on what he can actually come and engage with the regional broadcasters about. I mean, you know, you’ve got to work together on a plan and he's been working on that plan. And we were just having, he and I were only meeting about that in the past week or so.
JOURNALIST: Steven Miles has accused you of being desperate to tear down the Queensland Premier. Do you think it’s time they start taking responsibility for the human toll over their border closures?
PRIME MINISTER: Oh, look, there's an election in Queensland. And so political players are going to, you know, throw these insults around and mischaracterise what's going on. I'm not playing a role in the Queensland election. That's for them to explain that sort of, you know, rhetoric. I don't really want to buy into that. They've got a job to do. They should do it. I've never said the Queensland border should be taken down. What I've said is it should be managed sensibly. What I've said is it should be managed compassionately. What I've said is that they should explain to people what the rules for it are and the medical basis of it are. And you know, the case that I was seeking to deal with privately last week was a case where a young woman had come from the ACT, where there hadn't been any cases for more than 60 days and there were restrictions placed on her movement in Queensland. The Chief Health Officer there had said 28 days of no transmission was apparently the clinical standard. Well, there'd been more than 60 in the ACT. So I think those issues raised questions. Issues of double standards, which I won't go into again regarding how others have been dealt with favourably in this process. That's for them to explain and to the Queensland people. And it's for them to do that. It's not for me to give them those answers. I can't give most of those answers because they're not my policies. But as far as the borders are concerned, I understand why Queenslanders want it there. But I would say this - borders can't be relied on in isolation to make sure that we're safe from COVID. You've got to have strong testing and tracing. And to be fair, I think the Queensland tracing system has been very good and their testing system has been very good. I don't make criticisms about. The quarantine system has been very good. That's why we've increased the caps so people can come home. We're going to get an extra 2,000 people coming home now every week and there will be an extra 500 coming through Queensland. That'll mean Queenslanders coming home to Queensland. 500 extra in Western Australia. Western Australians coming home to Western Australia. And there'll be a thousand coming in a week and in both of those ports. Now, in both of those places, they were managing more than that before the Premiers asked me to put caps on. So we've lifted the caps up. Not all the way back to where they were before, but I hope to get to that position in the not too distant future because we've got to enable more Australians to come back. We've got past that initial crisis with the cases surging in Victoria and the cases surging, well, they didn't ultimately surge in New South Wales. The New South Wales government was able to stay on top of it. Well done. New South Wales will take 3,000 a week. The rest of the states will take the other 3,000. So New South Wales is its doing's job. We've got over 100 ADF people in Western Australia specifically working on quarantine. We've got over 300 ADF personnel in Brisbane working specifically on quarantine. So, you know, everyone will just do their job.
JOURNALIST: [Inaudible] states to take extra, what if they don’t want to do that?
PRIME MINISTER: The caps. Well, the planes will land with people on them and they'll be arriving. It's a decision. It's not a proposal. The Commonwealth government has made a decision that those caps have been moved to those levels and planes will be able to fly to those ports carrying that many passengers a week. And two weeks ago, we discussed this at National Cabinet. All premiers agreed that we had to do better than we were doing, that we sort of got past, you know, those initial shocks. It'll be great when Victoria can come back on line, the Premier said that yesterday and that'll be tremendous. They're not at that stage yet, to be fair. And we, the Victorian numbers look better each day. And the plan to reopen Victoria is, I think, accelerating. I welcome that. I think that's great. The sooner we can get them open safely again, the sooner we can get Australia open again when it's safe to do so well, that'll be great. I look forward to that day. And as you said, I want that done by Christmas.
JOURNALIST: Just on the Liddell issue, what are you going to do to power companies like AGL to hold them to account over their promises they’re making to Australians?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, it's pretty straightforward. They need to be at final investment decision by the end of April or we'll make our final investment decision. It's, that's how we'll do it. We'll just build it, if they don’t get to that point by then. That's fair enough. That's their call. They'll make their assessment. We can't force AGL to do anything under the law. That's their business. But this is our business, looking after customers, making sure power prices are low, making sure that people go to work at the Tomago aluminium smelter, that they can go to work here at BlueScope, that they can go to work in heavy industries all around the country. And also that householders can keep more of what they earn. And we've had electricity prices coming down. We've turned the corner on electricity prices, wholesale prices have fallen for 12 consecutive months. That's good. But we want to lock that in. To lock that in, we’ve got to get the supply right.
JOURNALIST: Prime Minister just back to COVID quickly, are you concerned you won’t see the full effects on unemployment until after JobKeeper comes to an end?
PRIME MINISTER: JobKeeper will transition. There's been broad agreement about that. JobKeeper was never a permanent programme. And soon we'll see a number of companies, a lot of companies graduate from JobKeeper. I was at one the other day, the Australian Reptile Park up near Gosford, Somersby. And they had JobKeeper, they shut down for three months. They kept 40 of their employees on board. They also got, I think, about $170 odd thousand to make sure they fed these zoo animals to keep the zoo operational from the animal's welfare point of view. They're opening up again now. They'll be off JobKeeper. They'll be going forward again. And I think that's also a credit to the New South Wales government in the way that they've been handling the virus, too, because it means people can move around again. They'll go in visiting that zoo. Businesses will be opening up again. The way you make that transition is you got to have these two things playing together. And that's why I've set the timetable which premiers have agreed to, except for Western Australia, to try and have all this open by Christmas and look forward to working with them to achieve that aspiration.
JOURNALIST: You say graduate though but for some businesses they will never open up again, they simply can’t afford to. Do you think there will be a truer representation of unemployment once the government support is withdrawn?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, I've always said that the unemployment figure we should be watching is not the measured rate of unemployment. The measured rate of unemployment is one thing, but we know it's much higher than that, we know the effective rate of unemployment is well over 10 per cent and can peak a lot higher than that. It had come down, I think, to just around 11 from about 14. Treasury advises it's going to stay up around that 14 mark. And we know that, and we want to see that come down. And it was falling before the Victorian wave hit us. And with Victoria opening up again, we would expect that to see that fall again. But you can't keep the Australian economy on JobKeeper forever. That is not a way to do things. Currently, it's costing about 11 billion dollars a month. There are a lot of other things we also need to invest in for Australia's growth. And our JobMaker plan, whether it's on investing in energy, in transmission, in gas, in new technologies. You know, the investment we're putting into skills training now, we've put a billion extra into skills, a billion extra into skills just this year, 340,000 places. And we need to start thinking of things we need to invest in to build and grow, to build back the economy and to build it for the future. And keeping the Australian economy on life support through those types of payments is not a long term plan. It's a short term plan. It's been an essential lifeline. It's there till the end of March. And in the budget in a few weeks’ time, we'll be announcing a lot of new plans. A lot of new initiatives that will see us grow out of this COVID recession. I mean, Australia was down, regrettably, 7 per cent in the June quarter. That put us in the top of the pack of the world's economies in terms of the impact of COVID on our economy. We learnt today, I think New Zealand is down 12 per cent in the June quarter. New Zealand shut their industry down. We did not. We had a 7 per cent fall. New Zealand had a 12 per cent fall. So I think we've made difficult but balanced decisions, which means on health and on jobs and the economy, we're doing better than almost every other developed economy in the world today, bar Korea and a couple of others, South Korea. So we'll continue to do that. That's what today's about. Today's about jobs. It's about future technologies. It's about lower emissions. It's about lower costs. And I want to thank BlueScope for having us here today again and having the opportunity to meet people around the plant. Dr Foley, thank you again for joining us. Appreciate that and Angus, great job on pulling all this all together. And Connie, it's always great to be here in Steel city. Thanks, everyone.
Interview with 4BC
17 September 2020
Neil Breen: Good morning, Prime Minister.
Prime Minister: G’day, Breeny. How are you?
Breen: I'm very, very well, thanks. What are you trying to achieve with this today?
Prime Minister: Create more jobs and to ensure we get emissions down, to meet our commitments and importantly, to get the costs down, and particularly for industry in manufacturing and agriculture. That's what this plan does. By investing in the technologies that we're going to have in five to 10 years from now. And you've got to put the investment in right now, whether it's hydrogen or in soil carbon or carbon capture and storage, these sorts of things, that's going to get our emissions down. It's going to get our costs down for manufacturers and it's going to increase the number of jobs, we estimate, by around up to 35,000 directly. And about that, again, indirectly.
Breen: Is it hard to get them to the public to engage in it at the moment? I think the public sees things like this sometimes and their eyes glaze over.
Prime Minister: Well, you’ve got to invest early. I mean, 10 years ago, people wouldn't have dreamed, frankly, of the technologies that we're now looking at. I mean, things move very quickly. And, you know, over the last 10 years, there's been investments in a whole range of technologies and now they're commonplace. And that's what this is. This is looking forward into the future over the next 10 years and saying what do we have to invest in now so that our trucks can run cheaper, so that our buildings will be more efficient and cost less for people living in them, as well as running, you know, their offices and their factories, and to ensure that our farmers can be even more productive and have lower emissions and lower costs. And that's how you generate the jobs. But you've got to invest in that technology. You can't constrict those investments. I mean, the funds that we currently have are restricted by law just to invest in solar and wind. Now, you know, when the sun's not shining, the wind's not blowing, well, you've got to have other things as well. But you've also got to have other things that can have lower emissions. And so it's just common sense stuff, Breeny.
Breen: Prime Minister, would you like to talk to the people of Queensland directly about this? At the moment you can't come here unless you do 14 days in an airport motel. Do you find that an odd situation?
Prime Minister: Well, I'm not like anyone else... I'm like anyone else, I should say, Neil. I mean, there shouldn't be a double standard for the Prime Minister and others who are coming from Sydney or the ACT. I mean, I don't, I'm not asking for special rules to apply to me and I don't think special rules should apply. It's not my decision as to how they run the borders, but if there are those rules, then I'll comply with them the same as anyone else. But I do know that there should be exemptions for hardship cases. We've talked about those before and I know you've done a great job on raising those cases. So I think these things need to be sensible. They need to be compassionate and they need to be efficient and they shouldn't be permanent. They should come down when it's safe to do so. And that safety argument, I think, is getting stronger and stronger every day.
Breen: Ray from Redcliffe writes him with a question I wanted to ask, but he asks it better. He says, ‘Morning, Breeny, could you ask the Prime Minister how he feels about the states, particularly Queensland, doing their own thing during the pandemic?’ And that's a question I've wanted to ask you. How do you feel that the country has splintered?
Prime Minister: Well, the Federation, you know, is eight states and territories. They're all independent ultimately on these sorts of things. And you try and get them to move in the one direction as best you can. And largely that's what's happened. On the issue of borders, that's not the case. States have taken different decisions not just to have borders, but how they've run them. I mean, in New South Wales and Victoria and South Australia, they're all working together to get their border down. That's what they're doing right now. And they're working with the Federal Government to do that and having common rules about how they achieve it. Thankfully, the situation in Victoria is improving. Victorian regional areas are opening up now. And that means, you know, it shouldn't be too long before we can get that border down in Victoria. But, you know, that could well happen. The border between New South Wales and Victoria is likely to come down before the one in New South Wales and Queensland.
Breen: Which is crazy, crazy stuff.
Prime Minister: Well, I know Queenslanders like the border being there, so I get that. I do get that. But it has to be done in a sensible and compassionate way that doesn't cost jobs and doesn't hurt the state. And they're the things the state governments are responsible for. See, the Federation works best when everybody takes responsibility for the things they're responsible for and the outcomes of that. And no doubt people in Queensland may feel that the borders are protecting their health situation. I understand that. But there's also the impact that it is having more broadly on jobs and business and industry in Queensland. And ultimately, they're the things that have to be weighed up. You've got to have a balanced approach is my point, Neil, and we've always tried to manage both the health effects and the economic effects together. It's just not one or the other. You have to achieve both to be successful.
Breen: Prime Minister, were you offended when our Premier said you bullied her?
Prime Minister: Oh, look, I don't dwell on these things, Neil. All I was looking to do that day, frankly, was to help Sarah go and say farewell to her dad. That's all that was in it, from my point of view. I'd spoken to Sarah privately during the course of that morning. I'd spoken to the Premier privately.
Breen: We know that's true because you asked us to keep all this quiet. You didn't want it to be a public thing that you were calling in the Premier.
Prime Minister: Exactly. That's all I wanted to have happen. I'm glad she was able to at least go and see her father. And I know her stepsister has also been offended by this. I understand you lose a parent and people are hurting and I get all that. All I was seeking to do was just help Sarah see her dad on the day she had to say goodbye.
Breen: And she was very thankful and she wrote us a letter and we passed it on to you. I’ve got to let you go, Prime Minister, we're jamming up to the news. I could talk to you all day. Thanks so much. Good luck with the Sharks in the final. We won't be cheering for them.
Prime Minister: Thanks a lot, Breeny. See you.
Interview with Today
17 September 2020
KARL STEFANOVIC: The PM joins me now from Kirribilli House in Sydney. PM, Good morning to you.
PRIME MINISTER: G'day, Karl.
STEFANOVIC: There is no way you are going to be let in, you are enemy number one up there.
PRIME MINISTER: Look, I don't think there should be double standards. I don't think I should be treated differently to anybody else. There has been a lot of discussion about some of the hardship that people have gone through terribly in relation to how this border operates. The same rules should apply to me as to anyone else. But, you know, those rules should be fair, they should be sensible, and they should be compassionate too, I think. But look, I'll follow the rules like everyone else Karl, even if those rules from time to time seem a bit hard to work out.
STEFANOVIC: Sounds like you are going, are you?
PRIME MINISTER: We have got Parliament sitting through most of that time, Karl, and the Budget. So that's obviously going to be the focus of my attention. Look, it would be great to get up there, it would be great to get to many places. I was in Newcastle earlier this week, it was wonderful to be up there announcing our new big gas plans. Today I'll be heading down the coast announcing some other big plans on our future energy technology. $1.9 billion, 35,000 jobs, lower emissions, lower costs. It's a great plan that's going to set up jobs in manufacturing, agriculture, industrial, steel production. Exciting stuff.
STEFANOVIC: So are you going to be going to the AFL grand final or not, just to clarify?
PRIME MINISTER: I have no plans to be there, I don’t. The Prime Minister always seeks to go there when they can. I think that will be difficult given the arrangements they have got. But, look, I've got a busy job and I’ve got a lot to do at the moment and I'll keep on with what Australians need me focusing on. That doesn't mean going to the AFL grand final, I suspect.
STEFANOVIC: How did you feel last week when the Queensland Premier said you were bullying her?
PRIME MINISTER: Look, I was only interested last week in Sarah being able to say goodbye to her dad, Karl. I rang the Premier privately about it. It became a public matter when the Premier raised it in the Parliament, that is unfortunate. But look I was just focused on that, that was the only issue. And, look, I shake these things off and I move on.
STEFANOVIC: From what I know of you, you are a straight shooter, PM. I wouldn't imagine, it wouldn't have sat that well with you. Were you bullying her?
PRIME MINISTER: No, of course not, Karl. I just asked that she show some discretion on this particular case. We have raised many cases in the past and I have sought to do it privately. I don't want to add any more to that issue. I think that family has gone through enough.
STEFANOVIC: No matter what you do or say, PM, Annastasia Palaszczuk will hold firm.
PRIME MINISTER: No-one is saying she needs to bring the borders down. I understand how that fits in the way that they are managing things and I know that is supported by Queenslanders. But Queenslanders also want to ensure that there aren't double standards, they want to ensure that things are run well. But, look, that's a matter for the Queensland Government. I haven't come on this morning to pick any arguments with Annastasia Palaszczuk, or anyone else for that matter. They are managing those issues and they are accountable for those issues.
STEFANOVIC: How many times did you reach out in either written form or in phone calls to Dan Andrews offering ADF support?
PRIME MINISTER: That's again a matter of public record, the officials have supported the inquiry down there. To be honest, it's not something Dan and I are talking about now. I'm keen to see Victoria open up. I said a few weeks ago when they announced the plan that I hoped that this was the worst case scenario in terms of what the plan would be. I'm pleased to see that they are moving more quickly than that. Not quickly enough, I'm sure, for many in Victoria. But that's what Dan Andrews and I are working on at the moment. Just how we can get this happening. We are not pouring over those issues of weeks and months ago. That's for other people to do. We will keep working together. People just expect me, I think Karl, to work with premiers to try and get stuff done. Sure it gets frustrating from time to time, there is an election on in Queensland so you can expect a lot of politics out of there. I'm not looking to engage with that, I just want to make sure Australians are safe and that they are in jobs.
STEFANOVIC: There are reports this morning your expert medical panel has new definitions for COVID-free zones and hotspots. Will they make any difference? The ACT has been COVID free for 65 days now.
PRIME MINISTER: I think those reports are overstated. I'm not expecting a lot of progress on that by Friday. The Commonwealth has its hotspot definition. I think that's a sensible definition. I think if other states want to have more extreme definitions then that's up to them ultimately. But that obviously has implications for how they run their show and what it means for people's jobs and all of those sorts of things. I'm sure they will keep working on that. What I'm encouraged by is that in Victoria we are seeing regional areas open up. I know the New South Wales Premier is keen to get that border down as soon as she can and the South Australian Premier as well. So it may be we will have a border down between New South Wales and Victoria and South Australia before we have one down between New South Wales and Queensland, where the case numbers are radically different.
STEFANOVIC: I get what you are saying. Meantime you are planning to bring more Australians home. How will you do that PM? Will you use RAAF or chartered Qantas planes? There are a lot of planes sitting idle right now.
PRIME MINISTER: There is no need for that. We simply had to do is lift the caps. The states asked me back in July to put caps on entry into our big ports in Sydney and Queensland and in Western Australia. Obviously, people couldn't go into Victoria then because of what was happening. There was pressure on the quarantine system. So we agreed to that. We are well past that now. We have done a full review of all of those quarantine arrangements in those states. What's happening is NSW will take about 3,000 a week, up 500. WA will go from 500 to 1,000. Queensland will go from 500 to 1,000. We have got ADF supporting all of those arrangements. In Western Australia there will be about one ADF officer for every ten people who come in and that's just with the ADF they have got now. So I think that decision has been made, that starts Friday week. We will get 2,000 more people in, coming through normal commercial flights. They will go through the normal hotel quarantine arrangements. There’s plenty of hotel rooms in all those cities. I particularly want to thank New South Wales, they are getting on with this and they are taking half the number. So they are people who are going home through Sydney, then on to Queensland or Tasmania or particularly Victoria. This is going to let West Australians come home to Western Australia, Queenslanders come home to Queensland. They were all taking more than this before caps were put in place than what we are asking them to do now, so look, it's a decision, I think it's pretty reasonable. We should get on with it.
STEFANOVIC: Two really quick ones for you. It's being reported this morning your Government is considering - incredible story this - a $25 billion private sector-led infrastructure plan according to The Australian. Is that true?
PRIME MINISTER: The Budget will be announced in October. Our infrastructure plans will be laid out there. There is always lots of speculation before budgets, Karl, you know that.
STEFANOVIC: Good plan though.
PRIME MINISTER: We will make our announcements in the Budget. We have already brought forward very significant infrastructure investment, about $10 billion, but that goes to what we are doing with energy, with gas, with gas pipelines, with new gas-fired power stations, with the big plan we are announcing today, 35,000 jobs, investment in new technologies like hydrogen technologies. You think 10 years ago, Karl, the things we are talking about now for future energy they weren't even imagined 10 years ago. That's why we need to update how we do that, we need to change the rules about how we can invest in these technologies. It's not just about solar and wind now, it's about hydrogen, it’s about carbon capture and storage, it’s about being able to produce steel at lower emissions lower costs and to keep those jobs. And that’s what I am interested in doing.
STEFANOVIC: A new citizenship test finally this morning is out now. I'm just wondering this morning, PM, would Dan and Anna pass the mateship test?
PRIME MINISTER: I'm sure they would. Look, this is important, because it is communicating to people, particularly around English language. One of the things I learnt when I was Immigration Minister, Karl, and Social Services Minister is that people's employment outcomes as a migrant to Australia rapidly increase if they have got a good strong command of English. That is such an important skill that migrants who come to Australia need to have the best possible life in Australia. And so this puts an even greater emphasis on English language. It is in their interest, in Australia's interests, it is our national language, it helps people get jobs, support themselves and not have to rely on welfare.
STEFANOVIC: I can't believe the Prime Minister of this country can't go to the AFL grand final. It's a travesty.
PRIME MINISTER: Well, it's interesting times, isn't it? I mean, you never know, maybe they will change their mind. Who knows?
STEFANOVIC: Don't hold your breath, PM.
PRIME MINISTER: I'm not about to hold my breath, Karl, I can assure you of that. I'll have to focus on the Sharks making this year's NRL grand final.
STEFANOVIC: Whoa, whoa, whoa.
PRIME MINISTER: I'm a bit more focused on that.
STEFANOVIC: Thank you PM, have a great day, always appreciate your time.
PRIME MINISTER: Cheers guys.
Interview with Sunrise
17 September 2020
DAVID KOCH: Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, thanks for your time. How concerned are you that so many Australians are still stuck overseas?
PRIME MINISTER: We are. We have increased the support to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade quite considerably to help people in those areas but we have made the decision to increase the number of people who can come back into Australia by about another 2,000 every single week. The Deputy Prime Minister has written to the Premiers about that. That will come into effect on Friday week. Back in July, the Premiers asked that we take the heat off the quarantine system by putting these caps in place and that is when Victorian numbers were surging and New South Wales had their challenges and that was reasonable at the time. But we have done the review of quarantine. We have got ADF people into Western Australia and Queensland and New South Wales and other places so now is the time we’ve got to start taking those caps off again and so this will see another 2,000 people come back every week. And, look, I think it is a sensible move and two weeks ago at National Cabinet, we all agreed we had to get on with this and so we are.
KOCH: So you don't need the approval of the Premiers to get this up and going? You can just enforce it?
PRIME MINISTER: No. We went through a process with our officials to work out what was the best way to get people home and it's on commercial flights, going through the hotel quarantine system which the states have been running, in most cases extremely well. We have just reviewed all that through an agreed process. And so this will see New South Wales still taking half of everyone who is coming back and Queensland will go from 500 to 1,000 and Perth will go from 500 to 1,00 but, you know, we have got between those two states alone over 400 ADF people on the ground helping with quarantine already.
KOCH: A lot of Australians are really distressed. I know you are across the interview we did yesterday with a Perth couple Chris and Candice Dix who were stranded in Ukraine unable to get home to their kids. Do you have any update on their situation?
PRIME MINISTER: I understand they will be coming home shortly and obviously this decision will help that. We've also got passports to them. As you know, the government also helped them get to Ukraine in the first place and so we have been assisting them as well now trying to get home. So this decision that has been made, I think, will certainly help that and speed the process up.
KOCH: OK. Will we have enough planes to bring people back and meet those quotas? I noticed Anthony Albanese suggesting we use Air Force or government jets to bring people back.
PRIME MINISTER: No our advice as there is no need for that. There are plenty of commercial planes, they just need to lift the caps so they can run the services to Australia. It's the caps that were stopping the planes. So, you know, we are happy to agree to the Premiers request back in July but we are over that hump now and so we can start lifting those caps. I really want to thank particularly the New South Wales government. They are carrying half the load here and they are not just Sydneysiders and New South Wales people coming home. They are Tasmanians, they’re Queenslanders, they’re Western Australians. So they are making sure they can get home to their state eventually too.
KOCH: Yep and anyone with coronavirus from another state gets counted in the New South Wales one in quarantine, which must be annoying for the Premier.
PRIME MINISTER: That’s true.
KOCH: Hey, that's the international border situation. The state border situation, Annastacia Palaszczuk is saying you are going to have to quarantine for 14 days if you want to be on the hustings for the state election coming up. Are you prepared to do that?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, look, we have Parliament sitting through all of that period and we are doing the Budget as well, David, so whether I was ever going to be able to get to Queensland anyway is a sort of secondary issue. I have got federal responsibilities. But I should be subject to the same rules like everyone else. I don't think there should be double standards about these things. I think the same rules should apply. And I know the hardship from speaking to people first hand about what these things are meaning for people. We have got to get this resolved and we have got to get these borders down eventually. Not right now. I understand the concerns that are there. I have never said they had to bring them down immediately. I have just said we have got to have sensible and fair exemption systems and not have double standards and explain that we are doing. Every state has a different situation and I respect that, but at the same time, we have got to get to a situation where having these things doesn't mean we are winning as a country when we deal with the virus. We have to live with the virus, not let the virus destroy the way we live.
KOCH: Absolutely. Just on another topic today, you are announcing a $1.9 billion investment package to help lower emissions. What technologies will you be investing in? You are saying solar power has had all the encouragement that it needs. You are going to look at other alternatives.
PRIME MINISTER: Hydrogen is a big one as part of that but there are also things like carbon capture and storage, there is the technology that is used in steel plants and household capture. All sorts of carbon capture is used in our agriculture industries. It is about manufacturing technologies which can be used to lower emissions energy. But it is about jobs. About 35,000 jobs, particularly, that'll come from this. I mean, 10 years ago Kochie, you will know, that the sorts of things we are now working on for energy were jets and streams back 10 years ago and so we have got through solar and wind and we have got to firm that dispatchable, reliable power and I have talked about the need for gas being the transition fuel. But where we are going to, that's what this phase is investing in and that will create the jobs of the future. But to keep the jobs of now as well, which is incredibly important, and support our manufacturing and industrial industries, our construction industries, where there are so many jobs and you can do that with lower emissions, more jobs and lower costs.
KOCH: So a focus on hydrogen. I know they are trying to introduce that into the Whyalla steelworks.
PRIME MINISTER: Yes. That’s exactly right. Alan Finkel, the Chief Scientist, this has been an important project that he has been pursuing. We have got partners in Japan that are working on this project. Australia will be a world leader in this hydrogen technology. It will support freight movement, trucks, it is very exciting stuff. But it is still some years off. But you have got to invest now to get the payoff 10 years from now and so we have to broaden the basis of these funds that were originally set up and just looked at solar and wind. That was fine but now we have to move on to next-generation technologies.
KOCH: Prime Minister, I know you have to go. Appreciate your time, thanks for joining us.
PRIME MINISTER: Thanks, David.
Investment in New Energy Technologies
17 September 2020
Prime Minister, Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction
The Morrison Government is investing in new and emerging technologies that will support jobs, strengthen our economy and reduce emissions.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the $1.9 billion investment package in future technologies to lower emissions would back jobs now and into the future, cut costs for households and improve the reliability of our energy supply.
The Prime Minister said the Government is supporting the next generation of energy technologies with an extra $1.62 billion for the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) to invest, as well as expanding the focus of ARENA and the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) to back new technologies that will cut emissions in agriculture, manufacturing, industry and transport.
“Our JobMaker plan is about protecting and creating the jobs of today and positioning Australia for the jobs of the future, which is why our investment in new technologies is so crucial,” the Prime Minister said.
“Australia is in the midst of a world-leading boom in renewable energy with over $30 billion invested since 2017. Solar panels and wind farms are now clearly commercially viable and have graduated from the need for government subsidies and the market has stepped up to invest.
“The Government will now focus its efforts on the next challenge: unlocking new technologies across the economy to help drive down costs, create jobs, improve reliability and reduce emissions. This will support our traditional industries – manufacturing, agriculture, transport – while positioning our economy for the future.
“These investments create jobs and they bring new technologies into play. This will not only cut emissions, but deliver the reliable energy Australia needs while driving down prices for homes and businesses.”
The new package also invests in a range of promising low-emissions, reliable new technology advancements including:
Supporting businesses in the agriculture, manufacturing, industrial and transport sectors to adopt technologies that increase productivity and reduce emissions through a new $95.4 million Technology Co-Investment Fund that was recommended by the King Review
Piloting carbon capture projects that will dramatically help cut emissions with a $50 million investment in the Carbon Capture Use and Storage Development Fund
Helping businesses and regional communities take advantage of opportunities offered by hydrogen, electric, and bio-fuelled vehicles with a new $74.5 million Future Fuels Fund
Setting up a hydrogen export hub worth $70.2 million to scale-up demand and take advantage of the advancements in this low emissions, high powered source of energy
Backing new microgrids in regional and remote communities to deliver affordable, reliable power with $67 million
Contributing $52.2 million to increase the energy productivity of homes and businesses, including a sector specific grant program for hotels supporting equipment and facilities upgrades
Slashing the time taken to develop new Emissions Reduction Fund (ERF) methods from 24 months or more to less than 12 months, involving industry in a co-design process and implementing other recommendations from the King Review into the ERF, worth $24.6 million
Boosting energy and emissions data and cyber-security reporting and supporting the delivery of future Low Emissions Technology Statements under the Technology Investment Roadmap process, as well as developing an offshore clean energy project development framework, together worth $40.2 million
Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said getting the next generation of energy technologies right would not only help to keep prices low and the lights on, but would importantly grow jobs, strengthen the economy and reduce emissions.
“We will reduce the cost of new and emerging technologies, not raise the cost of existing technologies or layer in new costs to consumers and businesses through mandated targets or subsidies,” Minister Taylor said.
“The Government recognises the strong growth in emerging energy technologies that will play a role in Australia’s energy mix into the future. We need to get the balance right and our investment to re-energise ARENA will deliver that.
“ARENA has played an important role in this growth, and as the cost of renewable technologies has fallen dramatically, the Government is investing in the future of ARENA to support the next generation of energy technologies.”
The Government’s emissions reduction strategy is focussed on technology not taxes. An approach that doesn’t compromise energy affordability or reliability will be more important than ever as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Government will provide ARENA with guaranteed baseline funding of $1.43 billion over 10 years. ARENA’s baseline funding will be supplemented in two ways:
Together with the Clean Energy Regulator, ARENA will be approved to deploy a portion of the $2 billion Climate Solutions Fund; and
ARENA will also become a clean technology grants hub for future initiatives, with a new $193.4 million provided to deploy targeted programs.
The Boards of ARENA and CEFC will continue to be accountable for individual investment decisions. The Government will introduce new legislation so both agencies can support new and emerging low emissions technologies (including zero and negative emissions technologies). That ensures they will be able to support critical technologies such as soil‑carbon sequestration, carbon capture and storage, production of green-steel, and industrial processes to reduce energy consumption.
This package will contribute to Australia’s continued success in meeting and beating our emissions reduction targets. Australia beat its Kyoto-era targets by up to 430 million tonnes and the Government is on track to meet and beat our 2030 Paris target.
As a nation, Australia has done far better than similar export-oriented countries with emissions now 14.3 per cent below 2005 levels. This is an achievement all Australians can be proud of.
Early-stage investment is a proven method to accelerate the development of new and emerging technologies. The Technology Investment Roadmap will provide a strategic framework to prioritise the Government’s investments.
Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment for Western Australia
16 September 2020
Prime Minister, Minister for Agriculture Drought and Emergency Management, Minister for Government Services
The Australian Government has extended Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment arrangements to include Western Australia following agreement with the Western Australian Government.
The $1,500 Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment is now available to Western Australian workers who cannot earn an income because they must self-isolate, quarantine or care for someone with COVID-19.
The Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment is already available in Victoria and Tasmania.
If an individual is instructed by WA Health to stay home from work, and does not have access to income such as paid leave or other Commonwealth Government payments, they may be eligible for the payment. They may also be eligible if they’re the parent or guardian of a child aged 16 or under who is a close contact or has tested positive for COVID-19 or they are caring for someone with COVID-19.
In line with arrangements with other states, Western Australian workers will not be eligible for the payment if they are receiving income, earnings or salary maintenance from work, receiving JobKeeper Payment or other forms of Australian or Western Australian Government income support. People can claim the payment again if their self-isolation, quarantine or caring period is longer than 14 days.
To date, more than $13.3 million in Pandemic Leave Disaster Payments has been paid for some 9,000 granted claims since 6 August.
The fastest and easiest way to make a claim is over the phone by calling Services Australia on 180 22 66.
More information is available on the Services Australia website.
Q&A - Tomago, NSW
15 September 2020
Question: I appreciate the discussion about fuel security. That's certainly something that we've got a real interest in. And I also appreciate your open-minded approach to using technology to be able to reduce emissions from fossil fuels, especially with carbon capture and storage, which actually has huge potential down the track to be a significant part of our energy world. But the most important thing sounds like the production of some more dispatchable power. And for a company like Bloomfield, which uses power in its washing plants and all over the shop, this would be something that we are looking forward to. Because at the moment, it's pretty tough and we're looking to try and keep every cent of our production costs under control and power is one of our major production costs. So we really welcome that. And does this mean that Bloomfield won't be asked to do any more load shedding?
Prime Minister: I'll make one point and then I'll let Angus deal with that last one. Having a more efficient cost base for all Australian businesses is how you create jobs. You understand that better than I do. And there are a range of areas in which we're seeking to make that cost base much more competitive, and lower taxes is an important part of that, of course, and what we've done on lower taxes up until now, that has been a huge part of our economic plan and it will remain so. And as the Treasurer has flagged, he'll have more to say about those things in a few weeks’ time. But when you look at all the other costs that make up businesses in Australia and particularly in businesses like yours and energy intensive industries, this is one of the biggest factors. And whether it's the gas feedstock that goes into their businesses or whether it's the cost of the power itself, we have to have ways of getting that down to a sustainable and consistent level. It's not just about trying to get it down for a little while. It's about getting it down and keeping it down. And that's what we were talking about today. That's what we believe the changes that we will be making are designed to do. To get it down and keep it down, because you've got to be able to plan for the next 5, 10, 15 years with the scale that we want to see in these industries. And this is why we've come to this conclusion that where the government has to do things, well, we will. Our preference is always that the private sector will do these things, whether it's on generation or ultimately how transmission works. But we're not in a position particularly of being in a COVID recession or of waiting now. And we can be a significant capital player in these decisions. But we don't want to crowd capital out. We just want to make sure that we can meet the capacity which will keep those prices where they should be. And, look, with a more reliable grid, with more dispatchable power that isn't subject to the weather, then that, of course, creates greater stability and businesses need stability to operate.
But, Angus, did you want to…?
The Hon. Angus Taylor MP, Minister Energy and Emissions Reduction: Thanks, PM. Good to see you, John. And of course, no one likes enforced load shedding. It's a terrible thing when it has to happen. Sadly, more of it has been happening in recent years than we would like, particularly in South Australia, but also here. But the good news is in the rules, the reforms that the PM described in his speech, there is a very strong focus on shifting to enforced load shedding to making sure we have enough dispatchability to avoid that and that's critical. It's good you're sitting right next to Paul Broad, who's part of the answer there with Snowy 2.0. Fantastic to see you Paul. But also to the extent that somebody is going to load shed, it should be voluntary and wherever Matt Howe is, he’s here in the room, I saw him earlier, he knows all about that load shedding. I mean, there should be recognition of the role that smelters and others play in doing that and appropriate compensation for that very important role in the grid. But enforced compulsory? No. That's why we want more dispensability in the system.
Moderator: Anybody else? Ok.
Prime Minister: Can I just make a point about dispatchables. I don't care what source the dispatchables come from. None of these, as someone once said, have moral qualities. They're just things that produce energy. They obviously have different implications. But we will meet our emissions reduction standards. The plan that Angus has put together so sensibly and we are implementing, we will meet those standards. We will meet those commitments. And we're very serious about them. But we don't believe we've put Australia in a position where we have to choose between meeting standards and sensible targets and surrendering people's jobs. And we have to be practical, though. When we deliver this dispatchable energy to support the grid, it's got to be things that actually turn up. I'm not interested in having a ten year debate with people about getting an approval for a project that may never happen. I want to focus on something that will happen. And we know that we can get something up here in Newcastle with a gas-fired plant. And we know we can get support for that. We know we can make that happen. So we have to dwell in the realm of reality. The Commonwealth Government does not have control of all the levers about what projects get approved and what don't get approved. I'm not interested in having a fight about it. I'm interested in actually getting power generation, a thousand megawatts, in place by that deadline. Because if that doesn't happen, the prices are going to go up. So I'm interested in things that can deliver that outcome. We're a very practical government, incredibly practical, and I can assure you that the COVID-19 crisis and the recession that it has caused has made us even more practical. I'm interested in stuff that works. I'm interested in stuff that gets done. And I'm interested in working with people who want to do both of those things and I reckon there's a lot of people in this room just like that today.
Moderator: Thank you, Prime Minister. Thank you, Minister Taylor.
Gas-Fired Recovery
15 September 2020
Prime Minister, Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction, Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia
Gas will help re‑establish a strong economy as part of the Government’s JobMaker plan, making energy affordable for families and businesses and supporting jobs as part of Australia’s recovery from the COVID-19 recession.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the Government would reset the east coast gas market and create a more competitive and transparent Australian Gas Hub by unlocking gas supply, delivering an efficient pipeline and transportation market, and empowering gas customers.
The Government will get more gas into the market by:
Setting new gas supply targets with states and territories and enforce potential “use-it or lose-it” requirements on gas licenses
Unlocking five key gas basins starting with the Beetaloo Basin in the NT and the North Bowen and Galilee Basin in Queensland, at a cost of $28.3 million for the plans
Avoiding any supply shortfall in the gas market with new agreements with the three east coast LNG exporters that will also strengthen price commitments
Supporting CSIRO’s Gas Industry Social and Environmental Research Alliance with $13.7 million.
Exploring options for a prospective gas reservation scheme to ensure Australian gas users get the energy they need at a reasonable price
We will boost the gas transport network by:
Identifying priority pipelines and critical infrastructure as part of an inaugural National Gas Infrastructure Plan (NGIP) worth $10.9 million that will also highlight where the government will step in if the private sector doesn’t invest
Reforming the regulations on pipeline infrastructure to promote competition and transparency
Improving pipeline access and competition by kick-starting work on a dynamic secondary pipeline capacity market
To better empower gas consumers, the Government will:
Establish an Australian Gas Hub at our most strategically located and connected gas trading hub at Wallumbilla in Queensland to deliver an open, transparent and liquid gas trading system
Level the negotiating playing field for gas producers and consumers through a voluntary industry-led code of conduct, to be delivered by February 2021.
Ensure Australians are paying the right price for their gas by working with the ACCC to review the calculation of the LNG netback price which provides a guide on the export parity prices
Use the NGIP to develop customer hubs or a book-build program that will give gas customers a more transparent and competitive process for meeting their needs
“To help fire our economic recovery, the next plank in our JobMaker plan is to deliver more Australian gas where it is needed at an internationally competitive price,” the Prime Minister said.
“We’ll work with industry to deliver a gas hub for Australia that will ensure households and businesses enjoy the benefits of our abundant local gas while we hold our position as one of the top global liquefied natural gas (LNG) exporters,” the Prime Minister said.
“This is about making Australia’s gas work for all Australians. Gas is a critical enabler of Australia’s economy.
“Our competitive advantage has always been based on affordable, reliable energy. As we turn to our economic recovery from COVID-19, affordable gas will play a central role in re-establishing the strong economy we need for jobs growth, funding government services and opportunities for all.”
Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said reliable and affordable gas was more important now than ever.
“A gas-fired recovery will help Australia’s economy bounce back better and stronger while supporting our growing renewable capacity and delivering the reliable and affordable energy Australians deserve,” Minister Taylor said.
“We are building a robust and competitive gas industry that will allow both gas producers and users to thrive, with lower prices and lower emissions benefiting all Australians.”
Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia Keith Pitt said the Government’s Gas Plan would drive job creation and economic growth in northern and regional Australia.
“This commitment will encourage investment to unlock Australia’s vast resources potential – boosting exports, jobs and energy supplies,” Minister Pitt said.
“Developing Australia’s untapped gas resources will help to deliver more affordable and more sustainable gas supply that supports households and businesses.”
Gas supports the manufacturing sector, which employs over 850,000 Australians and is an essential input in the production of plastics for PPE and fertiliser for food production. In 2019, Australia was the largest exporter of LNG, with an export value of $49 billion.
Low gas prices also drive down electricity prices, benefiting all Australian households and businesses. Gas complements our world leading renewables sector by keeping the lights on when the sun isn’t shining and the wind isn’t blowing.
The Government wants the private sector to step-up and make timely investments in the gas market. If the private sector fails to act, the Government will step in – as it has done for electricity transmission – to back these nation building projects. This may include through streamlining approvals, underwriting projects or the establishment of a special purpose vehicle with a capped Government contribution.
The Government has already taken a number of important steps to ensure affordable and reliable gas prices for Australian users, including increasing domestic supply through the Australian Domestic Gas Security Mechanism, supporting the development of the Beetaloo Basin, and successive Heads of Agreement with east coast LNG exporters.
Gas is part of the Government’s plan to reduce emissions without imposing new costs on households, while at the same time creating jobs, growing businesses and the economy.
The Prime Minister said the Government would also work with state governments through a program worth up to $250 million to accelerate three critical projects – the Marinus Link, Project Energy Connect and VNI West interconnectors.
“These links will help put downward pressure on prices, shore up the reliability of our energy grid and create over 4,000 jobs,” the Prime Minister said.
“Our plan for Australia’s energy future is squarely focused on bringing down prices, keeping the lights on and reducing our emissions and these interconnectors bring us a step closer to that reality.”
Together with the Government’s existing support for HumeLink and the QNI Interconnector, this means we are accelerating all priority transmission projects identified in the AEMO Integrated System Plan.
The Government's plan will hold the energy companies to account and maintain downward pressure on electricity prices while simultaneously developing the backbone of a reliable, lower emissions National Electricity Market for the next decade and beyond.
Ensuring Affordable, Reliable and Secure Electricity Supply
15 September 2020
Prime Minister, Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction
The Government is setting a target for the electricity sector to deliver 1,000 megawatts of new dispatchable energy to replace the Liddell power station before it closes down in 2023.
To protect families and businesses against the risk of price rises, the Government will step up and back a new gas power plant in the Hunter Valley if the sector doesn’t replace Liddell’s capacity.
The Liddell Taskforce found closing the plant without adequate dispatchable replacement capacity risks prices rising by around 30 per cent over two years, or $20 per megawatt hour to $80 in 2024 and up to $105 per MWH by 2030.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the Government’s JobMaker plan was focused on delivering affordable, reliable energy that would ultimately support the economy and new jobs.
The Prime Minister said the potential price increases were unacceptable and would represent a huge hit to families, businesses and job creating industries in NSW if the energy generated by Liddell wasn’t replaced.
“Affordable, reliable and a secure electricity supply is critical to our JobMaker plan for households, businesses and industry,” the Prime Minister said.
“We won’t risk the affordability and reliability of the NSW energy system and will step in unless the industry steps up.
To ensure we do not have a scenario without replacement, the Government is giving the private sector until the end of April 2021 to reach final investment decisions on 1000 MW of dispatchable capacity, with a commitment for generation in time for summer 2023-24.
However, if, by the end of April 2021, the private sector has not delivered on the target, the Government will take necessary steps to ensure the required dispatchable capacity is built.
To this end, Snowy Hydro Limited is developing options to build a gas generator in the Hunter Valley at Kurri Kurri should the market not deliver what consumers need.
Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said the market has a clear obligation, as an essential service, to step up and deliver affordable, reliable power for consumers.
Minister Taylor said that since 2010, investment in dispatchable capacity had slowed to a trickle, with only around 1.6 GW of new dispatchable capacity connected in the national electricity market.
“The Government has always been clear – we need to see life extension or like-for-like replacement of Liddell,” Minister Taylor said.
“Over the last decade, the private sector has not built a single new reliable power plant in NSW.
“And in the five years since the closure of Liddell was first announced, the private sector has only committed to a single dispatchable generation expansion – a 100MW addition to the existing Bayswater plant. This falls far short of what is required.
“The Government expects industry to step up and deliver the new dispatchable capacity required to ensure a reliable and affordable energy system.
“If industry steps up, we’ll step back.”
The Prime Minister said the Government would also work with state governments through a program worth up to $250 million to accelerate three critical projects – the Marinus Link, Project Energy Connect and VNI West interconnectors.
“These links will help put downward pressure on prices, shore up the reliability of our energy grid and create over 4,000 jobs,” the Prime Minister said.
“Our plan for Australia’s energy future is squarely focused on bringing down prices, keeping the lights on and reducing our emissions and these interconnectors bring us a step closer to that reality.”
Together with the Government’s existing support for HumeLink and the QNI Interconnector, this means we are accelerating all priority transmission projects identified in the AEMO Integrated System Plan.
The Government's plan will hold the energy companies to account and maintain downward pressure on electricity prices while simultaneously developing the backbone of a reliable, lower emissions National Electricity Market for the next decade and beyond.
Boosting Australia's Fuel Security
14 September 2020
Prime Minister, Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction
The Morrison Government is taking action to secure Australia’s long-term fuel supply, keep prices low for consumers and create over 1000 new jobs with a $211 million investment in building new domestic fuel storage and backing local refineries to stay open wherever commercially possible.
As part of our 2020-21 Budget, the Government will enhance Australia’s fuel security and bolster local industry through a $211 million investment in new domestic diesel storage facilities, reforms to create a minimum onshore stockholding, and measures to support local refineries.
This will be delivered through a combined market and regulatory framework, with three key elements:
Investing $200 million in a competitive grants program to build an additional 780ML of onshore diesel storage
Creating a minimum stockholding obligation for key transport fuels; and
Backing the refining sector by entering into a detailed market design process for a refinery production payment.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Australia’s fuel security was essential for our national security and that we had been fortunate to not have experienced a significant fuel supply shock in over 40 years.
“Our positive changes to the fuel market will ensure Australian families and businesses can access the fuel they need, when they need it, for the lowest possible price,” the Prime Minister said.
“Fuel security underpins our entire economy. Not only does it keep Australia moving, the industry supports thousands of people across the country and this plan is also about helping keep them in work.
“Like all sectors of the economy, the COVID-19 pandemic is having an impact on Australia’s fuel industry. The events of 2020 have reminded us that we cannot be complacent. We need a sovereign fuel supply to shield us from potential shocks in the future.”
Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said the Government recognised that Australian refineries are under significant financial pressure and is committed to working with the sector to ensure it has a long-term future.
“Almost all Australians are reliant on fuel and it is the lifeblood of so many sectors in our economy. Our farmers and miners rely heavily on diesel to do their jobs and provide services, while the transport sector sources 98 per cent of its energy from liquid fuels,” Minister Taylor said.
“That’s why it is critical that Australia has control over its fuel security arrangements and the Government is making sure of that.”
The construction of diesel storage will not only secure our diesel supplies but will support up to 950 jobs, along with 75 new ongoing jobs, many in regional areas.
A minimum stockholding obligation will act as a safety net for petrol and jet fuel stocks, and increasing diesel stockholdings by 40 per cent.
The Government will work with industry over the next six months on the legislative and regulatory design of the package.
Refineries play an important role in securing Australia’s fuel security and putting downward pressure on fuel prices for consumers. Modelling has shown that a domestic refinery capability is worth around $4.9 billion (over 10 years) in value to Australian consumers in the form of price suppression.
The Government is committed to a sovereign on-shore refinery capacity despite the threat to the viability of the industry. This is why we will design a market system for a production payment that recognises those fuel security benefits. It has been designed to protect Australian families and businesses from the around 1 cent per litre increase that modelling shows will hit fuel if all refineries close in Australia. For refineries to receive support, they will be required to commit to stay operating in Australia.
The Government recognises that the future refining sector in Australia will not look like the past. However, this framework will protect Australian families and businesses from higher prices and will secure jobs in the fuel sector and in fuel-dependent industries, such as our farmers, truckers, miners and tradies.
Additional measures will also be introduced to reduce the burden on industry and improve fuel market information.
This includes modernising the online fuel reporting system to make it easier for industry to report stock levels to Government and improve the timeliness of data. The Government will also remove the application fees for fuel standard variation requests.
This domestically-focused package builds on Government action to purchase up to $94 million of crude oil at record low global prices to be stored in the US Strategic Petroleum Reserve for access during a global emergency.
Supporting our refineries will ensure Australia has the sovereign capability it needs for any event, protect families and businesses from higher prices and support thousands of jobs across the economy as we recover from COVID-19.
The Hon John Fahey AC
12 September 2020
Australia today is mourning the passing of the Hon John Fahey AC.
John was an Australian and Liberal original.
Twenty years ago today, Sydney was about to host the Olympics - an event that defined both our city and our nation.
As John leapt to his feet on hearing the news his Government had secured the Sydney Olympics for Australia, he seemed to be embodying the shared joy of every Australian.
The securing of the Sydney Olympics by the Fahey Government, by John Fahey, working together with Bruce Baird and Rod McGeogh, in many ways led Australia out of the 1990s recession. It gave Australians hope and belief.
But it was also the image of John as Premier on his knees at St Mary’s in Sydney as fires ravaged NSW that spoke to his quiet faith and humility.
John Fahey was an optimist, who believed in Australia, because he knew how much it had enabled him in his own life.
John’s was truly an Australian story of his generation. He gave more than he received. His cheery and cheeky smile was what always left his impression on you, long after the topic or issue had passed.
In his day, John was not your typical Liberal. A Catholic, rugby league player and smoker from South West Sydney. As a Liberal he broadened our outlook and connected us with an ever widening aspirational population.
He was notoriously slow at working a room, but that reflected the deep connections John formed with so many he met. John Fahey gave everyone his undivided attention.
John described his liberalism as: “hard head, soft heart”. It was an approach he would take as Premier and as Federal Minister for Finance.
As Federal Minister for Finance, John Fahey, along with John Howard and Peter Costello drove the historic turnaround in Australia’s finances in the late 1990s. As well, they set in train a service revolution in telecommunications.
After 17 years in State and Federal politics and a distinguished career of public service, John left politics in 2001 due to ill health. John said at the time: “I want to do some more things. I want to continue to give to the community. I intend to continue to work.”
He got that wish.
John went on to be a director of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Chancellor of the Australian Catholic University, chairman of the Rugby League Development Board and fittingly given his history, chairman of the Sydney Olympic Park Authority. In 2007, John became chairman of the World Anti-Doping Agency, one of the most significant sporting administrator roles in the world.
John was a tremendous Liberal. He was a mentor to many, including Joe Hockey and Marise Payne.
He was one of a kind who had an earthy and tested faith and who was sustained by his loved family.
To John’s wife Colleen, and his surviving children Melanie and Matthew, and his grandchildren Amber and Campbell, Jenny and I extend our deepest condolences.
Restarting Australia's Business Events Sector
11 September 2020
Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Development, Minister for Trade, Minister for Trade Tourism and Investment, Minister for Industry, Minister for Industry Science and Technology
Thousands of jobs across the tourism and hospitality industry will be backed through a $50 million injection to help restart Australia’s vital business events sector.
Businesses will be encouraged to attend events, trade shows and conferences within Australia through grants to help cover the costs associated with exhibiting such as the hire of exhibition spaces, the design and manufacture of displays, travel and accommodation.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Australia’s lucrative $36 billion business events sector had virtually ground to a halt during the COVID-19 crisis.
“Getting business events up and running again will be a critical part of the recovery of our tourism industry, but will also have huge flow-on effects through the entire economy,” Prime Minister Morrison said.
“This is not only about supporting events companies and venues, but will also be a shot in the arm for a broad range of businesses and the people they employ - whether it’s accommodation providers, those who build exhibitions, caterers, cleaners or those offering audio-visual services.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the program would provide opportunities and encourage businesses from regional Australia to attend events in their own backyard.
“With many international trade shows out of reach for the time being, making it less expensive and easier for regional businesses to attend events in Australia will also present new opportunities to connect with and secure new customers,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“Business events encourage domestic travel and the more events we can lock in, the more people we can get flowing through our airports, on planes and staying in hotels around the country.”
Federal Tourism Minister Simon Birmingham said the sector had been hit hard during the COVID-19 pandemic with around 95 per cent of business events for 2020 either cancelled or postponed.
“Our business events sector is doing it incredibly tough at present and getting events put back into the calendar will help this key part of our tourism industry which supports around 230 000 jobs turn the corner,” Minister Birmingham said.
“By incentivising attendance by exhibitors this should give event companies and organisers across Australia the confidence they need to move ahead with the planning of business events.”
Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said the investment would also make businesses more resilient.
“Many Australian businesses are looking to each other to strengthen their supply chains, to prevent the shocks they experienced at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Minister Andrews said.
“Connecting businesses through trade shows and conferences will help unlock widespread collaboration and boost domestic capability by creating and expanding local supply chains.”
Under the Business Events Exhibitor Grants program, Australian businesses exhibiting at an approved business meeting, convention, conference and incentives event in 2021 will be able to apply for upfront grants to cover up to 50 per cent of their costs ($10,000 - $250,000).
This initiative is part of the Morrison-McCormack Government’s $1 billion COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Fund, which is supporting regions, communities and industry sectors severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
For more information, go to: Tourism and Business Grants.
Interview with Peta Credlin, Sky News Live
10 September 2020
PETA CREDLIN: Well, tonight, 26 year old Sarah Caisip is alone in a hotel quarantine room. Earlier today, as we've told you, she was allowed out of that hotel room to view the body of her dad, accompanied by police, lest she hug her mom or get close to her 11 year old sister. Now, despite appeals from people who heard about her plight today, right up to the top office in this country, Sarah was refused permission to attend the funeral today at 2 o'clock. The Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, who took up Sarah's case, joins me on the phone live now from Canberra. PM, it's a heartbreaking story. I know you personally called the Premier this morning, you appealed for some for some help to overturn this ban about the funeral, that was rejected as we know. But after your call to the Queensland Premier, she went into the parliament and accused you of trying to bully her. What's your response?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, look, Peta, I don't really care what they say about me. It's not about me. It's not about her. It was about Sarah. It was about Isobel. It was about Myrna. And and it was about Bernard. That's the only stuff that mattered today. It wasn't that borders. It wasn't about whether they should be up or down. It wasn't about, even about jobs today. And jobs are incredibly important, as you know. But this was just one day I had hoped that something different could be done. And I spoke to Sarah today and we chatted for a little while. She sent me a lovely message. But that just, I think just shows the generosity of her spirit on a, just what must have been the most horrible of days for her. I've seen the images of when she went to see her dad and there've been some shocking days during the course of this pandemic. And today was, today just hurt. And it wasn't. It's not just about Sarah's case as, because there are others. You've just been talking about one on your programme now. You know, we've got to find, if if these things have got to be up, if that's the view, they gotta find a better way. Those who have decided these measures are necessary, that they've got to find a better way to deal with with the heart here. I mean, I've dealt with many Premiers on many, many different issues all the time. I've dealt with the Queensland Premier on other issues. Sadly, today, I didn't have the influence that I would hope to have. But Sarah doesn't get today back.
CREDLIN: No, she doesn't.
PRIME MINISTER: She never gets it back. And that just fills my heart with sadness.
CREDLIN: PM, the Premier accused you when she went into the chamber. She said something along the lines of, you would make this private call between the two of you public anyway so she was going to get ahead of you. Now, I know that's not right. I know that you were determined that it was not to go anywhere near the media because you wanted to do the best and try and get an outcome by 2 o'clock. How is it that there's rules for footballers and for celebrities and Hollywood superstars, but ordinary people in all of this are being left behind?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, I think that's why people are so frustrated today when they see double standards. I mean, Queenslanders are fair minded people. I know that, I'm sure quite the vast majority of Queenslanders would support the borders being in place. That's why it's not about that. It's about, Queenslanders are very fair minded people too, they, and I think this is what would would offend them, the double standards that are there. But no, you're right. I look, I didn't want to see this become a public issue today. I mean, because largely for Sarah and Isobel and Myrna’s case, I mean, you know, they were trying to deal with the loss of their husband and their father today. And all of this was happening around that. And I'm sad that that has been the case. I mean, I've raised many cases with the Premier. I’ve probably raised more than 40 cases I think by correspondence I haven't made those a matter of the public record. I've raised other issues with other Premiers, and particularly with the New South Wales Health Minister, Brad Hazzard. There was a case that we worked together on last week. And I really thank Brad for the great work that he did on that. Neither he or I were rushing off to the cameras or anything. We just worked together to get it sorted. And and that's how it should work. And I think that's what people expect of us to do, to pick up the phone to each other in these cases and to raise these issues. And that's what I sought to do this morning. And at least I'm glad she got to say one last farewell to her father, Bernard. I'm pleased she was able to do that, but gee I wish she was able to give her mum and her sister a hug. And, you know, the other part was Peta, police officers we ask to do some hard things. Could you imagine being one of those police officers today with her, with Sarah? Honestly.
CREDLIN: Yeah I think of them today, too. I mean, that's the last thing that they would want to do. And she was in Canberra, as we know, only for a couple of months, there’s no COVID cases in Canberra.
PRIME MINISTER: No.
CREDLIN: She she is a graduate nurse. You know, we can't see her at this point in this middle of trauma doing the wrong thing.
PRIME MINISTER: Of course not.
CREDLIN: It seems inhumane to me?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, it's hard to draw any other conclusion. And I don't really I don't want this to be an ongoing thing between me and the Premier. We need to work together on so many other issues. I mean, the Premier set up this unit where people can try and pursue these things to try and get exemptions. And I welcome that. I welcome the changes she's made to get these boarding school students home. Great. But, you know, we've got to find, days like this where these cases present surely we could have dealt with this better today.
CREDLIN: I just spoke to Bruce Langborne and he's the dad of Mark, Mark himself is dying of cancer in Brisbane, is a father of four, four kids under 13. They were told they'd have to choose one child, now you’re a dad. Could you choose Abby over Lilly to say goodbye to? You know, one, not the other?
PRIME MINISTER: Never. Never.
CREDLIN: In all, in all, yeah well this is the point, right? So in all of this race we have now to protect human life from this virus. Are we losing our humanity?
PRIME MINISTER: Well these, the way these decisions are being made, we're at great risk of that. Of course we are. I believe people during COVID, they're all trying to do the best they can. But when the rules are written in such a way that officials are following them and the way they are being asked to follow them, then that is the great loss that has suffered. We are going to lose so much as a result of this this dreadful virus. And we're all sick to the back teeth of this thing. I just don't want us to lose any more than we have to. And whether that's our humanity or whether that's our kid’s schooling or whether it's that last hug or embrace or whatever it is, I just refused to allow that to be lost to this virus wherever it is avoidable. Now, if someone had been coming from you know inner city Melbourne or something at the moment to Queensland, of course, I think most people would understand, there's a serious community outbreak in Melbourne. There's been no case in the ACT for more than 60 days. I mean, their own rule said, that they were putting forward, that there’d have to be no transmission for 28 days. Well, that's double that. And I just, I'm just mystified at the discretion not exercised today. It's within their gift. It was in their gift. And the gift was denied.
CREDLIN: Rules are for the obedience of fools, and the guidance of wise men and wise women, you know that PM. I've got to ask you, I know you're in between Budget meetings and I've got to ask you about Victoria just quickly, in the Herald Sun today huge cross-section of business leaders, they want to see more from the Premier in terms of a recovery. Now, I know federally you've got COVID group of business leaders trying to drive this economic recovery, you’re not waiting to get to the, to the sort of the end point of the health crisis to start the economic recovery. It's in tandem. What can Victoria do now? What heft have you got to get the Victorian Premier to get the recovery moving now?
PRIME MINISTER: Well I mean the very process you just spoke of, and the COVID Commission we set up with those business leaders. I just met with them yesterday and we've been framing a very detailed response to go back to the Premier and that will be between the Commonwealth and the state government and we will raise that with them in the appropriate way. And we hope that that will help them as they continue to adjust their plans. We've done a lot of work with industry as to how the suggestions that we can positively and constructively make. I said earlier in the week that we would be coming back with constructive feedback, and that's exactly what we're doing. And, you know, the Premier and I, we continue to work together. We might not agree all the time, but that's all right. I mean, that's not unusual. But I appreciate the fact that we're continuing to do that and we'll make that submission. But, you know, you need business. You need industry. You need community groups, not just the government. I mean, Australia is more than the government. It is, it is everybody. And we're going to need everybody to get us out of this. And I know businesses want to be employing people again, but it's got to be done safely. Businesses are saying that. I mean, business are talking about how they’re contact tracing, because they know to open up, they need to get the health outcomes right. I mean, the health is not to be traded off for the economy. You can actually achieve both when you bring them together and work to them together.
CREDLIN: Prime Minister Scott Morrison, thank you for your compassion, but thank you for your time as well tonight.
PRIME MINISTER: Thanks a lot, Peta. Good to talk to you.
Interview with Ray Hadley, 4BC
10 September 2020
Ray Hadley: The Prime Minister has been in contact with me. He's on the line right now. Prime Minister, good morning to you.
Prime Minister: Good morning, Ray.
Hadley: I note, in your note to me, this is all about Sarah you wish to talk about and getting to that funeral. What are we going to try and do, if we can do anything?
Prime Minister: This is a heartbreaking story it was brought to my attention early this morning. And so I rang the Premier this morning and I've appealed to her to overrule a decision that would allow Sarah to go to the funeral today. And to be honest, it's not about borders. It's not about the Federation. It's not about politicians. It's not about elections. The only thing that matters today is that Sarah can be with her 11 year old sister, Isobel, and her mother, Myrna, while they mourn the passing of their father and husband, Bernard, at Mount Gravatt today. That's the only thing that matters today. And this is a heartbreaking case. And I know that in Queensland, people support there being borders and all those things. It's not about that today. It's about ensuring that in this case that Sarah, who I spoke to earlier today and just to encourage her, that she has the opportunity to go and do that. She's from the ACT but she is a Queenslander, I understand, and she moved to the ACT earlier this year and sadly, she wasn't able to see her father before he passed. She tried to get up there. But the process to get an exemption to travel took 20 days, I understand, and so she missed that opportunity. And this is her last opportunity to say farewell to her dad. Now, all of us who have been through that process know how important a day like today is. It is still fresh in my mind.
Hadley: Could I say something to you, Scott?
Prime Minister: Yeah.
Hadley: My dad died 45 years ago, mate. I know your dad passed more recently. It's still in my mind, mate, it’s still on my mind. I still remember my dad from 45 years ago like it was yesterday, mate.
Prime Minister: Yep. It was Father's Day on the weekend. And I'm just thinking of Sarah, she had to go through that day in a hotel in isolation and there she is today. And, look, this isn't about the Premier of Queensland and me or anyone else. And it's just about that. Surely, in the midst of all of this heartache in COVID and everything that everyone's going through, surely just this once this can be done. It can be done. There have been no COVID cases in the ACT for more than 60 days. I just hope they change their mind. And I hope they let Sarah go to the funeral. I have done all I can. There's obviously been discussions between our Chief Medical Officer and raising that with them and health ministers. And I have these conversations with premiers on a range of issues all the time, and I don't seek to make them public. I didn't seek to make this one public. I rang the Premier this morning and I hoped that she would form a different view. She hadn't at that time. I hope she'll reconsider before two o'clock today, Ray. I just think that can say to everybody in the midst of what is an awful year that we can provide, at least on one occasion, hope to a family who just desperately needs the whole country to put their arms around them today. Because their family is like so many others, who've gone through the same heartache. There'll be people listening to this call today who have already had to go through this this year. And that's just awful. And as long as these types of things go on, then these things are still going to keep happening. But just today, please. That's my plea.
Hadley: Okay. It's a plea that I join you on. I don't know that we'll get any satisfaction because this morning in Parliament, the Premier has accused you of bullying her. But it's about giving a little girl, a 26 year old girl some respite from a terrible period in her life. I appreciate your plea. I appreciate your call. And you're a good man. Thank you very much.
Prime Minister: Thanks, Ray. Cheers.
Australia Secures Onshore Manufacturing Agreements for Two COVID-19 Vaccines
7 September 2020
Prime Minister, Minister for Health, Minister for Industry Science and Technology
A free COVID-19 vaccine will be available progressively throughout 2021 in Australia, if promising trials prove successful, following a $1.7 billion supply and production agreement between the Australian Government and pharmaceutical companies.
Under the agreement, the University of Oxford/AstraZeneca and the University of Queensland/CSL will provide more than 84.8 million vaccine doses for the Australian population, almost entirely manufactured in Melbourne, with early access to 3.8 million doses of the University of Oxford vaccine in January and February 2021.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said both vaccines would need to be proven safe and effective, and meet all necessary regulatory requirements, prior to being made available to the public.
“Australians will gain free access to a COVID-19 vaccine in 2021 if trials prove successful,” the Prime Minister said.
“By securing the production and supply agreements, Australians will be among the first in the world to receive a safe and effective vaccine, should it pass late stage testing.
“There are no guarantees that these vaccines will prove successful, however the agreement puts Australia at the top of the queue, if our medical experts give the vaccines the green light.”
Health Minister Greg Hunt said Australians would be among the first in the world to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, once it is available.
“The Australian Government is a strong supporter of immunisation in that it is a safe and effective way to prevent the spread of many diseases in the community that can cause hospitalisation, serious ongoing health conditions, or even death,” Minister Hunt said.
“All vaccinations help save lives and protect lives. This vaccination though is fundamental to the safety of individuals and our nation and it will protect our elderly and our frail and we can all help save lives.”
“While the Government supports immunisation, it is not mandatory and individuals maintain the option to choose not to vaccinate.
“Any decisions regarding vaccines will be based on the advice of the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation and other experts, and will be contingent on a vaccine meeting all requirements with regard to testing and safety.”
This commitment forms a crucial part of the Federal Government’s response to COVID-19 and our strategy to protect the health and wellbeing of Australians and the national economy.
The Prime Minister also remains committed to ensuring early access to the vaccines for countries in the Pacific as well as regional partners in Southeast Asia. Both agreements allow for additional orders to be negotiated and for doses to be donated or on-sold (with no mark-up) to other countries or international organisations.
Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said these agreements demonstrate what can be achieved when researchers and industry work together.
“The CSIRO has worked on both of these vaccines, while the UQ vaccine is being developed with $5 million in support from the Federal Government,” Minister Andrews said.
“Now our nation’s manufacturing prowess will ensure Australia is in the strongest position to roll out a vaccine as quickly as possible, if and when it proves safe and effective.
“The work we are doing now will also build our knowledge and strengthen our local manufacturing capability, which will grow our pharmaceutical and medtech sectors for the future.”
The University of Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine is world leading, having entered Phase three trials. To date it has generated strong immune responses, with no significant safety concerns.
The University of Queensland (UQ) vaccine has been developed in Australia by world class scientists and researchers, with support from the Australian Government.
UQ has recently announced that pre-clinical testing showed the vaccine is promising and already effective in animal models.
This production and supply agreement is part of the Australian Government’s COVID Vaccine and Treatment Strategy and was recommended by the expert advisory group - COVID-19 Vaccine and Treatments for Australia – Science and Industry Technical Advisory Group.
The deal leverages the manufacturing capability of experienced Australian pharmaceutical manufacturer CSL/Seqirus and will ensure that the vaccines will be manufactured onshore, to the highest quality standards at the earliest possible time.
Australia has a long history of vaccine development and vaccination which ensures Australians are protected from deadly and debilitating diseases including vaccines for rubella, polio and cervical cancer.
The Australian Government is contributing significantly to vaccine development work both in Australia and around the world, investing $362 million in vaccines, therapeutics and COVID medicines - including $257 million in vaccines.
Initial Commonwealth Response to Victorian Roadmap
6 September 2020
Prime Minister, Treasurer, Minister for Health
Today's announcement from the Victorian Government to extend lockdown arrangements will be hard and crushing news for the people of Victoria, and a further reminder of the impact and costs that result from not being able to contain outbreaks of COVID 19, resulting in high rates of community transmission.
It is vital to the national interest to restore Victoria to a COVIDSafe environment, where we can reopen our economy and reasonably restore the liberties of all Australians, whether in Victoria or anywhere else.
The proposed roadmap will come at a further economic cost. While this needs to be weighed up against mitigating the risk of further community outbreak, it is also true that the continued restrictions will have further impact on the Victorian and national economy, in further job losses and loss of livelihoods, as well as impacting on mental health.
Of course the Federal Government would like to see restrictions in Victoria lifted as soon as it is safe to do so, but at the end of the day these are decisions solely for the Victorian Government to determine and the roadmap released today is a Victorian Government plan.
The Commonwealth Government will now consider the Victorian modelling and settings that are being provided to our experts and officials, including our Chief Medical Officer, and await their advice before responding further.
Now that we have been advised of the plan and it has been released we will also seek feedback from Victorian business and industry stakeholders to understand their concerns and seek to ensure they are addressed.
As Professor Tony Blakely, one of the lead Victorian modellers has suggested, of critical importance is that Victoria’s contact tracing is strengthened to the highest possible levels.
In NSW, this has enabled the Berejiklian Government to respond to multiple outbreaks while permitting businesses and people to carry out their daily lives in a CovidSafe way. This is the way forward. Restrictions are not substitutes for strengthening health systems to cope with the virus, especially when community outbreak is brought under control.
The most effective means of reducing community transmission must be an effective testing, tracing and quarantine system, bolstered by enhanced local health capacity and physical distancing. These are essential prerequisites to reduce the spread, save lives and manage the economic and job impacts.
Throughout the global COVID-19 pandemic, the Federal Government has taken action to support the lives and livelihoods of all Australians.
We will continue to support Victorians and the businesses that employ them as they deal with the impacts of the State's second wave, by safeguarding the health and mental health of Victorians and protect and save their jobs and livelihoods wherever possible.
National Cabinet Statement
4 September 2020
The National Cabinet met today to discuss Australia’s COVID-19 response, the Victorian outbreak, easing restrictions, helping Australians prepare to go back to work in a COVID-safe environment, border restrictions and getting the economy moving again.
The Acting Chief Medical Officer, Paul Kelly, provided an update on the measures underway, the latest data and medical advice in relation to COVID-19.
There have been more than 26,000 confirmed cases in Australia and sadly 737 people have died.
Following Victoria’s second wave, there are now around 2,500 active cases in Australia. Daily infection rates have remained low in all states and territories, other than Victoria. Testing remains high in most states and territories, with more than 6.5 million tests undertaken in Australia.
National Cabinet has agreed to a suppression strategy for COVID-19 with the goal of no community transmission. Seven of Australia’s eight states and territories are successfully suppressing COVID-19, enabling most Australians in those jurisdictions to live and work in a COVID-safe economy. However, National Cabinet noted that there had been some relaxation in community attitudes towards social distancing. National Cabinet recommitted to providing all necessary support to Victoria during this very difficult time.
National Cabinet noted the release of the June quarter National Accounts highlighted the devastating impact on the Australian economy of the COVID-19 global recession. While efforts by the Commonwealth and state and territory governments have helped to cushion the blow, many challenges remain on the road to recovery.
National Cabinet will meet again on 18 September 2020.
Roadmap for Recovery
National Cabinet agreed on the need to work together cooperatively for the benefit of all Australians and as a Federation of the Commonwealth, states and territories. We need to continue to protect people's health but we also need to find the road back from the economic crisis that COVID-19 has generated.
The Commonwealth, New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory agreed in-principle to develop a new plan for Australia to reopen by Christmas, including the use of the hotspot concept for travel between jurisdictions. This plan will build on the three-step plan released in May 2020, with work continuing through the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) and the National Coordination Mechanism. Further components of the plan will be submitted for review at the next meeting.
National Cabinet noted the COVID-19 hotspots definition, proposed by the Commonwealth Acting Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly, and based on analysis of locally acquired cases in Australia in recent months. The paper presented to National Cabinet, provides quantitative and qualitative metrics to determine COVID-19 hotspots for the purpose of the provision of Commonwealth support. Decisions would be based on a threshold of:
The Commonwealth trigger for consideration of a COVID-19 hotspot in a metropolitan area is the rolling 3 day average (average over 3 days) is 10 locally acquired cases per day. This equates to over 30 cases in 3 consecutive days.
The Commonwealth trigger for consideration of a COVID-19 hotspot in a rural or regional area is the rolling 3 day average (average over 3 days) is 3 locally acquired cases per day. This equates to 9 cases over 3 consecutive days.
Once the trigger has been activated, further analyses would be performed by the Commonwealth to assist a discussion between the Commonwealth Chief Medical Officer and the state/territory Chief Health Officer.
The Commonwealth will work with seven states and territories to refine the definition of COVID-19 hotspots. Officials have been asked to continue the development of the final definition and protocols for its application.
In addition, bilateral and multilateral arrangements between the Commonwealth, states and territories will continue to be developed to better support border arrangements between states and territories as part of the revised plan. National Cabinet noted that Western Australia has specific circumstances which mean that it will not subscribe to the reopening plan and timetable, but it will continue to participate in discussions on its development.
The Commonwealth hotspots definition would also be used as a starting point for any future COVIDSafe travel arrangements encompassing New Zealand and those states and territories applying the hotspots definition.
Agriculture Workers’ Code
NSW, Victoria, South Australia, Northern Territory and the ACT agreed to adopt the National Agricultural Workers’ Code. Victoria, South Australia and NSW will begin immediately to work together to put the code in place. Western Australia, Queensland and Tasmania will consider the Code as part of their border restriction arrangements.
The Code delivers consistent approaches to facilitate the movement of critical agricultural industry workers across domestic borders where border restrictions are in place. The Code is important in mitigating animal health, welfare and biosecurity risks.
The Code is a risk-based approach. Permits or an equivalent approval, with appropriate conditions, will be applied to reduce the risk of COVID-19 being transmitted to regional areas.
Regular update on international arrivals and cap
National Cabinet conducted its fortnightly review of international air arrival passenger caps and agreed to boost the capacity for international arrivals where possible, supporting more Australians to come home from overseas. National Cabinet noted that NSW has been undertaking much of the heavy lifting in terms of quarantine of international arrivals.
All states and territories, where possible, agreed to work with the Commonwealth to increase the number of international flights to their jurisdiction to enable more Australians to return home.
National Cabinet agreed the Commonwealth will work with airlines to identify opportunities to boost arrivals into cities with available quarantine capacity.
Energy National Cabinet Reform Committee
Leaders agreed to the tasking for the Energy National Cabinet Reform Committee. The Committee will progress critical reform of the energy system as a key component of Australia’s economic recovery. It will work to ensure an affordable and reliable energy system to support job creation and economic growth for the long-term benefit of customers.
The Committee’s work program will focus on developing:
Immediate measures to ensure reliability and security of the electricity grid ahead of the 2020-21 summer;
The redesign, by mid-2021, of the National Electricity Market to take effect after 2025; and
A package of reforms, by July 2021, to unlock new gas supply, improve competition in the market and better regulate pipelines.
These reforms will ensure the market serves consumers by promoting efficient investment, operation and use of energy services, and by delivering secure and reliable energy at least-cost.
Council on Federal Financial Relations
National Cabinet noted that the Council on Federal Financial Relations (CFFR) has reduced 82 existing National Partnerships and Project Agreements into five new sector Federation Funding Agreements, covering Health, Education and Skills, Environment, Infrastructure, and Affordable Housing Community Services and Other. National Cabinet thanked CFFR for its work and noted further work is underway to safeguard the proliferation of future small agreements and reporting burdens.
Briefing on high risk weather season
National Cabinet was briefed by the Bureau of Meteorology on the national outlook for the high risk weather season (Spring-Summer 2020-21), in particular the likelihood of La Niña and what that means for the risk of natural disasters occurring.
National Cabinet agreed that Emergency Management Australia would convene Commonwealth, state and territory authorities to ensure a seamless arrangement for the movement of emergency personnel between states and territories in a COVIDSafe and timely manner.
Mental Health and social supports
National Cabinet noted the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and committed to provide increased support as needed.
Q&A - Daily Telegraph Bush Summit - Cooma, NSW
28 August 2020
BEN ENGLISH: And it's good to hear some announcements, too. It's always good when we put on an event as a paper, and you get a story out of it so thank you.
PRIME MINISTER: I don't think you’re short of stories Ben.
ENGLISH: They’re all good. Look, we had a really tragic development today that is very related to what you have spoken about and was published today in the Telegraph. That is about the serious issue of borders and border restrictions. Would it be fair to say there's no greater mission for the National Cabinet than to sort this out?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, I want to start by saying that National Cabinet has never resolved to establish internal borders. Early on in the pandemic we resolved to do a number of things. There were closures that were put in place, and they were done across 8 territories and state jurisdictions. And I think that process provided a lot of certainty. But at the same time, we are very conscious of the changes that were being made were going to have very real impacts for people. I'd say there's probably only been two areas of significant disagreement that has occurred in the National Cabinet. And I don't think the Premiers would disagree with me on this. They were, there were some disagreements about school closures. People know what my position on that was. Ultimately they were decisions that states and territories make. But there was an honest discussion. There was a robust debate. And there has also been this discussion of borders. And there has been a different practice. So this is why it's hard. With New South Wales and Victoria, and the Commonwealth we actually got on the phone, realised there was a medical problem. Agreed this is what we had to do, and then we worked together as best as we could to try and make it is as workable as possible. There's been a border commissioner for some time on that border. And that border commissioner's been called in to help work through some of these problems. But as I've said before, if you impose a border you can't help but cause problems. That's why we got rid of them in the first place. Other states and territories, South Australia, Tasmania, Queensland, Western Australia imposed either direct borders or quasi borders, unilaterally. And at the time that was done, I've got to say, this was early on in the pandemic. It wasn't the most pressing issue at that time. In hindsight, I think back then we should have addressed the principles around how those borders were being handled at that time. If I had my time over then I think we would have spent more time on that. But frankly, at that point in time we were looking at people digging mass graves in New York, and we were dealing with the difficulties of building up our health systems to ensure we had enough respirators in ICUs and there was a lot of uncertainty. That's not an excuse. That's just an explanation. So now we find ourselves in a situation where there is, I think, too much inconsistency between these arrangements. We've endeavoured to get some principles to the government, sought to underpin how these work. States, obviously can ultimately take the decision about how that applies. But my appeal to them, and I think today both this, just, many of us in this room are parents, it’s unthinkable. And to know that this family has had to be dealing with border permits at a time when they, the only thing that mattered was the health of their child. [Inaudible] to say that, but [inaudible] feel the same. So let's hope we can get some greater consistency, some greater transparency and we can look to the other examples. I commit myself to work with that with the states and territories. I hope I can get some better arrangements and they'll hear my criticisms or, do anything [inaudible] jurisdictions, but on behalf of Australians we've we've got to try and get this worked out.
ENGLISH: So just, um, how we are going to roll with this is we're going to have one or two questions from the floor. And we’ve also, we've got a COVID aware approach, we've got a couple of one or two video questions as well. So just on the issue of the state, I want to stay briefly on the issue of borders. Getting the CMO involved it seems to me that's a good approach in order to take perhaps political considerations a little bit more out of it and make it more about common sense approach. Would that be a fair assumption?
PRIME MINISTER: Yeah, look I particularly thank Steven Marshall, who was instrumental in sort of getting us in this place with the states and for the acting chief medical officer, and they're working with the medical expert panel now to get, what is a hotspot? Now, Northern Territory has actually had a pretty reasonable way of doing this, and it's quite flexible and it moves if there are particular places, if there are cases they make a decision then they move them off fairly quickly. And the reason I just pointed over there, is this is what happens in Denmark. They have a sort of a yellow and orange light system because in Europe people are still moving around. Now, I'm not suggesting this is precisely what we do in Australia. But hotspots are defined where there’s an incidence of per 100,000 inhabitants per week are below 20 where there’s these cases? So they have clear metrics like this and say this goes yellow, and orange and different quarantine arrangements apply or whether you can go there or not go there. I think that's quite a sensible approach. Now the specifics of that I'll leave to the medical experts to work out what is the right concentration of cases to represent a hotspot. And the whole point about containing outbreaks is that sure, it's important that you don't, people don't move from a hotspot in Melbourne to Brisbane. But it's also important that if they're in a hotspot in Brisbane they don't go to Ipswich. And so what matters is the outbreak and containing it there. And as localised as possible. And I think these sort of cities have to do this. Now if, I can assure you of this, there will be a Commonwealth definition of a hotspot. Come rain, hail or shine. I hope it's a National Cabinet one but, and I will certainly seek to achieve that. But at the very least, there will be a Commonwealth one. And if there are any differences to that, well people can explain them.
ENGLISH: Yep. And there will be accountability there. I think if I can make an observation there, I think Aussies also would appreciate that because you've got to keep faith with, faith with the population. So if it's arbitrary the way it is now, you can have a situation where people don't feel that they're that they believe you?
PRIME MINISTER: All through this pandemic and I understand people will be frustrated and critical at the moment. I think National Cabinet has done some tremendous things. I mean let’s talk about the freight code, Michael got that up in 2 weeks. We've got a $1 billion commitment to skills with JobTrainer, 340,000 places, and an agreement to reform the skills system. We got that in a fortnight. That would've taken two years under COAG. And all, there are many other things. So that's good. But this is one where we've got to get it right.
ENGLISH: Okay, enough from me. I'm going to invite a question from the floor. In order to be COVIDSafe I'd invite a questioner to come and then we've actually got people who can ask that question on your behalf. It's just so that we don't get multiple people using the microphone. So is there a question from the floor?
QUESTIONER: I'm asking a question on behalf of Gary Nairn the former member for Eden-Monaro, who is Chairman of The Mulloon Institute. Prime Minister you and the Deputy Prime Minister witnessed firsthand what occurred almost two years ago. Now, in the middle of the drought, how landscape repair and rehydration enhances agriculture. The Deputy PM said at that time this should be rolled out across the country. Prime Minister, we know farmers are hands on people. So to assist this rollout to occur would the government support a farmer, peer-to-peer benchmarking, training and upskilling programme to improve for carbon farm productivity, biodiversity and drought preparedness.
PRIME MINISTER: As Gary knows, [inaudible] and I think there are tremendous lessons with what’s achieved there and I think the peer-to-peer support that happens in rural and regional communities, particularly when dealing with challenging situations like drought. And even when farmers have been generational farmers. Sometimes it's some of the new farmers that we need to learn the new techniques and there's sometimes going to be resistance. I mean, farmers are no different to, you know, doctors or journalists or politicians. Sometimes they can be a bit resistant to change. And I think these practices are very challenging and they're the sort of results that are there to speak of. And so through the Ag2030 plan and the work Ben’s doing or others are doing, I hope we can get water rollout and supported projects like that. They obviously are getting results. And so, you know me Gary I'll support what works.
ENGLISH: Right. We're going to get another question from the floor. And then after that, we'll go to a video question so that's a bit of a cue to our technical team.
QUESTIONER: This is from Helen Dalton, the member from Murray. And her electorate covers a thousand kilometres of border. Given what you've said today, Prime Minister, advocating the importance of advocating in regard to border closures, they're not sustainable now into the future. Can you give border communities assurance that borders will be opened for many reasons, health, education, business and compassionate reasons? We want action today.
PRIME MINISTER: Well I thank you for your question. I see John Barilaro, did I see John? G'day John. And I’m sure he can talk about this as well. I’m not sure if you were here before John when I mentioned you. I think New South Wales and Victoria don't want to see this border either. It's necessary for a time. And I hope that time is as little as possible. We don’t build a permanent border. We want to have it there for the period as necessary to deal with the current health challenge and then you get rid of it. And I welcome the fact that John and Gladys have a) brought in the 50 kilometre either side of the border rule change. That's good. That's an improvement. Doesn't solve every problem. You've got 100 kilometres for ag workers. That's good. I welcome that. I was on the phone to Gladys about that one as well weeks ago.
What I've found with New South Wales was a receptivity to try and work out the kinks and the problems. But I think we both understand that you put a border and there's going to be problems. So the only way ultimately to fix all that is to get rid of it. But you've got to do that when you're in a position where you can safely do that with the other risks that it presents. Now, I know that there are not, you know, large numbers of cases in regional Victoria in these border communities. That is true. But at the same time, movement can occur and the last thing any of us want to see is what has occurred in Melbourne and then to the rest of Victoria happening in New South Wales. And in South Australia I should add. So our commitment I think, is that for New South Wales and I’d say for Victoria as well, because Dan Andrews and Gladys and I have been the most I would say forceful advocates for non-borders. And so I can assure you that when we put them in place the three of us, we’ll be the first to get rid of it whenever we possibly can. Is that fair to say, John?
BARILARO: [Inaudible]
QUESTIONER: [Inaudible] and we’re school captains at school in Cooma. We would like to know what are the government's current and future plans for bridging inequities faced by rural students such as access to technology and reliable internet?
PRIME MINISTER: Great. Well, I can speak specifically to what's happening here in this community. I mean, we’ve got a hundred percent complete rollout of the NBN across Eden-Monaro and there's a technology split across the various ways that that's being rolled out. And, of course, that has been a big part of connecting regional communities all around the country. I remember, seven years ago, the level of rollout was obviously not at 100 per cent. Nothing like it in fact it was a very limited rollout. And the rollout of the NBN is obviously going to connect more and more towns and regional centres to do that type of training delivery. But it's not just about that, as Michael constantly reminds me and Dan Tehan constantly reminds me. It's about actually having a training place take place, not remotely from cities back into regional communities, but it happening in regional communities themselves. And that we're training apprentices in regional areas that we’re training doctors and nurses in regional areas. And the additional doctors and nurses training program that Michael championed in budgets, um, three years ago now, I think, I was Treasurer at the time. Training more people in regional communities the higher education changes that Dan Tehan has been working through come now, now come to the parliament. I think they were introduced yesterday. They are about ensuring there are more regional places so people can be getting those opportunities and not having to go to the city. And I hope that it also means that those in the city may take the opportunity to go and try to be a doctor in the bush or in other places or in other areas, because having become engaged in communities, you won't find a more passionate advocate than Michael McCormack for living in a regional part of Australia. And encouraging people to know what he and his family have known, the great life you have in regional Australia, and the opportunity is there for all your kids and others and we'll all continue to encourage that. So whether it's skills placements, whether its technical training, whether it's universities or indeed just ensuring that we have the proper NBN networks and infrastructure and technology available to facilitate all these things in regional areas is a very high priority.
ENGLISH: That’s good to hear, particularly given [inaudible] Daily Telegraph so it’s true. There's a very strong appetite amongst people in the cities to move to the bush and we need to be ready for that. We’ve got a question on behalf of another floor participant.
QUESTIONER: Question from Margy Osmond from the TTF. The tourism industry particularly regional tourism has trickled down to a flow of people around the country. Can we please solve this before the Christmas holidays?
PRIME MINISTER: Well look, I believe we can, domestically. I'd love to say we could do it internationally but I don't think I can give you that pledge internationally. I hope that changes but based on the current evidence that doesn't look likely. But certainly domestically, when we're in a position to have the Melbourne figures in particular fall to even lower levels than they are now, and we have a hotspot definition in place, and that being adopted and certain borders down between New South Wales and Victoria, and I believe that should be possible in other places with low levels of virus infection. Then that should be possible. And what's important is that when these infection rates get down to low levels that then we stick to the plan which I think NSW has done, which is to limit the virus. See borders of themselves, they don’t actually do the job ultimately because borders can be breached. I mean, that’s been seen in Queensland. They have borders but they’ve seen cases in Queensland. But what will protect Queensland will be their testing and their tracing capabilities and COVIDSafe behaviours by their population and local outbreak containment. That's what enables you to live with the virus. The idea that we're going to live with domestic borders until there’s a vaccine is a recipe for economic ruin. That is not the plan. The plan is to ensure testing, tracing and outbreak containment, strong quarantine, COVID safe behaviours in the workplace, in the home, at the footy club, at the ground, in this conference. That is how you live with the virus and keep people in jobs. Borders don’t do that. Borders are not the answer. They can provide a necessary support and constraint in a heightened crisis, but they are a last go to effort. And in New South Wales, I think has demonstrated and they’ve shown the way. And I think that's the way to go.
ENGLISH: Just yesterday I went to the airport for the first time in about six months, and it was like a zombie movie. It was a really eerie experience because there's no one. There was three Rex women there wanting to take my luggage and they were desperate to- They wanted to [inaudible] because they probably hadn’t done it for a couple of weeks. And I think that was a depressing moment. At the same time, we have travel around Europe. You know, people getting on flights from London to Italy et cetera. And you made the point that it is a different situation here. But surely that should be a good by product of whatever progress you make with these border negotiations with the states, is that we get the planes back in the air.
PRIME MINISTER: Yeah well, one of the other, there are many programmes that we put in place. And one of the ones Michael has been running is the subsidising of the key network flights around the the country. And I never thought I'd live in an Australia where there were more flights going from Brisbane to Cairns and there were from Sydney to Brisbane. And that's happening right now. And the Federal Government is subsidising the network flights around the country and I want to see jobs back at Qantas have had to cut more jobs, not my words, but Alan Joyce's words, because of border restrictions, domestic ones. They know about the international ones, they understand that. But the domestic ones, that is costing more jobs, now that's not to say borders in circumstances can't be justified on health outcomes. In some circumstances they can. But, we have to understand that when you do that, that costs jobs, particularly in the airline sector.
And so there has to be an accountability around that I suppose every day, and we want to see a viable airline industry, I think the way that Qantas has been able to raise capital in the middle of a pandemic is pretty impressive I've got to say, they've been getting great support from us, as has Virgin and I'm pleased to see that Virgin is rebirthing through this process. They had a lot of challenges you know, before the pandemic it's great to see they're coming through on the other side of it. But this is why I agree with Margie, I mean, ultimately, you've got to get planes back in the air. And you make the point about Europe. I don't know. I mean, I spoke to a lot of those leaders. I mean, we've now seen a massive second wave starting to begin, in the U.K. in Spain, in France and all that moving around over there. I mean, I'm not likening to that, I think we've still got to keep our strong international arrangements in place. We've had I think, you know, I'm keen to get the New Zealand travel bubble back in place, and I'm sure we'll take that up again soon. I'd like to see that also if we can, amongst the Pacific nations, they're keen to do that. Japan is trying to do it with us, Singapore is keen to do it with us. And there are a number of nations that are happy to do this with us. And I can see that as the next stage, but right now we're trying to get the domestic borders open.
ENGLISH: You mentioned China, and it’s been mentioned a couple times today already. And it's a particularly obviously a vexing issue for [inaudible] who have developed lucrative trade links with China. What would be your advice to small, medium, even larger enterprises that have forged those links and now find themselves perhaps in the middle of a delicate, a delicate diplomatic situation? What's your advice to them? Do they, how do they pivot? Or do they, is it about patience as well as pivoting, what do they do?
PRIME MINISTER: Well I think it's all of the above. I think it's also very important to get paperwork right, I don't, I mean that quite seriously. In these times you don't want create situations where if the paperwork is wrong then that can prevent entry. Which you'd expect that if it's not right, it won't get in. And so we've been working with industry to that end and we encourage people to do that.
This is not new. This has been happening for several years now. I mean, the last meeting I had with Li Keqiang last year, we were talking about abattoir issues. We were talking about agricultural issues. So these, a lot of these issues go back also to anti-dumping measures, there were some anti-dumping decisions Australia has taken that the Chinese Government has taken issue with and that goes back some years. So there is a, there is a lot of light and heat on occasion around some of these issues. And some of that is a bit more dramatic than in other times. But the substantial result is that the trade is actually at a greater level, and a greater value than we've seen for the reasons I've said before. The merchandise [inaudible], the trade that occurs is mutually beneficial. And that will always, I think, remain the basis of the trading relationship. But like any business, you cover the risk where you can, there are some that won't be in a position to do that, just because of the nature of the markets they're in. [Inaudible] But there'll be others, take our wine industry for example, I mean, while China is the biggest destination for those exports, it is not the majority destination for those exports. And as a result, they've diversified into many different markets, and that is the case with many other producers as well. So it is good sense to never put all your eggs in one basket. And we've actively achieved [inaudible] supporting that, because as I said, well it's 70 per cent of our trade today is covered by preferential trade arrangements. And that is about tripling from what we inherited when we came to government.
Victorian Border Communities Now Eligible for Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment
28 August 2020
Prime Minister, Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management, Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme, Minister for Government Services
People who live in New South Wales and South Australia but work in Victoria are now eligible for a $1,500 Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment if they need to self-isolate or quarantine due to COVID-19.
The Australian Government announced on 28 August the extension of the payment to people who do not live in Victoria, but who work in Victoria, to ensure no one is left behind.
In addition to this, Victorians who were directed to self-isolate on or after 5 July can now also submit a claim for this payment. This is to ensure people who were not able to access the Victorian payment during this time don’t miss out on support.
Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment is a lump sum payment to help workers during their 14 day self-isolation period.
People may be eligible to claim this payment if they’ve been directed by health officials to stay home from work, and have used up all their sick leave entitlements, including any special pandemic leave.
They may also be eligible to make a claim if they’re the parent or guardian of a child aged 16 or under who is a close contact or has tested positive for COVID-19.
Workers are eligible for this payment if they’re not receiving any other income, including JobKeeper payment or other forms of Australian Government income support.
People are able to claim this payment again if health officials instruct them to quarantine for a period longer than 14 days.
There is no need to visit a service centre to claim this payment.
The best way to make a claim is over the phone by calling 180 22 66, where staff will be able to walk people through the entire claim process.
More information is available at: servicesaustralia.gov.au/disaster
Interview with John Laws, 2SM
28 August 2020
John Laws: Would you like the job of leading a nation? Any old nation I mean. I imagine it would never be a very easy task even at the very best of times but to do so during a period like this one, you know, with natural and man‑made disasters and while the state and the Territory leaders are at odds it's a real achievement proving that our Prime Minister is handling things pretty well whether you like him, dislike him, like his politics or dislike his politics it doesn't matter. I'm delighted to say however that we have the Prime Minister on the line, Prime Minister good morning and welcome.
Prime Minister: G'day John, god to be with you. I'm in the car heading out to Cooma, the bush I'm here with an old mate of yours Shane Stone.
Laws: Really? Well good, tell him I say g'day but I hope you have your winter woolies with you because it would be cold.
Prime Minister: It is cold down here. It would be great to be able to be travelling to places like Queensland, Northern Territory and others but we all know why we can't do that but we got the Bush Summit out there today are heading out there today and looking forward to participating in that.
Laws: That's a pretty important thing isn't it the Bush Summit?
Prime Minister: So much has been happening in the bush. I mean, this is why Shane is going out there with me. He’s been working with me on the floods and the droughts and the floods up in North Queensland and the drought and even though it's good to see a bit more green around the subsoil is quite a different story and there's quite a long way to go there as I'm sure everyone in the bush understands. We all drive through us city slickers, city siders we see the grass and we think it's all good again but that's not always the case and there's still a long way to go.
Laws: Your proposal to terminate agreements with foreign powers, does that raise the issues of sovereign risk if the Commonwealth can unilaterally come along and cancel an agreement or a memorandum of understanding?
Prime Minister: It doesn't apply to private companies. So, you know, people got contracts for work and business and those sorts of things so it doesn't apply to that. What it applies to is where state governments have entered into these memorandum of understanding and what are sort of like quasi foreign agreements, well, these things have to be consistent with what the Australian Government's policy is otherwise you get that position chipped away and it can undermine and [inaudible] the power we protect Australia's national interests and promote them. When people elect a federal government, they elect it to look after our relationships with the rest of the world. They don't elect state governments to do that or local Governments or universities to do that, they elect the federal government to do that. So this just make sure that everybody is heading in the same direction and can't be picked off.
Laws: Ok. The point is with China, I mean, relations with China are pretty strained already. Aren't we potentially making that situation worse?
Prime Minister: This isn't about China. This is 30 countries with which state and territory and local Governments have known arrangements with and there could be far more so this actually asks them, it requires them to let us know what agreements they do have and we just need to make sure that they all line up. Now I mean I imagine there will be a limited number of cases where things will be inconsistent and we can deal with that but what it's really about is trying to ensure that people right across the country in governments understand that if you're going to engage with another country, well you have to do it consistent with the way Australia is pursuing our foreign policy. Otherwise, you know, you undermine what we're seeking to achieve here and look the relationship with China is very important, of course it is, it has been for a long time, we're not seeking to do anything to injure that at all. Our trade with China has never been greater and never been of move value and it's been increasing while people have talked about the relationship and saying it's under strain we keep trading and that happens because we make stuff and sell stuff they want and they make stuff and sell stuff we want. So, you know, it's a mutually beneficial relationship. It's not a one-way street. It's worth stuff to them and it's worth stuff to us.
Laws: Ok so you don't think relations with China are strained?
Prime Minister: Oh look I think they’re going through a difficult patch, I think that's right John but what we've done is I don't believe anything to injure that relationship. We've just been standing up for our own interests. Trade is important but you don't trade away your sovereignty.
Laws: Well that's a legitimate point. What measures are you going to unveil today to help regional areas grow their economies because things don't look good in country regions?
Prime Minister: The things continue to be very tough and one of the most immediate problems we’ve got are those border restrictions as a result of COVID. Now I understand why these are necessary, particularly the New South Wales - Victorian border which was agreed between both Premiers and I that we need to put some things in place there but any time you put a border up within inside Australia it's always going cost to and it's going to cause disruption and in border communities particularly in western and northern Victoria, and southern New South Wales, this is causing real issues. I know both Premiers are trying to do the right thing here to try and smooth this over, but Australia wasn't built to have internal borders. That was sort of the whole point of Australia is you got rid of the internal borders so we have got to try and work through those and get some fair principles, there's a terrible story today John up in Queensland ‑ the families from Ballina that couldn't get into Queensland for medical treatment, had to go into Sydney and it's been just a terrible tragedy there. I mean this is just not OK. That's not acceptable. There has to be pragmatism and flexibility and compassion in how these COVID-19 restrictions are exercised and you just cannot be that rigid. It's just not OK.
Laws: Well I agree, I certainly agree with you. I think it's vicious. When do you think the border with Queensland going to reopen?
Prime Minister: I don't know, because we didn't put it in place. The Queensland Government did that unilaterally. And there are virtually no cases in northern New South Wales. And the disruption that causes is fairly obvious and these most recent examples are I think evidence of that. I think ‑I mean, all I've simply said to the Premiers is where they have put these things in place particularly where they haven't worked with their neighbours in Queensland's case New South Wales or with the Commonwealth Government and they've just done it off their own bat, well they've got to be clear to the Australian people that this is how we've done it, this is why we've done it, this is the medical evidence that supports that, I mean the ACT has declared a hot zone. There are no cases in the ACT.
Laws: Why have they done that?
Prime Minister: I can't tell you John, I don't know because I didn't put it there. These are the legitimate questions that I think people can rightly ask of the Premiers. I'm not saying they can't put them there but I'm saying if you do put them there and you do it on your own well you have got to explain to people and this idea that, you know, facilities in one state only for people in one state, no that's not true.
Laws: It shouldn't be true, but have you talked to the Premier of Queensland?
Prime Minister: Yes, I have. And we've raised these issues directly and as well as in letters and various things and with our office and our departments, and I'm not saying there can't be restrictions, I'm just saying if there are they've got to be exercised properly and they've got to be exercised decently and you can't just have a brick wall there. You've got to be able to manage the complexity and you can't just justify everything on the basis that everything that COVID may breakout. You have to be careful about that but you have to weigh it up because there are costs on both sides of the ledger here.
Laws: And big costs
Prime Minister: Yes it's true and simply saying, where we have made decision as a Commonwealth Government and I appreciate that decisions we've made have come at a cost as well, but I hope I've been clear in trying to convey to the Australian people that we understand that there are costs and risks associated on both sides and that's where you have to make a judgment. A good example of that right now, John, is I know we have a lot of people trying to get home to Australia and it's difficult. I mean there are caps at airports and the reason for that is that we don't put too much pressure on the quarantine so that could potentially break. There are 4,000 people coming back every week in Australia, so it's not like no one can, but most of them come in through Sydney because that's where the flights are going to and Gladys Berejiklian and I, we review that every fortnight and if we can lift that cap, if we think it's safe to do so we will and in the meantime we'll just help people where they are but where there are real emergency situations like with that horrific blast in Beirut and as you know there are many Australians of Lebanese descent and at any one time we have quite a lot about 5,000 Australians are in Beirut, now we've got over 200 people out of there and had a cap exemptions to be able to achieve that, in a very short space of time, so you know in a crisis, in a pandemic, in a drought, in a flood, in a fire, we've seen all of those in the last year, you just got to be practical and keep working the problem and make good calls and explain the calls that you make.
Laws: Yep. Some religious leaders have expressed some concern about a COVID vaccine using foetal cells. Now as a religious man, would you be willing to have the vaccine yourself and recommend it to others?
Prime Minister: Yeah I would. I mean it hasn't been proven to work yet so we'll wait for it to go through all the clinical trials and it will have to pass all the tests. Look I'm always respectful and sensitive to those sorts of issues. Many vaccines today have used that cell source from I understand going back to the 1970s that that research has based on so it's not current, it's not current cells that have been taken from abortions or anything like that. This is stuff going back, you know, 40 years and there are many vaccines at the moment that are out currently in widespread use which draw on that so we'll talk those issues through with people who have concerns about that. I understand those concerns and I respect them.
Laws: But you don't have a problem with them yourself?
Prime Minister: No, no, I don't and neither would my family. Again, you've got to weigh all this up about what's in the public's best interests, and in this case given that the concerns relate to things that happened 40 years ago it's not a current practice, personally I'm comfortable with that. But I mean these are personal judgments that people make and you've got to always be respectful of other people’s views.
Laws: You sure have. New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters says the Christchurch attacker should be sent back here to Australia to serve his sentence. I'm inclined to agree there, would you consider transferring him here?
Prime Minister: I had a chat with Prime Minister Ardern about this yesterday. New Zealand has not made that request I should be clear. What both Jacinda and I are keen to do is ensure that we consult with the families of the victims and I know what one of them, I met, Jenny and I were over there for the memorial service and he came to see me again in Sydney early this year and we just want to be conscious of what they would like to happen and I think that's the first starting point, and I know that's what the New Zealand Prime Minister is doing and we're sensitive to this. It raises a whole bunch of other issues, John, as you know, there are many New Zealanders in Australian prisons and many Australians in New Zealand prisons, I mean that's the standard way you deal with this but I think in this case we'll just deal with it sensitively and the Prime Minister and I are talking about that but there's been no request at this point.
Laws: Well, OK, well, but you are talking about it, it is being discussed?
Prime Minister: We are talking about it now. We had the first conversation about it yesterday, I mean we were talking, she rang yesterday and I was passing on our, you know, best wishes and sincere condolences again because this despicable terrorist who did this and I've been to that mosque, I've spoken to people who were there. It was just an atrocity of unthinkable scale and it's important that that character, that terrorist, never sees freedom ever again whether it's here, there or anywhere else. I'm pleased the New Zealand court made that decision.
Laws: Yes, so am I. You're quite right, he should never see the light of day again. Labor have come out swinging this week and accused your Government of ignoring warnings about the risks of private companies running age care homes, do you think the Government needs to take a bigger role in overseeing the sector? God we hear some dreadful reports.
Prime Minister: This is why I called the Royal Commission John, it was one of the first things I did when I became Prime Minister two years ago and they're doing important work and I said at the time there's going to be some brutal stories that come out of this. In the vast majority of cases people in the aged care system do a great job, but there are cases where that's not true, and I think many of us have had to make difficult decisions about loved ones going into aged care. I certainly have my own case with my late father last year and you want to be confident about the care they'll provide and the people who work in aged care, I mean, they can be angels, they certainly were with my father. That's got to be acknowledged. I think to that suggest that every single aged care facility is not providing good service, that would bed not be a fair assessment. I mean to give you an example, just dealing with COVID, in 97 per cent of facilities in Australia and there's over 2700 of them, there have been no COVID cases and about 8 per cent of Australian facilities aged care facilities have had a COVID case involving either a resident or a staff member. Now, in the UK, that figure is 56 per cent, seven times worse so I don't deny that in a number of cases in Victoria especially and then you have the problems we had at Newmarch and Dorothy Henderson Lodge in New South Wales, those cases have not been good, unacceptable, totally unacceptable. My fear is with that community outbreak we had in Victoria that that could have gone for worse. If we had those UK figures we wouldn’t have 100 facilities, we'd have 1,000 facilities that are affected that like that. So it's tough in a pandemic but I think we've done better than others but in those cases where it's been most severe well they're shocking cases and I've already outlined my apologies for those but when you're facing that COVID outbreak as we did in Melbourne, it's as every other country has found, it will find its way into every part of society. But on the issue of private, well whether it's great stories are in private, public and not-for-profit and there have also been terrible stories in private, public and not-for-profit. I mean the Royal Commission was based after learning what had happened in the Oakden aged care facility when the Labor Government was in power in South Australia so it's not about private, public or not-for-profit. It's about having right stands, sources and clinical supports and workforces and all those things. That's what we'll do. We're increasing aged care funding every year by more than a billion dollars every year so we'll keep putting the resources in, the Royal Commission I think will help but it's a tough area.
Laws: It sure is. I mean, 2020 has been a hell of a year hasn’t it. It's really has been a shocker of a year?
Prime Minister: You remember that film Back to the Future that one with Michael J Fox? I saw someone say the other day there was the Doc in that film should have said to Michael J Fox 'Whatever you do, don't go to 2020.' It has been a really hard year John and said that in the Parliament earlier this year. For many Australians this will be the toughest year of their lives. You know I was reflecting on this other the week, I was down at the War Memorial for the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War and it put things in perspective. I met three blokes there one from Air Force, one from the Army, one from the Navy and when we reflect on that I believe our greatest ever generation, the generation that dealt with the depression, that dealt with the Second World War, you can draw a lot of strengths from those Australians and [inaudible]...and that was the way they lived and...
Laws: I think it's great that you touch on those areas and I think it's great that you're sensitive to those areas, it's pretty important. I mean you are not just a politician? No comment? Have we lost it? Oh dear. Did they drop it or did we... all gone. I wonder can we get him back. We were at an interesting stage there. Can you try and get the Prime Minister back? 1300 5646. God, it's annoying when the phone does that right in the middle of an interview that I'm enjoying and I hope the people listening are enjoying. The Prime Minister is very good to talk to, very good to talk to. Whether he's the Prime Minister or not is really immaterial but as a bloke to have a yarn with he's pretty good. And he's a very decent fellow. There's no denying that, whether you like his politics or not, he's a very, very decent bloke.
Prime Minister are you there?
Prime Minister: I am John, sorry dropped out.
Laws: It wasn’t your fault, we can’t go around losing Prime Ministers.
Prime Minister: No, no true, I’m well looked after.
Laws: That’s good let’s hope it stays that way. I can’t remember what we were up to but it would have been interesting.
Prime Minister: I don’t know if you heard me talking about going down to the War Memorial and I was just talking about how reflecting on that generation, that’s a good guide for us today in such a tough year.
Laws: Well it’s interesting that you talked to those blokes. Tell me, you find it easy to talk to most people obviously you’re a very gregarious sort of human being anyway irrespective of being Prime Minister so you don’t have any trouble talking to people that are certainly from a different walk of life and have done different things to your achievements, you don’t have a problem with that?
Prime Minister: I love it and if you don’t love people don’t go into politics that’s the job and that’s the best part of the job whether it’s talking to young kids or old Diggers like those guys you know that’s the great privilege of this job John, you get to meet so many Australians in all walks of life, the good the great and they’re all like that it’s a great privilege.
Laws: When you said you like talking to these people the good, you didn’t include me?
Prime Minister: You go along with that mate, of course of course. It’s good to be on the program again I’m sorry we haven’t spoken for a while and I know you’ve had your own difficulties too mate and I hope you got my letter about Caroline?
Laws: I certainly did get your letter about Caroline and it’s a strange thing to say to the Prime Minister but you’re a very sweet man you’re a very decent fellow and people ought to remember that.
Prime Minister: Well thank you, you’ve had a lot to deal with.
Laws: Well have a good time whatever you’re doing have a good weekend. I suppose you’ve got your sunnies packed and flip flops all ready to go to Hawaii
Prime Minister: I don’t think I’ll be going there for a long time. One of things of this job is you always keep learning you’ve got to keep your feet on the ground and stay humble.
Laws: You’ve got to do that and I am sure you are doing it exceedingly well it’s been a pleasure to talk to you and I hope that we get to talk again. Thank you for your good thoughts about my Caroline.
Prime Minister: Absolutely John, all the best God bless. Bye bye.
Laws: Thanks Scott, bye.