Doorstop - Washington DC, USA

23 September 2021

PRIME MINISTER: Good afternoon, everyone. Good morning, back in Australia soon. It’s, the reason we came here was to take part in the first ever leaders’ meeting, face to face leaders’ meeting of the Quad. The Quad brings together India, Japan, Australia and the United States, and President Biden, on his initiative, has brought us all together at this very important time. As the world faces great challenges, new partnerships amongst old friends continue to be forged. And the Quad partnership is very much of that order - a positive partnership seeking to make strong contributions on the big issues that make a big difference in our region. Issues such as how we produce clean energy into the future, how we're delivering on the COVID vaccine challenge for our region, how we're establishing the new supply chains that fuel and support the new energy economy that's so critical to the economic prosperity of all of our countries, not just those within our partnership, but those well beyond.

A key part of the Quad is continue to reinforce that the reason we're coming together is to make a positive and constructive contribution in the region, a contribution that supports the peace and stability across the region, and so individual nations can realise their own ambitions. And, so, I'm looking forward very much to the Quad gathering tomorrow.

I've just come from a meeting with one of my Quad partners, Prime Minister Modi, a dear friend and great friend of Australia. We've been working together for some years now. Today, at our meeting, we were able to agree some important new initiatives. At our meeting today we agreed to go forward with a low emissions technology partnership, a partnership that will focus on hydrogen development, ultra low cost solar programs, to support their energy transition. One of the key points we continue to make about addressing climate change is to ensure that we get the technology transfer from developed to developing economies. If we want to address climate change, then we need to address the change that is necessary in developing economies, so they can grow their economies, build their industries, make the things the world needs. And, to do that, you need an energy economy that supports those objectives. And so, we'll work together closely with our good friends in India, to work with the comparative advantages that Australia has, particularly in the area of hydrogen, and working together with their manufacturing capabilities so they can realise that in their own country.

The key point I made at the G7-plus when we were talking about addressing climate change, unless we can get the technology transformation occurring in developing countries, then I fear that the ambitions that so many have for addressing climate change will be frustrated. If we want to make a difference on climate change, we’ve got to make a difference everywhere, not just in advanced economies. Australia will certainly do our bit, and the bit we're doing in particular is to meet and beat the commitments that we've made, and to ensure that we’re, we're working with our partner countries around the region to secure that transfer of technology and the transition that is necessary for them to make, together with ourselves.

In addition to that, we had a very good discussion about our defence partnerships. That was particularly progressed at the most recent 2+2 meeting. It was a very positive discussion on critical minerals supply chains. I’ll have a bit more to say about that tomorrow when we meet further with the Quad.

In addition, both Ministers Tehan and Goyal will be meeting in New Delhi next week. And we have both, Prime Minister Modi and I, tasked our teams to be ambitious when they sit down next week to look at our trade opportunities, particularly in the area of digital trade arrangements. And, so, it was a very wide ranging meeting.

Of course, we had the opportunity to discuss the recent announcement on the AUKUS agreement and our program to put in place a nuclear-powered fleet of submarines. Keen interest in that from our partners in India, and well received. And looking forward to see how that continues to progress. Of course, I spoke to Prime Minister Modi the night before we made the announcement in Australia last week.

Now, the Quad meeting tomorrow will, of course, focus on the issues of clean energy and critical minerals. It’ll deal with how are we going to work together, sitting down with leaders, friends working together for peace and stability in our region, friends working together to secure the health and economic recovery from COVID-19, friends working together to develop new clean energy technology partnerships, stronger action on climate change, and ensuring that we continue to meet and beat the commitments that we've set for ourselves. Friends working together to secure our future, and a future for the Indo-Pacific.

On the vaccines, I note, as you’re probably aware, more than two million doses have now been delivered in the last seven days. That's another major milestone achieved, as the vaccination program continues to ramp up. When I was speaking to Jay Powell earlier today, there was keen interest in how that was progressing. We know that as the vaccination program hits these marks, it just gets us closer and closer to being able to open up more parts of the country, and seeing the economic recovery follow soon after. We're now round about 75 per cent first doses and 50 per cent second dose. It's going to make a big difference as we continue to surge towards those necessary targets of 70 and 80 per cent, that’ll open Australia up. As at midnight, the key stats, we had 25,782,517 doses administered and I said, over two million doses in a week. And with that, happy to take questions.

JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, on critical minerals, will what you discussed with Prime Minister Modi, will that translate into more jobs for Australians? And, your meeting with Jerome Powell, what did he say on China?

PRIME MINISTER: Well on, firstly on the issue of does pursuing critical mineral supply chains mean more jobs for Australians, of course it does, of course it does, but it does more than that. Because critical minerals supply chains means that the partners we work with around the world also have access to trusted supply chains on critical minerals. I mean, these are the things that will power up our, our economies in the new energy economy. And critical minerals and rare earths, of which Australia is already very active in producing in these areas, we want to ensure that we're connecting that up right through the supply chain, through production, through to end users, and Prime Minister Modi and I share a passion around that project, because they are also involved in that supply chain at various different points, and it's important that we have the choice that exists in world markets around these issues. We want to play a stronger role here. But, to do that, of course for us to develop those critical minerals and rare earths opportunities, then we need to ensure that the downstream users are caught in a very productive and trusted supply chain.

JOURNALIST: On, sorry, on Jerome Powell as well, on Jerome Powell?

PRIME MINISTER: Oh, of course, we discussed the global economy, we discussed the domestic economy here in the United States. I was able to talk about what has been a pretty remarkable economic performance for Australia, which, which the Fed Chair agreed with. Made particular note of the fact that Australia's economy has grown above, well above where we left off as we went into the pandemic, and was able to point out Australia as a real standout performer when it comes to its, our economic performance through the course of COVID, and using many similar tools that our economic interventions, he agreed, had proved to be highly effective. But, I got to tell you, the figures that really struck home was that the fatality rate from COVID in Australia. In the United States, they will see, sadly, as many people die from COVID in a day that we have seen throughout the entire COVID pandemic. The fact that more than 30,000 lives have been saved in Australia, compared to the experience of OECD countries, is a figure that is quite staggering here in the United States. And it's something that back home we shouldn't be taking for granted. Of course, we’ve got our challenges. But, at the end of the day, Australia has saved lives and saved livelihoods like almost no other country in the world.

JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, can you confirm that you personally called …

PRIME MINISTER: Sorry?

JOURNALIST: Can you confirm that you personally called French President Emmanuel Macron to tell him that the submarine contract had been cancelled, and exactly when did that phone call happen?

PRIME MINISTER: What I said was, is that I made direct contact with him. It was about 8.35. We had sought to have a call that night. We'd been seeking that for some time. He did not take that call, to seek for it to be arranged, and so I directly messaged him Australia's decision in a, in a personal correspondence.

JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, on the question of climate, your remarks here today, coupled with a speech that Josh Frydenberg’s going to deliver to the business community about transitioning in line with the rest of the world. Are we to take it, in aggregate from these comments, that your Government has, in fact, already settled on a net zero timeline before or up to 2050, if it is to transition in line with the rest of the world?

PRIME MINISTER: No, if Australia had made such a decision, I would have announced it. Australia has not made any final decision on that matter, and we’re still, and we’ll be considering further when I return to Australia the plan that we believe can help us achieve our ambition in this area. I've already said at the start of this that it’s Australia's ambition to move towards and to achieve net zero as soon as possible, and preferably by 2050. That’s been my consistent statement since the beginning of this year, and over the course of this year Minister Taylor has been working very hard to put the plan together to achieve that. And that plan is consistent with what the Treasurer is saying today in his address. That plan recognises that the world is transitioning to a new energy economy in order to respond to climate change. That is the global reality. And, Australia, as a major energy producer now of long standing, will seek to be as an effective economic champion in that area, as we have been in the past. And we recognise the changes that are taking place, and we intend to be well positioned in the future to be successful with our industries in a new energy economy.

JOURNALIST: PM, can we just get some more detail about today's agreement with India. So, some detail around what Australia would provide into that sort of partnership, any costs that you’re starting to think about, that they, that the Government would have to bear for that? And, also, just a follow up question on, on the meeting with Jerome, did you get any sense from him he's got any concerns about what's happening in China? I mean, it’s having quite a massive effect on financial markets, their property [inaudible].

PRIME MINISTER: Well, first of all. I mean, the partnership with India for low emissions technologies, that will now be reduced to quite finite arrangements, but as I said before, it will deal from our perspective on two principle issues. One is on hydrogen and our supply of hydrogen into India. And secondly, ultra low cost solar. They are the two specific areas of focus where we think we can make some real ground. I want to stress this has been work has been led up to, especially led by Dr Alan Finkel, who has been championing all of our energy partnerships, low emissions energy partnerships around the world. This is another significant one, because this is really dealing between, to be able to do hydrogen at this scale and to do this ultra low cost solar at scale, and to do it with a partner which has a very scaled manufacturing capability. So this is really a very exciting partnership in this area and this will help us build, I think, the opportunities that we'd like to take much more further afield. We spoke a bit about, frankly, the way that this has already occurred in places like Japan and there has been keen interest in their success here, and hopefully we'll be able to replicate it in India.

On the other matter, look, when it comes to Evergrande, this is principally an issue in China, and that addresses their financial stability. The broader exposures, our assessment, that's been provided to me and I was able to discuss today, are largely, substantively limits its effect to China. These things can have confidence impacts in the global marketplace, but those who follow the markets, we've seen particularly here, that impact, I wouldn't say it has been realised. And so it's a serious issue because it's a very large company, but China is seeking to manage the impact of debt in companies such as this. They've set out their red line processes, the three red lines as it’s referred to. And they're seeking to manage the level of debt within their economy, particularly in companies such as this. Obviously a very large one. But our expectation is that China will address that issue and seek to contain its impact.

JOURNALIST: What's the message you’re sending to China, you and the other leaders are sending to China, with this display of the Quad over the next 24 hours?

PRIME MINISTER: That we all want to work together to create a free and open Indo-Pacific and everybody benefits from that. We're looking for an Indo-Pacific where there's a happy coexistence, where the opportunities are realised, the growth potential is there to lift the living standards of all those in the Indo-Pacific. I mean, China's economic success has brought more people out of poverty than any other nation in the world's history. It's a remarkable achievement. It's a tremendous achievement. And the many other economies of the Indo-Pacific want to achieve exactly the same thing. And Australia wants to be very much part of that, as does India, as Japan, as does the United States. The Quad is a positive initiative designed to encourage freedom of the Indo-Pacific, the independence of the Indo-Pacific and seeing us lift living standards together in the Indo-Pacific.

JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, the French have accused your government of treason and the rhetoric coming out of France is that Australia has been effectively a cheating partner in a marriage. You said you understand their disappointment, but do you understand that kind of language and do you think they're now overreacting?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, I don't agree with that assessment.

JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, what impact do you think the AUKUS deal will have on the dynamic in the room tomorrow at the Quad? It's a historic summit, much anticipated and now you have a new security alliance at play. How will that perhaps change or influence discussions?

PRIME MINISTER: I think it adds greatly, I think, to the Quad partnership. And that's what it's intended to do. I mean, Australia is engaged in partnerships with many countries, and we see the Quad and the trilateral partnership of AUKUS as being completely complementary, and that's the discussion that Narendra Modi and I have just had. He certainly sees it in that way, as does Yoshi Suga, when I spoke to him last week and I'll see him tomorrow morning. The Quad partners understand the need for positive contributions to regional stability and the AUKUS partnership is all about making that sort of contribution. Everybody gains from a stable Indo-Pacific, everybody gains, including whether it's in China, Japan, Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, we all benefit from a stable Indo-Pacific.

JOURNALIST: There are horrendous videos coming out of Melbourne of police brutality and they're going viral in America. Americans are talking about Australia, and they've been doing this for some months, as an authoritarian dystopia, what do you say to them about Australia? Are you running an authoritarian dystopia, a gulag?

PRIME MINISTER: Of course not. Australia is a country that has seen over 30,000 lives saved, through COVID successfully. That has seen our economy come through COVID, arguably better than almost any other developed country in the world. We've worked together to produce these outcomes for the benefit of Australians. And the scenes and what we've seen in Melbourne over these last few days, I remarked on them last night when we came together, there's been some disgraceful scenes in Melbourne, particularly at the Shrine. Deeply disturbing and deeply upsetting and deeply offensive. It's important that we all respect each other and we respect freedom of speech, but equally there are things we must deeply respect and the desecration of the Shrine of Remembrance is truly sickening.

JOURNALIST: But what about Daniel Andrews? Don't you have anything to say to him about not being so, cracking down on his people so hard?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, I work with all the premiers, all the chief ministers, to ensure that we are each responsible for our actions, and where premiers take actions in their own states where they impose restrictions, I'm quite certain that they know they're accountable for those actions.

JOURNALIST: In terms of the strictly Australia-US element of your trip draws to a close, did you get any sense of when a US Ambassador to Australia will be announced or arriving?

PRIME MINISTER: It hasn't been a topic of our conversations, I know there are wheels in motion there and I look forward to them further progressing.

JOURNALIST: Or a visit from the President, a visit from Joe Biden to Australia, did you discuss that?

PRIME MINISTER: That's a standing invitation from our first conversation, in fact. And the President's travel schedule is a work in progress, as you'd expect for the many issues he's dealing with. And of course, the COVID arrangements only complicate that further. But our standing invitation is always there.

JOURNALIST: Just in terms of the AUKUS agreement, Prime Minister, is there some form of public text that is going to be available for everyone to read of that agreement?

PRIME MINISTER: Yes.

JOURNALIST: And then secondly, there's much speculation in the US about the start of tapering ...

PRIME MINISTER: The start of what, sorry?

JOURNALIST: The start of tapering, the end of quantitative easing in the US.

PRIME MINISTER: Yeah.

JOURNALIST: That could put pressure on Australian interest rates. Does that worry you at all, concern you at all?

PRIME MINISTER: The, I suppose, the aftershocks that come from going through a global pandemic, the impact of the many rather unusual fiscal and monetary measures that have had to be. used through this crisis to keep our economy stable and keep growing, have been quite extraordinary. And so I have great confidence in the work that's being done by our own Secretary, by Phil Lowe and the team, to ensure that we've been able to minimise any of these sort of ripple effects that come from these other policy tools that have been deployed around the world.

What was a very interesting part of the discussion today, was that in both the United States and Australia, there is the similar dynamic of there being some rather strong balance sheets that have been made stronger by the significant economic interventions that both countries have taken. Through the income support that's been available, business support that has been available. What we haven't, thankfully, seen is the significant business stress that might have otherwise occurred, because their balance sheets have been supported through those economic programmes, which means that once we hit these vaccination rates, once we open Australia out, then we will see a strong economic response and they'll be expecting that here. In the United States, there are clearly as a result of many issues, but we share this problem, there are supply constraints. And that's why we have to work to remove some of these supply bottlenecks, because obviously when you don't do that, then that has inflationary pressures and Australia needs to achieve that also, when it comes to our labour market. We are, both countries, I think, pleased, but at the same time, it does create pressures that our labour market is getting very tight even in these pandemic circumstances. So, that's why it's important to get our borders open again. It's important to start getting those those flows of people being able to come, particularly in those particular skill areas you need to build bridges and build gas fired power stations and build nuclear submarines.

JOURNALIST: You're going to be meeting Vice President Kamala Harris tomorrow, I understand, are going to be meeting her tomorrow? So what are you going to be saying to her about what you're doing in your own parliament, about improving the treatment of women?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, I'll be able to give a very positive report, about the changes that we've been able to make and particularly the process that we're going through now with Kate Jenkins, but before the Jenkins review even lands, we've already been able to put in place the supports and arrangements that I think is necessary in a modern parliament. The changes that we have been able to actually already introduce, I think have already made a very, very big difference. As they should. The training arrangements that have been able to be brought forward. I've participated in them myself. I think these are positive developments. And if she would like to know more about those things, I would be only too happy to share.

JOURNALIST: Will you give the Vice President any advice on your success with securing the border? And obviously the Biden Administration has a serious problem on their southern border. What advice would you give them?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, I would only give advice that was solicited.

JOURNALIST: And what would it be if they solicited it?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, if it’s solicited, then I can share it with them, but we're here to join together with our Quad partners and promote the issues that I've talked about. We're here particularly to mark the fact that it’s the 70th anniversary of the ANZUS alliance, and to really focus on the AUKUS partnership that we've been able to bring together. I don't come here seeking to provide advice to the United States about how they should be dealing issues, with issues in their country. That's not something I tend to do. I tend to respect my hosts, and if they make polite enquiries, I'd be only too happy to respond.

JOURNALIST: When will we see the writing of the AUKUS alliance agreement?

PRIME MINISTER: Not too long away. Thank you.

https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-43588

MIKTA Leaders' Statement

22 September 2021

We, the leaders of Mexico, Indonesia, the Republic of Korea, Turkey and Australia (‘MIKTA’), restate our belief in and commitment to open societies, democratic values and multilateralism. As leaders of geographically, culturally, linguistically and religiously diverse nations – our commitment to democracy and working collaboratively in the multilateral system is significant.

MIKTA was established as a cross‑regional grouping of G20 member nations in 2013, with the idea that – working together – we could bridge divides between developed and developing nations and build consensus on issues which would be relevant to all regions. Arguably, this role has never been more important than it is now, in a world challenged by increasing geopolitical competition and strained by a global pandemic.

We are deeply saddened by the loss of lives and the ongoing suffering caused by the COVID‑19 pandemic, which is the most serious global health crisis of modern times—and a powerful reminder of the imperative for a strong, responsive and effective multilateral system, in which our institutions are adequately authorised and resourced to fulfil their mandates. We reiterate that challenges are interconnected and can only be addressed through reinvigorated multilateralism.

This is only the second time MIKTA leaders are making a joint statement – with the first time being on the occasion of the high‑level meeting to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the United Nations, in 2020. Much has changed in the world since 2020, and MIKTA will continue efforts to promote and support a multilateral system – with the United Nations at its core – that is effective, open and transparent and accountable to member states.

The Hon Scott Morrison MP, Prime Minister, Australia (MIKTA Chair)
HE Ir H Joko Widodo, President, Indonesia
HE Mr Andrés Manuel López Obrador, President, Mexico
HE Mr Moon Jae-in, President, Republic of Korea
HE Mr Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President, Turkey

https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-44112

Doorstop - Washington DC, USA

21 September 2021

PRIME MINISTER: Well, good evening here from Washington. On the way in from the airport, we learned of the earthquake which has occurred in Mansfield in Victoria. Geoscience has provided us with the advice of a record of six, with aftershocks of five and a half, four and four. I’ve been in contact with Premier Andrews, as well as the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister McKenzie, and we'll continue to receive reports as, throughout the night. Of course, that first response has obviously been provided by the Victorian Government. And, of course, the Federal Government stands by, through Emergency Management Australia, to provide whatever assistance is needed, whether from the ADF or others. But, at this stage, we have had no reports of serious injuries or worse. And, that is, that is very good news, and we hope that that good news will continue. But, obviously, we'll get further reports as as the night unfolds here in the United States. But, it can be a very, very disturbing event, for an earthquake of this nature. They are not, they are very rare events in Australia. And, and as a result, I'm sure people would have been quite distressed and disturbed by that, particularly in the most immediate area affected. But, the agencies, at a state government level, are there, responding. And, of course, the Federal Government will provide the support that is necessary, and we'll be in touch further with the Premier, I suspect, throughout the night. But, back in Australia, that will be done by the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister for Emergency Management.

JOURNALIST: What did you say to Premier Dan Andrews about it?

PRIME MINISTER: We've just been in text contact tonight. He’s dealing directly with the issues. So, he's aware of that, and and the Deputy Prime Minister will continue to interact with him and and be in contact with me overnight.

JOURNALIST: Did you speak to him about the protests in Melbourne and what he’s doing … ?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, no, we didn't have a conversation. We just had a text.

JOURNALIST: Did you text about it?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, these are matters that are being handled back in Australia. Those, those events in Melbourne, of the protests, are very concerning. There’s, there’s, that is unacceptable behaviour, and particularly at a time when those in Victoria are dealing with lockdowns and many other stresses. This is, this is very concerning. But, tonight, my primary concerns are those with the, with the earthquake, and making sure the response is there for the people who are in need.

JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, now that you've had time to consider the meetings that you had today, and in particular the comment from the European Council about transparency and loyalty, is this the reaction you expected from the European Union to your decision?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, look, subsequent to those, those comments being made, we had the opportunity, over about a 50-minute meeting, to inform the President of the European Council about these events, and that was a very good opportunity to inform. And I think that has greatly assisted the situation and that understanding of the nature of the agreements we've entered into and the arrangements that we weren't able to proceed with with the, with the French SOE Naval. And I think that all of those issues are much better understood now.

JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, have you got a message for those people who have been out protesting in Melbourne?

PRIME MINISTER: My message is very straightforward, and that is, none of us are above the law. And it's important that at a time like this - I know it is difficult when there are lockdown restrictions that are being put in place - these are, these are measures that we've seen in other states when it comes to the construction sector and the outbreak. The same, similar arrangements were put in place in New South Wales. And I think it's just very important that we exercise that patience and we get through what is a very difficult time. The COVID Disaster Assistance Payment - which has been made available right across Victoria, right across New South Wales, the ACT - for those who have a loss of income, then that is there to support them at this time, as it has been in other states and territories. So, I, look, I think it's important, I can understand that people would be concerned about the shut down of the construction industry. These are important jobs and they will return. We will get through this. But, the protest activity and what we've seen there, I think, is highly distressing, and that is not an appropriate response to trying to deal with an outbreak of this nature.

JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, this is the largest earthquake that Australia has ever experienced. How do you feel being out of the country when this has occurred?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, that, of course, is unavoidable, and these things are certainly not predictable. I’m concerned to know what the facts are. I’m pleased that the reports, so far that I've received, are not of of serious injuries and things of that nature. That's very welcome news. But, of course, these are early reports. And, so, I remain concerned. And I asked the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister to keep me informed of of developments. Joe Buffone at Emergency Management Australia is liaising with the state authorities. And these are very professional people. And regardless of whether it's a flood or a bushfire or an earthquake or a cyclone, we have some of the best disaster response agencies anywhere in the world, if not the best. And I know that those who may be in distress tonight, during the day there in Melbourne and across Victoria today, will be well looked after and well attended to in terms of the, any needs that they have.

JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, Boris Johnson apparently wants to ask you to loosen travel restrictions to save the Ashes. Has he asked you that, and would you do that?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, we haven't met yet, so ...

JOURNALIST: Well, he's going to ask you tonight.

PRIME MINISTER: Well, I can't, let’s just see. I'm sure we'll talk about …

JOURNALIST: Would you do that?

PRIME MINISTER: I'm sure we'll talk about many things tonight. Boris and I are very good friends, and I'm looking forward to catching up with him this evening. It's, we've we've achieved a lot together as our two countries, and I'm looking forward to continuing that relationship tonight. I'm looking forward to Australians being able to travel again and and for Australians to be able to return to to Australia. That's what the national plan is all about. I'm very pleased to see some some more great figures in terms of vaccination rates today, sent to me by the Minister for Health. And these these vaccination rates, we’re at almost three quarters of the country now with a first dose, and we’ll be at one in two having received a second dose very, very soon. So, we keep that up, people will be able, will be able to travel again, and and particularly in those states that are achieving those marks, and I want to encourage everyone across Australia to go and get that jab. I'm particularly pleased to see the very high rates of vaccination of children aged 12 to 15. We're only a week down, pretty much, and we're seeing some some really strong levels of vaccination. I strongly support the measures taken by the Minister for Health now that we've seen, received that news about the successful trials that are being undertaken with children under 12. And we've invited, of course, Pfizer to bring forward that information and to progress that through the TGA, and to enable us to be in a position where we can provide those vaccines, should the TGA approve them for use. Thanks very much, everyone.

https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-43584

Interview with Kieran Gilbert, Sky News

20 September 2021

Kieran Gilbert: Why is the ANZUS alliance important to mark this 70th anniversary which of course, has been ticked off this month? 

Prime Minister: Because it is the bedrock of our safety and security in this part of the world. It has guaranteed our safety for 70 years. It is the foundational principle, the foundation platform that the US has acknowledged in my discussion with President Biden the other day, he also referred to as the bedrock of stability here in the Indo-Pacific and for Australia, importantly, it enables us to move forward with confidence, to be able to plan for our future. Knowing that partnering with the United States in a positive way within our region creates a more stable, safer and more secure region where we can engage with countries in our region. We can trade, we can do all of these things. It provides that balance. It provides that stability. It provides that shelter under which all of us in Australia live. 

Gilbert: Can we rely on the United States, particularly in the current climate of a more inward looking approach? 

Prime Minister: Oh, absolutely. See, I've never doubted the alliance. And, you know, a lot is said, a lot of criticisms are made of the United States. I've heard them all. Oh this is them gone this time. This is them gone. And you know what? Look, they're an amazing nation and they're a resilient nation. And they're a nation that is innovative, that believes passionately in freedom. I mean, the very peace that we've had since the Second World War, all of the institutions that maintain that were actually established by the visionaries in the United States after the Second World War. And that architecture, the rule of law, all of these things that is applied through all the institutions, provides the certainty in which we live right now. The United States is a determined nation, a great friend of Australia. And I don't think that, certainly in my mind, is ever in question.

Gilbert: You spoke to President Biden as you mentioned, and there are plans for face to face talks. 

Prime Minister: Yes. 

Gilbert: How important is it for leaders to build a rapport in this alliance framework? 

Prime Minister: Oh, look, it's very important. It brings together all the things that happen behind the scenes at various levels of the relationship. We've seen it most recently in relationship with the United Kingdom for example, and the securing of the free trade agreement there. At the end of the day, Boris and I had to sit in a room over some lamb and crunch the deal.

Gilbert: You did have a very good rapport with Donald Trump, they rolled out the red carpet for you at the White House. Are we seeing at the moment with, I think of the Pfizer requests that they really haven't been that helpful, it was the UK that helped us, not the US, is that partly because the Biden administration hasn't yet warmed to us? 

Prime Minister: No. No. 

Gilbert: So what's your view on that? 

Prime Minister: My view is that the United States, together with Japan, ourselves, India in the Quad relationship in so many other ways, is carrying a huge burden in terms of getting vaccines right across the developing world. And that's where so much of their focus is. And so no, I didn't read that in, read anything into that at all, because we continue to work on so many other issues together that are so critical to us here in the Indo-Pacific. Our national security interests, the security of our region. We've had tremendous support from them in the region on some of the more contentious issues here. And they have not been at all backward in coming and supporting our strong positions here about our own sovereignty and about our own security. They've been a faithful friend. 

Gilbert: Has the mission in Afghanistan been a failure? Has it reduced the American prestige internationally? 

Prime Minister: No, I don't believe so, ultimately. I understand that view in the moment. Of course I do. I mean, it has been a terrible, terrible episode in that engagement coming to an end. It's not clear to me how it was ever going to come to an end in any markedly different way, if we're really honest about it. We were there for 20 years. We were there for the right reasons. We were there to deny Osama bin Laden a base from which to operate. The Americans had been very clear all those years ago. Hand him over. The Taliban said no. So we turned up with our American friends and many others and, and got that job done. After that occurred, though, the situation changed, a great vacuum had been created in Afghanistan and we were all there and sought over many, many years to make a failed state a successful one. Now, many have tried that in the past in that part of the world, and they've also not seen a great deal of success. But I do know this, for 20 years, that threat of global terror that was able to base itself out of Afghanistan was denied. And the countries and there are many, well not too many, that really enabled the Taliban and others, were not any actions of the United States, quite the contrary, but those who gave safe harbour and comfort to the Taliban, and that is, that is a great tragedy. 

Gilbert: Boris Johnson and Emmanuel Macron argued, apparently at the G7 emergency talks around Afghanistan, that they wanted the deadline extended. Were you on the same page as them on that? Would you have liked more time? 

Prime Minister: Of course, and communicated that in support of their position at the time. But ultimately, that was always going to be a function of the security situation on the ground. I have no doubt that if the United States were able to extend that and to provide more time to get people out, then they would have done so. But the security of the situation on the ground did not lend itself to that. And we know that quite, quite tragically, the suicide bomber at the Abbey Gate that took 13 American lives. I mean, that is just such a tragedy that at those very last hours, while American soldiers were trying to provide a path to freedom for people, they were met with that terror. Now, Australians had been there not that long before, not that long before. And so the US presence there over the course of that evacuation, 4,100 people we were able to airlift out of there in a very, very dangerous situation. I remember at the start of this operation, saying to the team, we need to go as quickly as we can and as safely as we can because we don't know how many days we're going to have. And that's exactly what they did. And they did a terrific job and saved thousands and thousands of lives. 

Gilbert: What message does this vacuum now, essentially vacuum of US authority certainly, an allied authority in that part of the world, say to China and other rivals internationally, in terms of potentially them stepping in to fill that void and have greater influence in countries like Afghanistan, particularly in this context? 

Prime Minister: Well, I think what you're seeing is a shift in US thinking and US policy as to where their major focus in the world is. And it's right here. It's right here in the Indo-Pacific. I mean, we've seen the focus of US attention shift over the years. I mean, immediately after the Second World War building those great international institutions, the rebuilding of Europe, the rebuilding of Japan, the Marshall Plan, all of this, it was an extraordinary achievement in world reconstruction that the US led. Their attention then moved more towards the Middle East over the time we've been talking about. And at the same time we've seen the US achieve something they had been seeking to do since the time of Nixon, and that was to achieve energy security, which they have now done. The US is now very focused on the Indo-Pacific. And that is very important for Australia. That is very much in Australia's national interest, very much in our interests. And it's something that we have long encouraged, and I have particularly encouraged. 

Gilbert: In the context of that and in the context of your talks with Quad leaders, explain to us the importance of the Quad to the Indo-Pacific and to regional security, if you can. 

Prime Minister: Look, first of all, it's a positive initiative to ensure the Indo-Pacific can realise its goals. Australia has a wonderful relationship with the ASEAN countries, and we've always seen the operation of the Quad as serving that ASEAN vision. Enabling ASEAN. That's why at our first leaders meeting, we were talking about vaccine deployment. We were talking about energy technologies and how that can assist developing countries achieve their economic goals, but also their climate goals. And we've talked about critical technologies as well. So there is, you know, we've focused on things like the Mekong region and so on. The Quad is a positive influence in the region that is more than about defence and security, but it is about enabling the independence and sovereignty of the Indo-Pacific region. Freedom of movement, through the seas, through the air, all of this which enables the Indo-Pacific region to be successful in the future. It's the most dynamic region in the world. And there are countries, our friends, our neighbours, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, so many countries that we want to see realise their future. Now, the Quad is a great partner. It's a positive partner. It's not a partner that is to the exclusion of others. It is a partner that is designed to help the Indo-Pacific prosper. And, you know, when the Indo-Pacific prospers, so does Australia. 

Gilbert: Now, we've spoken about the cooperation with the United States and the very strong links that we have for military to business, people to people links and so on. There is a point of difference that we have at the moment between the Biden administration, certainly in terms of their emphasis on climate, it’s one of their, their biggest foreign policy.

Prime Minister: Quite different from the last administration too.

Gilbert: It's been quite a shift, it’s been a shift, no doubt about that. What's your view at the moment in the lead up to COP, the climate talks in Glasgow about Joe Biden and his Administration’s wish, hope, urging that we are more ambitious? 

Prime Minister: Well, first of all, Australia is achieving. That's the first point that I often make, that Australia is achieving even more than the United States when it comes to this. 20 per cent fall in emissions. Our uptake of rooftop solar, our investments in renewables they outstrip so many countries around the world. So we're on the path. We're on the path, and we're part of the solution. And the solution is importantly about this. If we want to ensure that we live in a new energy economy where net zero is achieved around the world, that is only going to happen if the technologies that enable that are at a critical mass all around the world. It's not good enough and we must strive to achieve these. That's why we've embarked on our energy technology plan to transform our energy economy here in Australia so we can meet these net zero goals into the future. But that's not enough. Unless it works in Indonesia, in Vietnam, in China, in India, well, we don't, we don’t achieve the goal. And so the way that will be delivered is if we can ensure that this technology is scalable, affordable and practical in all of those countries. When we've got hydrogen being used in Indonesia, when we've got carbon capture use and storage technologies being employed in Vietnam for their power stations, when we are achieving that in all of those countries, because it makes economic sense for them to do it, then we know we're making progress. And that's my message. And that's where I think the world needs to [inaudible]. 

Gilbert: They also want you to be more ambitious, in terms of targets. 

Prime Minister: Well, our ambition won't be a problem because we achieve our ambition. You know, ambitions are fine so long as you achieve them. And every single mark we've hit, we've met. We've set, we've met. And we'll continue to do that. We understand that the energy economy is changing and it'll change massively over the next 30 years. And I intend for Australia to be successful and in the middle and driving key elements of that new energy economy. And that will be great for Australian regions. But it will also be great for our partners, because whether it's in Indonesia or Vietnam or anywhere else, we want to ensure that they're on the same path. Because otherwise, what we're saying to the developing world is this, well we just want to pay you to sit home and do nothing. No, those countries deserve to have jobs. They deserve to have an economic future fuelled by a clean energy economy, which we want to be part of and help them establish commercially so they're sustainable. They deserve that. They're our friends. And if they're successful, well, so will we be. 

Gilbert: Prime Minister Scott Morrison, I appreciate your time, thanks.

Prime Minister: Thanks Kieran.

https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-43580

Future Hydrogen Industry to Create Jobs, Lower Emissions and Boost Regional Australia

20 September 2021

Prime Minister, Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction

Joint Media Release

The Hon. Scott Morrison MP
Prime Minister

The Hon. Angus Taylor MP
Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction

The Morrison Government’s $1.2 billion hydrogen investment is set to increase, boosting economic activity and jobs in regional Australia.

An additional $150 million for a further two locations under the Clean Hydrogen Industrial Hubs program will enable the rollout of hydrogen hubs across seven priority regional sites.

Hydrogen is a clean fuel of the future, and Australia will commercialise this technology by co-locating hydrogen production and industrial uses, and building on the infrastructure and workforces of regional areas.

Hubs will consolidate Australia’s natural resource strengths to unlock cheap, clean energy and stimulate a potential surge in industrial activity.

Government funding will help to de-risk projects and quickly achieve the scale necessary to establish new export industries and meet the growing energy needs of the Indo Pacific region.

The now $464 million grant program provides up to $3 million grants for project consortia to initially progress feasibility and design work, and up to $70 million towards the roll-out of projects.

Seven prospective locations across Australia have been identified and include: Bell Bay (TAS), Darwin (NT), Eyre Peninsula (SA), Gladstone (QLD), Latrobe Valley (VIC), Hunter Valley (NSW), and Pilbara (WA).

Prime Minster Scott Morrison said these hydrogen hubs would create jobs across Australia and fast-track Australia’s push to be a global leader in the new energy economy.

“Our plan to invest and develop low emissions industries will mean more jobs for Australian workers, particularly in our regions, cheaper energy for businesses and lower emissions,” the Prime Minister said.

“We are accelerating the development of our Australian hydrogen industry and it is our ambition to produce the cheapest clean hydrogen in the world, transforming our transport, energy, resources and manufacturing sectors.

“This is good for jobs, good for our environment and contributes to our global effort to reduce emissions through technology not taxes.”

Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said Clean Hydrogen Industrial Hubs will create the domestic demand needed to help the hydrogen industry drive down costs and scale-up production creating new job opportunities for our regions.

“Hydrogen hubs are crucial to realising the Morrison Government’s vision of making Australia a major global player in hydrogen production and exports by 2030,” Minister Taylor said.

“We are looking to partner with industry, and work with state and territory governments to make this a reality.

“Australia has the potential to be a world leader in the production of affordable and clean hydrogen, and our hydrogen industry could create around 8,000 new Australian jobs and generate over $11 billion a year in GDP by 2050.

“The development of Clean Hydrogen Industrial Hubs would help the emerging industry work towards achieving the stretch goal of hydrogen production at under $2 a kilogram under the government’s Technology Investment Roadmap.

“Accelerating the commercial deployment of priority low emissions technologies such as hydrogen so they reach cost parity with higher emissions alternatives is critical to Australia’s technology led approach to reducing emissions.

“A thriving hydrogen sector will help Australia to achieve its emission-reduction goals while continuing to grow our economy and support existing industries.”

Hydrogen hubs, as identified by the National Hydrogen Strategy as a priority measure, will create economies of scale by co-locating hydrogen producers, users and exporters in one location.

The Clean Hydrogen Industrial Hub Grants program will build on the work being done by the Special Adviser on Low Emissions Technology, Dr Alan Finkel, to broker international partnerships and initiatives that will accelerate the deployment of hydrogen and other priority low emissions technologies.

Cooperation on hydrogen forms part of new low emissions partnerships with Germany, Singapore, Japan and the United Kingdom announced in 2021.

While the hydrogen program is open Australia-wide, the seven locations have been identified based on strong interest and activity from industry and each location’s existing capabilities, infrastructure and resources.

Program guidelines are now available at business.gov.au, with applications to open in the coming weeks.

The Hub Implementation Grants round will support Australian industry to roll-out and establish clean hydrogen industrial hub projects in regional Australia, with co-funded grants up to $70 million available.

https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-43579

Interview with Neil Mitchell, 3AW

17 September 2021

Neil Mitchell: Scott Morrison, good morning.

Prime Minister: Good morning, Neil.

Mitchell: Thanks for your time. Just, firstly, 510 new cases here.

Prime Minister: Yeah.

Mitchell: One death. We've got, what, 386 mystery cases.

Prime Minister: Yeah.

Mitchell: Do you worry we’re heading the same way as New South Wales?

Prime Minister: Well, that's, that's, when you track what the progression of the outbreak has been in Victoria against what it has been in New South Wales, it's a very similar trajectory. In fact, it's slightly higher when you look at it. And, but, what that says is that the Delta strain is a very persistent and very virulent strain. And despite, you know, the lockdowns can keep it somewhat suppressed, but it continues to grow. And that's what they've learnt in New South Wales, and they’re some weeks ahead. And that's why the vaccination rates are just so important. And to give you some update on that, the most recent vaccination figures have come through, Neil. So, telling you here first - 70.25 per cent is the first dose vaccination rate in Victoria, 42.94 per cent for second dose in Victoria. So, those numbers continue to go up. Good news that under, 12 to 15s, that's around about 10 per cent now have had their first dose. And that, so that's great. That's only been going very recently. And across the country, over 300,000 doses - 70.5 per cent, we've now reached that on first doses around the country; 45.4 on second. And 24 million doses in total around the country.

Mitchell: Well, we're looking at pretty good double vax, well, 80 per cent double vaccination, with a bit of luck by early December, aren't we?

Prime Minister: Look, I think, well, I think we're tracking well. I mean, General Frewen I think made a very good point, and that is, you know, we just don't take anything for granted. We've seen in other countries, once you get to higher levels, you've got to keep stressing the need for this. But, again, in Australia, because of the national plan and how it's set out, there's always those marks to reach and the greater return we get back to where we want to be, the higher the vaccination rates go. The other thing that's good in that, Neil, is that the most recent vaccination rates for aged care workers now at first dose is just, it’s about 97 per cent. And, so, those mandatory requirements that we put in took some time to get them in. But, they've done the job, and that means that that's been a very effective way to get that done.

Mitchell: Prime Minister, on to the international matters, The Global Times, the voice for the Chinese Government, says you have made Australia a nuclear target. Do you accept there’s some truth in that?

Prime Minister: Look, what I understand is what we've done is what Australia should do in its national interests. There's all sorts of talk that is, that is said, I don't think that supports peace and stability in the region. That's what our goal is. And I think it should be all of our goals, who live and operate within the Indo-Pacific to be pursuing that, and that doesn't seem to be very conducive to that type of an outcome.

Mitchell: I couldn't agree more, but is it, is it not also reality that it does push us up the list as a nuclear target?

Prime Minister: Look, Australia has to stand up for itself and protect its interests and keep Australians safe, and and we will just always do that. And look, I note those comments, but I don't intend to respond to them. It's important that everyone in the region focus on stability, peace and security. That's what we're doing. We encourage all other partners and nations in the region to do the same.

Mitchell: That's exactly what the Chinese Foreign Affairs spokesman says you have undermined, or we have undermined - peace and stability, peace and stability in the region.

Prime Minister: I don't, I don’t share that view. I don’t, I know many others in the region don't share that view. I mean, China themselves undertake investments in their own national defence in their national interests, and that's not surprising. And I don't know why it would be surprising that Australia and other partners would do the same.

Mitchell: But, so, you do accept that the region is now, and this is one of the reasons you're doing this, the region is far more tense [inaudible] than it was.

Prime Minister: Oh, of course it is. Yeah, no, that's absolutely the case. And we have to deal with the world as it is, not as we'd like it to be. And we try and make it as we'd like it to be - a more peaceful and a more stable place - and that's what everyone in the region wants. And Australia's decision has been well-received in the region because the purposes are understood. And we just want to ensure that right throughout the region there can be free movement of goods and services and maritime traffic and air traffic, and the rule of law applies. There are no sort of special zones in international waters. There are only international waters, and they’re the rules by which the world should operate. And that's how the Indo-Pacific should operate.

Mitchell: They're also talking about Australian military losing their lives in the South China Sea. Is this just propaganda or is this, is this really coming from Government?

Prime Minister: I think you've, I think you've offered an astute observation, Neil.

Mitchell: Yeah, but it is, I mean, The Global Times is a government arm, isn't it, really? More so than the ABC.

Prime Minister: We're focused on what we need to do to protect Australia's national security, to work with our partners. I mean, this is a, an historic-level agreement. At no other time, other than with the United Kingdom back in 1958, has the United States shared its technology on nuclear submarines. So, this puts Australia in a very, very special arrangement, a one off, as the White House was saying yesterday. And that's great for Australia. It's important for Australia, because the world is complex and it's changing and it's competitive and there are tensions and we know that. And, so, of course, we'll do things that seek to try and stabilise that.

Mitchell: Do you expect some sort of economic retribution from China?

Prime Minister: I couldn't see how that could be justified.

Mitchell: It doesn't mean it won't happen. Do you expect it?

Prime Minister: Well, we will continue to improve our resilience, and deal with any challenges that we have to address, and largely that's what we're doing as part of this arrangement.

Mitchell: So, we have to be ready for it? We've got to be prepared for it, do we?

Prime Minister: Well, we always have to be resilient. We always have to do what's in Australia's national interests, and that's what this agreement delivers.

Mitchell: The Foreign Affairs spokesman also said he had no knowledge of you directly offering bilateral talks with the Chinese President. Let’s get it clear - do you want bilateral talks with China?

Prime Minister: Of course, it's always been our position. There's never been any obstacle to that on Australia's side. None whatsoever.

Mitchell: Do you accept that what's happened here has made China, though, a more significant enemy of Australia?

Prime Minister: No.

Mitchell: When will these subs be in the water? Looks like 20 years. Both Tony Abbott and Kevin Rudd are saying that's too long. What do we do in the meantime, if it’s 20 years off?

Prime Minister: No, it's no, it's not that. And in the next 18 months we’ll sort of prove up those timeframes. We anticipate the build commencing this decade and and we anticipate that before the end of next decade that we'll have the first in the water, just was was the case with the Attack class submarines. But, what we will have continuing to be in the water is the Collins class submarine, which will go through a Life-of-Type Extension, and there'll be billions invested in that. And they’ll be conducted in Adelaide, along with full-cycle docking, which will see the Collins class submarines, a very effective submarine, operate well into the 2040s.

Mitchell: I know you've made it clear that these these submarines will carry conventional weapons, not nuclear warheads. However, China and a number of other countries have pointed out, because so many of these vessels around the world are nuclear capable, that it would be not too difficult to convert them to nuclear weapons. Is that right?

Prime Minister: Well, no, I don't know if I’d necessarily share that view, but but it’s moot, because Australia is not seeking that capability. It's not on our agenda. It's not something that has ever been contemplated by us, and nor do I believe it should.

Mitchell: Will we have more US troops based in Australia?

Prime Minister: Well, we already have quite a number, as you know, up in northern Australia. And I was up there not that long ago when we were announcing major investments to increase the capability of our defence training facilities there to enable greater participation of our partner forces, the United States. What's exciting about this agreement is it isn't just the United States. It's the United Kingdom. I mean, the United Kingdom becoming a more significant partner with Australia on defence, one, but also, having their focus on this part of the world, which is increasingly- the Indo-Pacific has become the centre of the world. And in terms of where things are going to affect the fates of so many nations, including our own, but also those further afield in Europe and the United Kingdom, and Prime Minister Johnson, Boris, he understands this, and he is engaging very heavily with ourselves and the United States, but also many other countries in the region, and so are the French. And we would continue to welcome our participation with the French. We understand they're disappointed. That is entirely understandable and reasonable, and we'll just have to work through that. Butt, at the end of the day, as Prime Minister I've got to make the calls that are in Australia's national interests, and no one else.

Mitchell: How much have we already spent on the French deal?

Prime Minister: $2.4 billion, and that's been an investment in our capability.

Mitchell: So, that’s gone, that’s gone?

Prime Minister: Well, no, I don't, I don't see it that way, Neil. I see it as getting us into position to build our skills, understanding and capabilities. We've been investing in maritime engineers and systems engineers and building that capability. But, so I see that as a good investment. Our opponents were going to spend more than twice that much paying people to have vaccines they’d already had.

Mitchell: Ok, well, $2.4 billion, plus there'll be compensation. That's been estimated internationally at $400 million. What do you think - that's a ballpark figure?

Prime Minister: I'm not speculating.

Mitchell: Why? It’s being negotiated, is it?

Prime Minister: These are just commercial arrangements, and I'm not going to speculate on them.

Mitchell: Will it be public when it’s done, will it not?

Prime Minister: Of course.

Mitchell: In 2018, you said Australia did not have to choose between the US and China. Have we now chosen?

Prime Minister: I don't believe we should have to.

Mitchell: But, we have, haven’t we?

Prime Minister: My view, my view on that hasn't changed. I don't believe we should have to. I mean, everything we've done with the United States is consistent with the partnerships and relationships and alliance we've already had, always had with the United States. So, that comes as no surprise, and this is why our door remains open to have that comprehensive strategic partnership which we have with China, to continue on in the way we intended it to occur, and there is no obstacle to that from Australia's perspective.

Mitchell: Former Prime Minister Paul Keating, I know you disagreed with what he said, and you said that. A very strong statement yesterday, which in part I found offensive to anybody who served in Afghanistan. But, that's my issue. Did you feel he's offering propaganda comfort to China in that statement, as a former Prime Minister?

Prime Minister: Well, look, I always respect the views of former Prime Ministers. They have had, they had to deal with the situation that they faced in their time. This is a different time. And I need to deal with the world that our country is facing now. I made the observation that I suspect the view that he holds is shared by some, perhaps many in the Labor Party. I know it's not the official position that Labor has taken on this agreement, and I welcome that. But, that said, you know, his view would be at odds with that of, you know, Prime Minister Curtin all those years ago. As I said yesterday, I'm more with Curtin than Keating on this.

Mitchell: Would you rather he didn't make these statements?

Prime Minister: It's a free country. He's entitled to. He's a former Prime Minister. And I respect him as such. 

Mitchell: Did you feel his comments were insulting to people who served in Afghanistan? 

Prime Minister: I think we should always respect the service of our men and women, particularly former prime ministers and current prime ministers, and I always do. So I'll hold myself to that standard, I'll let others hold themselves to the standards they set. 

Mitchell: Does this does all this mean that nuclear power for peaceful purposes, that nuclear power is a step closer in Australia? If we can accept nuclear powers submarines, why not reactors that are giving us something to boil a kettle? 

Prime Minister: They're completely different issues and they're not related. And that was one of the key issues that enabled us to proceed, which was what was different to 2016. A) We didn't have access to this technology with the United States back in 2016. A conventional submarine was the only option. So we had to go for the best possible one we could get. And that was the Attack Class, the French submarine. And that is still our view. If you want a conventional submarine, that's the best one to do. But we need more than that. We need a supreme submarine capability in our part of the world, and that's what a nuclear submarine does. But on civil, no, the other thing is the reactor for these new generation nuclear submarines, for whole of service, for the vessel. And so that means you don't have to service the reactor and that means you don't need that civil capability. So the two issues are not linked. 

Mitchell: Just before we leave the region, Evergrande, which is a huge Chinese construction company, is on the verge of collapse, debts of $300 billion. What would that do to Australia's economy? 

Prime Minister: Well, like any major company investing in Australia, we obviously want them to be viable. That's good for jobs. But the truth is, the largest stock on foreign investment in Australia is actually from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canadian pension funds, European pension funds. China has had an important role in investment in Australia in many projects in particular in the construction sector. And that's been important to our economy. That's why we have an economic relationship with China. We're interested in that. But it's got to be on Australia's national interest terms, like with any other foreign country. We have rules and we have, I think, quite positive and proactive rules and principles. But that's it. You know, we set them and investment here happens on our terms. 

Mitchell: But there is speculation around the world, there is some analysis suggest the collapse of $300 billion in debt that could possibly provoke another GFC. 

Prime Minister: Well, that's not the advice I have at this point. But, you know, the world is going through a very, very difficult economic time. And I think it's an important reminder of that, Neil. I mean, the world is facing so many challenges. Of course, we've got COVID. And we've been dealing with that every single day now for almost two years. But let's not forget, there are global security challenges and that we have not taken our eye off the ball of that for one day. As yesterday I think demonstrated, there are the changes around counter-terrorism, which in a changing world post Afghanistan, we must continue to be ever mindful of. And then there's the economic challenges of the type that you've just announced, I should say, in making that observation. So the economic recovery plan that we put in in the budget, that is as important today, if not more than it was even then. So we're investing to ensure that Australia's economy is resilient, everything from training to infrastructure to manufacturing to science to research, university place, all of these things being done, and particularly in our energy sector, our energy sector, as the world moves into a new energy economy, we want to be competitive. We want to be successful. And we want to power our industries. 

Mitchell: Prime Minister, Victoria is introducing compulsory vaccination in the construction industry and it looks like coming in the health industry. And while it's not there already, will you re-think compulsory vaccination? 

Prime Minister: We've got no plans to do that. But states can always do exactly what you said. They're responsible for public health. I think, Neil, over the course of this 18 months, there's been some sort of mistaken view that some powers have been given to the states. It is just simply not true. They've always had them. And I think the public may not have been as aware of them because we haven't been confronted with a national and international pandemic at the scale we're now living through. It's enlivened what those powers are. The states have always had them and they they've always been responsible for them. And so each of the premiers must be accountable for how they use them. 

Mitchell: So a vaccine passport's inevitable, isn't it? 

Prime Minister: Oh that's- we've got a record of vaccination and that will enable people to travel overseas. That's what our job is. And that record of vaccination can be used by state governments as part of their QR code reading apps. 

Mitchell: Do you support that, intellectually, you know, no jab, no entry approaching in commerce? 

Prime Minister: Well, businesses have that right to say who can come into their premises. That's what the law says. And that doesn't that fall foul of discrimination laws. But what I actually think will happen Neil, is I think we'll move through these phases. I think there will be a phase, particularly as you go into 70 per cent, to 80 percent, where you've got to exercise that caution, as we're already seeing in New South Wales and as Victoria is moving towards, you'll start to open up. And it'll obviously be for public health reasons, not ideological reasons. The virus doesn't care what your ideology is and you will see vaccinated people being able to move and do more things. Why? Because they're less likely to get the virus, transmit the virus, get a serious illness and end up in hospital. And so that won't put the pressure on the public hospital system. Now, that is the key issue that has been focused on now. Particularly, we'll discuss that more later today, as we do every time we gather with all the premiers and chief ministers at National Cabinet. I know Victoria have done advanced planning on how they're going to deal with the surge on their hospital system and how they're going to manage that. It will come under pressure. Of course it will. As it is New South Wales. But they've got a plan to work through that and we'll support them as needed to help them through that. But every state at some point is going to have to pass through this tunnel to get to the other side to live with the virus. And in Victoria, New South Wales, you're a lot closer to it than the rest of the country. 

Mitchell: One thing that worries me with governments, and maybe this is a role federally as well, is when they're given powers like curfews and closing playgrounds and they've got these powers under the emergency powers. I understand that. They find them pretty hard to give up. We need some sort of guarantee that as we get through this, we'll return to being a free society, which is ... 

Prime Minister: Absolutely and I can assure you that our end as a federal government, we want these things only to be there as long as they have to and will be, you know, the first to be most enthusiastic to withdraw them. They are imposed and should be imposed only reluctantly. And in the same way, you know, we have had to engage the federal government in the biggest economic support programmes the country has ever seen. Now, JobKeeper and the COVID Disaster Payment supports, which we've had in place now in Victoria for some time, which has given billions in support, in Victoria specifically $1.7 billion of support on top of the business supports we're providing which Treasurer Frydenberg, Josh, has been able to put in place working closely with Tim Pallas. That's been very important. And has saved jobs, livelihoods. But, you know, our natural instinct, I got to tell you, is not to spend money in these ways, but when you have to, you do. And you stop doing it as soon as you're able to do safely. 

Mitchell: Thank you for so much time. Couple of quick things. Will AstraZeneca be recognised for overseas travel as a vaccine passport? Will AstraZeneca, for example, have the recognition in the United States? 

Prime Minister: Do you mean in Australia? 

Mitchell: Well, no, if I'm vaccinated with AstraZeneca in Australia and I want to get this passport to go overseas, will it be recognised around the world if it's AstraZeneca and not Pfizer? 

Prime Minister: Well as far as I'm aware, the United States isn't imposing any restrictions around that. 

Mitchell: What about other countries? 

Prime Minister: Well to those who do in Europe and particularly the United Kingdom, and it's obviously recognised there. It's the most recognised vaccine in the world. Here in Australia, we're recognising vaccines that have been approved by our TGA. 

Mitchell: Question from a listener, will we still be competing in the Winter Olympics in China? 

Prime Minister: Yeah, I see no reason why we wouldn't be. I mean, that's a decision of the Australian Olympic Committee, not the Australian Government. 

Mitchell: Can I ask you about Christian Porter. If as a radio broadcaster, I was to accept money from people I didn't know and it went into my back pocket, I'd lose my job. There's no question I would have the broadcasting authorities on to me, and rightly so, and I wouldn't do it. I know you are still assessing it. I know you're still waiting for a decision. But surely on the face of it, it looks like indefensible, does it not? 

Prime Minister: Well, I'm taking it extremely seriously and I'm waiting for some further advice on this, because this is something I've, you know, needs to be dealt with appropriately. And the Minister understands that as well. We've had that conversation. And until I get that further advice, then I just, I don't think it helps to speculate. I understand the point you're making, Neil. That's why I'm taking it so seriously. 

Mitchell: Couple of lighter things, if I may. Now, I want your view of what the US President was on about when he said this yesterday. 

[Excerpt plays]

Mitchell: I know it's not going to worry you, but did he forget your name, or was he just being relaxed? 

Prime Minister: I don't know. But he does refer to me as pal in our private conversations quite regularly. And if he did, we all have those moments, Neil. I've had them, I suspect you've had them and your listeners too. 

Mitchell: If he calls you pal, what do you, what do you call him? 

Prime Minister: I call him Mr President. Or mate. 

Mitchell: And one last question. You and Josh Frydenberg, Josh told me you were camped at the Lodge together for a while. 

Prime Minister: We were. 

Mitchell: Is it true you cooked him of your curries? 

Prime Minister: It is true. I cooked him one of my curries. More than once, and he enjoyed them very much. And as you'd expect. I quite enjoy getting in the kitchen. And it was good to have Josh there. We were working through a lot of issues at the time. And the fact that the ACT was in lockdown, meant, I mean there are virtually no more important relationship between the Prime Minister and the Treasurer in a government, particularly as the leader and deputy leader of the Liberal Party and of course, with the leader of The Nationals, with Barnaby. But we were working through a lot of issues and that enables us to, you know, keep working, basically and I beat him at pool too. 

Mitchell: And you watched Yes, Prime Minister? 

Prime Minister: Yeah, we did. Usually over dinner. We watched a few action films too. 

Mitchell: What? Westerns or?

Prime Minister: [Inaudible] and I don't get to watch them that often at home. 

Mitchell: Thank you so much for your time. Thank you. I know we've kept you. 

Prime Minister: Good to talk to you. 

Mitchell: Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-43576

Interview with Allison Langdon, Today Show

17 September 2021

ALLISON LANGDON: Live from Canberra is that big fella from Down Under. Good morning, Prime Minister. How are you?

PRIME MINISTER: Good, pal. How are you?

LANGDON: Excellent. Hey, look, I'll tell you, he doesn't think you're a pal this morning, but the French, we know they're blowing up. With a deal so big, did you bother to pick up the phone and call President Emmanuel Macron?

PRIME MINISTER: Yeah, well, we've been speaking for some time, and I had dinner with him back in Paris back in late June, and we talked about these very issues and the serious situation that Australia was facing and the needs that we would have and the challenges that presented with that submarine programme. So I understand they're disappointed and that's very, very clear and we will work through those issues. They're important part of France, particularly here in the Pacific, where we have so many shared interests. And so we'll work through that. And that's necessary. We don't have any issue with what you know, obviously France and particularly Naval Group with the Attack Class submarine we were seeking to do. It was a good submarine. It was a conventional submarine and that no longer met our needs. So we had to do what was in our national interests. And I'm sure that President Macron would always act in France's national interests. And so too must Australia.

LANGDON: Well, as you say, the writing was on the wall with this. But don't you think, though, you could have just picked up the phone and given him a call, giving him a heads up before that announcement yesterday?

PRIME MINISTER: Well he was told, he was told.

LANGDON: So how was he told? And when did that happen?

PRIME MINISTER: That happened the night before.

LANGDON: The night before, OK.

PRIME MINISTER: He was fully aware of the decision.

LANGDON: All right. OK, so what we're hearing from the French media this morning that they found out on an Australian news site was not correct.

PRIME MINISTER: That's right. Both the President and the Foreign Minister and the Defence Minister were all briefed on that decision of Australia the night before it was made public here in Australia. And there had been an ongoing process for some months. And that began with the dinner I had with President Macron back in late June.

LANGDON: Maybe it just goes to how upset they are that this has happened. But as you say, look, it was it was a done deal, but it's north of a two billion dollar break-up. That's no small change, is it?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, this was all important investment for Australia, this has built our capability to now go forward. What we're doing, we've been skilling up people in submarine technology, in the maritime engineering skills that are necessary to engage on these very large programmes. But I mean, at the end of the day, we've got to keep Australia safe and we've got to take the decisions which do the best thing to keep Australians safe. And that requires a superior submarine capability for us to operate here in the Indo-Pacific region and to do that with our partners in the United States and the United Kingdom. And at the end of the day, what we were previously building was no longer going to meet that need. And so we weren't going to go ahead with it if that was no longer what we needed. And there was the opportunity to do that under the contract. Contracts have gates for that reason. I've been very clear about that. When I was in Paris, I said, there's a gate coming up and we have to decide whether we're going through it.

LANGDON: I mean, two billion, it's still a very expensive mistake. No surprises either. China not very happy.

PRIME MINISTER: Well, Ally, I don't see it like that. I don't see it like that, Ally.

LANGDON: How do you not see it as a mistake?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, the decision that was taken in 2016, that was the best submarine we could get access to. We've invested in building the capability to build submarines of that scale and now we can go further. So this has helped us get to where we are today and it'll help us with the project ahead.

LANGDON: OK, so China not happy this morning, as you know. Look at what they did when you called for an inquiry into the origins of COVID. Did we just put an even bigger target on our back?

PRIME MINISTER: We're just doing what we need to do to keep Australians safe and protect our national interest. I mean, China do the same thing. They have massive investments in their military capabilities, including in this area and Australia doesn't raise issues around that. All countries will take decisions in the national interest. We believe this will add to the peace and stability and security of the region. And that is, I think, a view that is widely shared about the impact of this arrangement. And we encourage all countries in the region to engage in that way.

LANGDON: Could our relationship with China be any worse right now, do you think?

PRIME MINISTER: We want a better relationship, but we also want to ensure that Australia always holds true to our interests and our values. And we're very happy to have a relationship that respects all of that.

LANGDON: OK, so Peter Dutton said on our show earlier that these submarines won't be ready for 20 years or so. What do we do in the meantime? Because we have poked the bear, China.

PRIME MINISTER: It will be earlier than that. But the other point I'd make is that the Collins Class submarines, they will be extended and they will go through what is called a life of type extension. That means that their capabilities are upgraded and they'll be operating well into the 2040s. And so those submarine capabilities will be preserved and enhanced and extended. In addition to that, that mean the agreement, AUKUS as it's called, a forever partnership, as I referred to it yesterday, that gives us access to the technology and the capabilities that Australia has never had access to before. I mean, there's only been one other time that the United States has shared their technology on nuclear powered submarines with anyone. And that was the United Kingdom in 1958. This is the only other time that has happened. And I think that underscores just how significant this new partnership is. I mean, this will keep Australians safe for generations.

LANGDON: And when will they be in the water are you predicting?

PRIME MINISTER: Before the end of next decade and in a similar time frame, not too different from when the Attack Class would be in, and that's why we're extending the Collins Class submarines to give them more capability, but supporting our broader defence capability, particularly in maritime and air space with the missile programmes I announced yesterday, the Tomahawks and those that launch from air platforms. So we're expanding. And the AUKUS agreement also goes into cyber and quantum capabilities, undersea capabilities and many others with technology that as yet hasn't even been invented.

LANGDON: I mean, there is so much that has been announced and revealed in the past 24 hours. How did you manage to keep all of this quiet?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, it was a very secure process, there's no doubt about that, we were dealing with the most sensitive of information that you could possibly imagine, and that has been going on for well over a year and a half when I first initiated this process. And I pay great credit to all of those who've worked on this and from Peter currently and Minister for Defence for many months now, and of course, Linda Reynolds before that. But Marise Payne as well has been sensational and working through this. Our Defence Secretary, the Chief of the Defence Force, the head of Navy, all of this, Chief of Navy. This has been a very closely held process. And, of course, you know, there have been quite a lot of other things going on with our management of COVID as well at the same time. And it just goes to show that as a federal government, you've got to deal with all the challenges you face. COVID is a very significant challenge, welcome the fact that 70 per cent first dose New South Wales, going to 50 per cent two doses. Tassie already there. Tassie still, you know, they're really doing well down there. They're doing a great job. And we want to see, obviously, in Queensland and Western Australia, those dose rates come up. But there's a lot of challenges that the federal government has to do. Some people say, "oh, you've only got two jobs, Prime Minister." Anyone who thinks I've only got two jobs doesn't understand anything about the job.

LANGDON: I'm just having a thought, I'm gathering you didn't tell Barnaby Joyce because I'm not sure he would have kept it a secret had Barnaby known. Not your inner circle?

PRIME MINISTER: Barnaby is the Deputy Chair of the National Security Committee of Cabinet. And we work that all through the National Security Committee.

LANGDON: So, he knew? Well done.

PRIME MINISTER: Of course, he did. And his predecessor, Michael McCormack, also did. And so they both look, this is this is probably the most significant decision that the National Security Committee of Cabinet has made, not just in our government, but in any government for a long time. This is as significant as going back to the original ANZUS agreement 70 years ago, which we've just marked. So it is a big step up, but you've got to deal with the times you're in. You've got to deal with the challenges that you face and as you perceive them into the future. And you've got to do what's right. And if that means you've got to take some hard decisions and I appreciate that that is a disappointing decision for France, who are our great friends. But you've always got to do, take the decisions that are in Australia's national interests, and that's what we've done.

LANGDON: So this is an incredibly big deal. It's an incredibly important move for us moving forward. I know you're heading off to the US on Monday to meet with the US President. Can you just just be honest with us with that moment yesterday? I mean, we're all holding our collective breath when he first started speaking. What was going through your mind when he called you that that fellow from Down Under?

PRIME MINISTER: I didn't pay much attention to it. I mean, these things happen. They happen frequently. I mean, from time to time. You know, I've been known to let the odd name slip from my memory. That's pretty normal in our line of work. I've got to be honest. And we've got a great working relationship. And the proof of that is in the pudding. I remember it was a few months ago, there was a few people give me a bit of a whack about the relationship when the three of us met together at Carbis Bay and I think it just goes to show there's lots of people who are prepared to have a whack, but they don't always know what's going on. And what was going on there was very significant. And the fact that they didn't know anything about it just shows that they probably don't know a lot about what's going on.

LANGDON: Just had to bide your time. And look, Prime Minister, we never forget your show here on the Today Show, OK? Your name.

KARL STEFANOVIC: You just did! Sucked in!

PRIME MINISTER: See Ally, it happens to us all, doesn't it? It happens to us all, pal. It does.

LANGDON: Oh my, Friday, I'm off, I'm out of here.

STEFANOVIC: You just got smoked by the PM.

LANGDON: Thank you, Prime Minister.

PRIME MINISTER: Thanks guys, all the best.

https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-43575

Interview with Kim Landers, ABC AM

17 September 2021

KIM LANDERS: Prime Minister, welcome to AM.

PRIME MINISTER: G’day, Kim.

LANDERS: In Washington today, the Defence Minister Peter Dutton raised the prospect that American troops could be based in Australia as part of an enhanced forced posture. Is that right, US troops stationed here?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, they already are. And these arrangements have been in place for some time. And, of course, we, when we get together with our US defence partners in the AUSMIN program that is underway, and quite historically, that's the day after we announced the AUKUS arrangement, then we obviously continue to work on the ways we can work further together, not just in the land space, but in the maritime and the air space as well.

LANDERS: But, basing has specific significance in the defence community. An American base here in Australia?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, what I'm talking, what we're talking about is exercises that we do together, the way we work together in, as I said, in all of those domains, and that has always been a feature of how we've worked together, and we want to do that with more and more of our partners.

LANDERS: China says that the nuclear submarine deal gravely undermines regional peace and stability, and aggravates an arms race. What do you say?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, of course we don't share that view, and I don't think that's the view more broadly in the region. I think this is seen as a positive move that contributes to peace and stability. All countries will invest in their own defence capabilities, and, indeed, China does in theirs. As, and as we know, they've invested heavily in those capabilities, and and quite certainly most, most certainly in the same areas that Australia has been, now intends to. So, look, I think that is well understood, and all countries will do things that they believe in their best national interests. We are certainly doing that, and we're doing that with our most trusted partners for more than a century.

LANDERS: The state media tabloid in China, The Global Times, carried a direct threat in saying, and I quote, ‘Australian troops are most likely the first batch of western soldiers to waste their lives in the South China Sea’. Have you just provoked a military confrontation with China?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, no, I wouldn't describe our actions as that. But, I don't think that sort of language actually helps promote peace and stability.

LANDERS: What has been the response from some of our nearer neighbours? I'm thinking Indonesia, PNG, Fiji, for example?

PRIME MINISTER: Oh, very, very positive. And they understand the context of what we're doing and they've understood the context of the relationship we've had with the United States and the United Kingdom. The presence of our two most trusted and long-term partners is very welcome in the Indo-Pacific and has been a mainstay of peace and stability, particularly the United States, for a very long time. And the welcoming of the UK into greater involvement here in our region is a positive thing. I’ve, I spoke to both the Fijian and the Papua New Guinean Prime Ministers yesterday, we’ve, and will be speaking to the Indonesian President, as we've already had the dialogue directly with foreign ministers and the and the defence ministers - which is how it works in the Indonesian system - and President Widodo and I will speak soon.

LANDERS: Australia has already spent more than ...

PRIME MINISTER: I also spoke, I should say, to Prime Minister Lee yesterday in Singapore, and that was also a very positive conversation.

LANDERS: Australia has already spent more than $2 billion on the French subs. How much more are we going to have to pay to to get out of the contract?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, I see the investment that we've made in the program to date as a positive one. When you're investing in your capabilities, particularly an area like submarines, I mean, it's a very complex space, and we're building up skills, experience and knowledge, and all of that will be able to be put to work in what we're now doing under the nuclear submarine program ...

LANDERS: But, how much are we going to pay to have to actually break that contract now?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, there were gates in the contract that provided for us to take decisions such as this, and we have acted in good faith all the way along in our arrangements with Naval …

LANDERS: So, what’s the figure, though, I’m asking?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, these are matters that the Defence Department will work through in good faith in our arrangements directly. But, those are commercial in confidence matters. But, at this point, what I'd simply say is the investment we've had of $2.4 billion, that is an investment that has been building Australia's capability and will help us step forward into this next even more significant phase where we can have a supreme submarine capability in our region, which is what Australians need to both keep Australians safe, to support peace and stability, and to be able to work closely with our partners, particularly the United States and the United Kingdom, to complement what they're doing as well.

LANDERS: When it comes to the nuclear subs, can you give us a ballpark figure of how much they'll cost?

PRIME MINISTER: No, I can't. Not at this stage. We're going through an 18 …

LANDERS: You must have a rough idea?

PRIME MINISTER: No, we’re going through an 18-month period with our partners to finalise what the best way forward is. What I do know is that Australia's defence spending, as a share of GDP, will continue to increase, because it's not just about submarines. This is about a whole range of other capabilities …

LANDERS: So, what sort of percentage are you talking about?

PRIME MINISTER: The AUKUS arrangements that we're talking about goes to interoperability, cyber capabilities, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, undersea capabilities, beyond what we're talking with submarines. So, you know, as I said yesterday, as a share of our economy, this is, this is a, this is a commitment which will only continue into the future and increase into the future, based on what the needs and the capabilities we're seeking to acquire are. There's no target number. All I'm telling you is for us to be safe in this world going forward, we're going to have to do more, and we're going to have to do it forever.

LANDERS: If I could turn to another matter, why do you even need to ask your department for advice on whether Christian Porter has breached ministerial standards by accepting a big amount of cash from a mystery person to help pay a legal bill? Doesn't your own judgement say that that's just not okay?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, I always act in these areas precisely, and I always act on the best possible advice. And I always want to ensure that the ministerial standards are fully understood in these contexts and the right decisions are made.

LANDERS: Well, you set up a similar process before ousting Bridget McKenzie. So, can we infer that Mr Porter will also leave Cabinet?

PRIME MINISTER: I don't think you can infer anything. I think you can just take, take it that I'm following a process which you'd expect the Prime Minister to do who believes strongly in ministerial standards.

LANDERS: Did you know about the money before Mr Porter updated his register of interests on Tuesday?

PRIME MINISTER: He only most recently, as I'm aware, became aware of becoming a beneficiary in that beneficiary payment becomes available to him …

LANDERS: So, you didn't know about it before he did?

PRIME MINISTER: These are not ordinary arrangements, and that's why we're seeking to have a full understanding of them.

LANDERS: When you spoke to him on Wednesday, did you ask him if he'd made any effort to find out who the money was from?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, I'm not going to go into my conversations with the Minister, other than to say that our conversations are about ensuring and that we share a view that the ministerial ministerial standards should always be maintained.

LANDERS: How can the public possibly believe that there are no strings attached to this money, either now or sometime in the future?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, what I'm saying is, is that it's a very serious issue. I'm taking it very seriously, and I will ensure that the ministerial standards are maintained.

LANDERS: If, for example, Mr Porter gave back the money, would that mean that he could absolutely keep his ministerial job?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, Kim, I'm just not going to speculate on it. I'm just, I'm saying that we are taking the appropriate advice to make the right decisions to ensure ministerial standards are upheld.

LANDERS: Prime Minister, thank you very much for speaking to AM this morning.

PRIME MINISTER: Thanks, Kim. Thanks for your time.

LANDERS: That is the Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-43574

Interview with Leon Byner, FIVEAA

17 September 2021

Leon Byner: Scott Morrison, thanks for coming on this morning and welcome.

Prime Minister: Thanks Leon, good to be with you.

Byner: France are apparently a little aggrieved because they found out about the recent announcement we've been making about submarines and so on by the media. 

Prime Minister: That's not true. That's just completely untrue. 

Byner: Our newsroom just said that's what they're saying,  they're their official announcement. 

Prime Minister: That's not the case. This was relayed directly to the president, relayed directly to the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Minister for Defence. 

Byner: So they know, what was their reaction?

Prime Minister: Of course, they were disappointed. That's understandable. This has been an important and significant project. And when I met with the President back in late June, I made it very clear we had a lengthy dinner there in Paris, about our very significant concerns about the capabilities of conventional submarines to deal with the new strategic environment we're faced with. And I made it very clear that this was a matter that Australia would need to make a decision on in our national interest.

Byner: These subs are going to use nuclear power, but are not considered a nuclear weapon. Is that the right characterisation, in your view?

Prime Minister: They're conventional weapons on a nuclear powered submarine. 

Byner: Yeah. Why do you think the US and the UK decided to share this top secret information with Australia?

Prime Minister: Because they trust us more than any other country in the world at the end of the day, and when it comes to their national security interests and their interests in global security, and particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, that Australia is a trusted and proven partner. We're the only other country together with the United Kingdom, which was back in 1958, where the United States had been prepared to share this technology. And this means that we will be able to boost our capability and that will add to theirs. And that's the key thing. This is about us adding to this partnership and our joint capability to boost peace and stability within the Indo-Pacific region. 

Byner: So, Prime Minister, is this new alliance going to be ratified whilst you're in Washington next week? 

Prime Minister: We will certainly be meeting over that. And I mean, it's a partnership agreement. It's not a treaty. So we're talking about a different type of arrangement. And those are done under a memorandum. And that's the normal process. 

Byner: How does South Australia fit into all this, because we've got Naval Group leaving as a result of this new deal. So what does this mean for the defence industry here in SA? 

Prime Minister: Jobs, jobs, jobs and jobs. That's what it means. I mean, saw the front page of the 'Tiser today, and that's that's clearly as that's been rightly, I think, interpreted. I mean, because it's not just this. I mean, the nuclear powered submarines, as I said yesterday to the world, that they would be built in Adelaide and obviously at Osborne, but there'll have to be a lot of changes there to gear us up to do that. And so we'll move from one project to the other, obviously, with a nuclear submarine, there'll be different components, obviously, that will need to be done in the places that involve the construction of those reactors. But putting that to one side, it means a lot of jobs, but it adds to the jobs of the Hunter-class frigates. It adds to the jobs of the Arafura Class offshore patrol vessels already under construction. Of course, full cycle docking, you and I have talked about that many times, Leon. And I said very clearly that we would make a decision on that one once I dealt with a broader strategic issue. And that is clear now what we were working on. And that is now resolved. And the reason it's staying in South Australia is pretty straightforward. Because South Australia's been doing a great job on it and that the work that South Australia has done on this process has given great confidence to Australia's submarine programme, and that has been recognised by our partners. So there is risk, in our view, too much risk attached to transferring that role anywhere else. So certainly there are other states, and particularly WA, who were interested in that. But if it ain't broke, you know, you don't fix it. And it ain't broke in South Australia. They're doing a fantastic job on this and we want them to keep doing that job. And that is in the best national interest of Australia. So it's not a commercial deal. I want to stress this. We're keeping it in South Australia because that is the most important place for it to be done. 

Byner: Now, we know that China think it's a bad idea. What about other countries? 

Prime Minister: Well received. I've been speaking to many leaders. Japan, India, Singapore, New Zealand, Fiji, Papua New Guinea. I'll be speaking to more again today, as our Defence and Foreign Affairs ministers have been speaking to their counterparts around the region. It's understood there's an agreement that brings the United States, the United Kingdom closer in our region, which only adds to the stability that is needed for the security and peaceful coexistence, happy coexistence within the Indo-Pacific region. 

Byner: Do you think it's true that some countries in our region have a better relationship with China than we do? 

Prime Minister: Of course they do, that's obvious.

Byner: Yeah. And are we going to improve our position with them, do you think? 

Prime Minister: With, with…

Byner: China, yeah

Prime Minister: Well, I would certainly hope so, and we're always interested in doing that. There is no obstacles to that on the Australian side 

Byner: And we aren't expecting these submarines to be delivered for decades. Is there an act of aggression against Australia in the region meantime, are we going to get the US to help us? 

Prime Minister: Well Leon, on the first point you make, I mean the timetable and these we anticipate being not too different to those on the Attack Class, ultimately with how that was progressing in tracking. The Collins Class life of type extension also being done in in South Australia at a cost of some $6.4 billion that starts in 2026, has a two year drumbeat and that will see Collins Class operating out into the 2040s. So that will continue. But the the agreement, AUKUS, Australia, UK, US, that agreement was put in place because I knew there would be a need for more than just submarines. This isn't just about submarines. That's the first initiative. But on the actual set of arrangements that we have agreed as part of this programme, we're extending out into a whole range of new capabilities in counter cyber operations, in AI and in quantum capabilities. In addition to that, I already announced yesterday the Tomahawk cruise missiles, the long range anti-ship missiles, the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles, all of this and the other technologies we will get for our defence capability will further enhance between now and when the first nuclear submarine comes into service, which will be, you know, before you know, before the end of the next decade, they'll start building them this decade, I should say, and it's in all of our interests to complete it even sooner than that. 

Byner: Do you think this sort of implies that we're going to have a khaki election soon? 

Prime Minister: I don't know if it means that at all. I mean, that's that's not the point. This is about Australia's national security interests and that goes beyond politics. But, you know, it's not unreasonable, I suppose, for people as we go to the next election to be asking who they believe they can trust to be a steward of these important responsibilities. 

Byner: How important is our state, SA, in all this? 

Prime Minister: Central. It's absolutely central. The projects that we're talking about, whether it's the frigates. And we also announced the upgrade of the Hobart Class air warfare destroyer combat management system yesterday. Now, that's around $5.1 billion. That's about 300,000 South Australian jobs at its peak. I mean, South Australia is a workhorse here for Australia's naval defence capability.

Byner: So you think this will have a very profound effect on the employment opportunities in those higher skill areas? 

Prime Minister: Absolutely. And this is why I mean, Premier Marshall is, we've just worked hand in glove with this and he understands how important it is to build up South Australia's skilled workforce capabilities. And this is why he's always been so pro-immigration in getting the skilled workers that South Australia needs to grow these industries. I mean, the defence industry capability. But what's happening down at Lot Fourteen, that's one of the most exciting precincts in the country, not just exciting for South Australia. I'm excited about it at a national level and what's being done in the space, the Australian Space Agency based in South Australia. South Australia has a very critical strategic role in providing for Australia's secure future. 

Byner: Prime Minister, thank you for coming on today and continued good health. That's Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-43573

Interview with Natalie Barr and Michael Usher, Sunrise

17 September 2021

NATALIE BARR: Good morning to you. Both sides of government …

PRIME MINISTER: Hey, Nat.

BARR: … not mincing their words in Washington this morning. How worried are you about the repercussions from China on this?

PRIME MINISTER: Oh, we're just taking the necessary actions that we need to take to keep Australians safe, to have a peaceful and stable region in which we live. I mean, the world is changing significantly in our part of the world. Our deep friends and partners, the United States and the United Kingdom, understand that, as do many countries in our region. And so this is seen, I believe, across the region, in the conversations I've had with regional leaders, as a very positive, stabilising and peaceful initiative that is very much in Australia's interests and very necessary for Australia to undertake.

BARR: Well, look, we know we need it, but they've blocked and restricted our wine, our beef, our barley. Our exports are a huge amount to this country - $150 billion a year. You'd expect something, wouldn't you?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, I expect Australia always to do what we need to do to to stand up for what we believe in, to take actions that protect Australians and Australia's interests, and to do that in partnership with our great friends and partners across the region and, of course, in the United States and the United Kingdom. And this is an historic partnership. This is a forever partnership. This is a partnership where we're accessing the technology and the support that only one other country in the world has ever been able to gain access to with the United States, and that was the United Kingdom and it was in 1958. So this, I think, demonstrates a level of cooperation and partnership designed for one simple thing - that is, to keep Australians safe and to do that with our best friends and our deepest partners.

MICHAEL USHER: Prime Minister, I wonder if you could share some more detail of the deal, because it's going to take a while for these submarines to be built, to come online. In the meantime, does it mean that perhaps America will station some of its nuclear submarines here to fill that gap in the region?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, already, AUSMIN - that's the meeting between the defence ministers and foreign ministers, you've heard from Peter a few minutes ago, Marise is there also - they're already at work on this, on these arrangements. They’re, they had their first meeting since the AUKUS arrangement was announced just overnight. And they're there working on these these very issues about future cooperation, whether it's air, land or sea. But, it's also about the other additional capabilities, the things that we'll get access to. I announced Tomahawk Missiles yesterday, also missiles that can be launched from air platforms. All of this is part of having a secure and strong defence force, and Australia playing its role here in the region with our partners to have a more stable and safer region. I mean, the world changes. Of course it does. We've had to deal with this over many, many years, and it's changing again. And we're responding to that, I think, in a positive way, and in a way that looks well ahead into the future.

USHER: Now that we are getting nuclear submarines coming online, it means we'll be able to submerge them, sail them into the region, have them undetected for quite some time, and in close to China. Do we just have to expect then - China already has nuclear submarines - that they'll be doing the same to us and bringing them into our waters undetected?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, I mean, I mean, all around the world we're very aware as, of China's nuclear submarine capabilities. We're very aware of of the growing level of military investment that's been taking place around the world in that part of the world. We're interested in ensuring that international waters are always international waters, and international skies are always international skies, and that the rule of law applies equally in all of these places, and that there are no no-go zones where, you know, international law applies. And that's very important - whether it's for trade, whether it's for things like undersea cables, for for planes and where they can fly. I mean, that's that's the order that we need to preserve. That's what peace and stability provides for, and that's what we're seeking to achieve.

BARR: Paul Keating said if the US military, with all its might, couldn't beat a bunch of Taliban rebels with AK-47s in pick-up trucks, what chance would it have in a full blown war against China. What do you say to that?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, I don't agree with it. And I know there are many in Labor who have those views. And I'm pleased that the official view that is coming forward is to support the agreement that was announced yesterday. But, I know there are many people in Labor have those views, but I don't share them. I respect all my, all the former Prime Ministers, but they had to, they had to govern for the times they were in, and deal with the issues that they faced at that time. And I'm certainly doing that as Prime Minister now for the times we face, and and we perceive into the future. And that's why this is, I think, is such an historic agreement, because it is the biggest step up we've seen in our relationship with the United States and the United Kingdom in 70 years. And this is exactly what Australia needs, and that's why we're so committed to it as the Liberals and Nationals.

USHER: You've been working on this deal for quite some time. More details of that released today, Prime Minister. Was there a moment where you thought this would not happen, or to you what was the biggest stumbling block to get it over the line?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, the, I think the biggest change in the technology we learnt, and and what would be required, was that we wouldn't have to have a civil nuclear power industry here in Australia. That has always been a key impediment into the past, and when that was no longer a requirement, and the reason for that is is how these nuclear submarines are built now. And I should stress there'll be no nuclear weapons on these submarines. We're committed to Non-Proliferation. I've been having those discussions, particularly with Pacific leaders, over the last 24 hours. I was speaking to the Papua New Guinean, the Fijian Prime Minister. The New Zealand Prime Minister was my first call about these arrangements. And we are very sensitive to those issues, especially in the Pacific, on Non-Proliferation. But, it was that ability to do this and and not have to have a civil nuclear industry here, which enabled us to go forward. The other thing that was very important in all of this is the changing environment in which we're in. And that meant the submarines that previously we were planning to build - conventional submarines, as good as those submarines were, and they were the right conventional submarine - but a conventional submarine was not going to do the job that the strategic circumstances now required. So, that decision was solely solely driven by what our interests were and what we had to do to serve them.

BARR: On that nuclear industry question, the AWU says we should now seize the opportunity for a domestic nuclear industry. Many nations around the world are doing it. Is this opening the door to that?

PRIME MINISTER: No, and those two issues are completely separate. And and that's why we've been able to pursue this purely in its own lane. They're they’re separate issues, and and there's a very clear policy on that. And our Government has always had the view that unless there's bipartisanship on those issues, then that's not something that the Government is pursuing. And the Labor Party's view on that is very clear.

USHER: Yeah. Prime Minister, we know your nickname's been ScoMo for quite a while. How are you happy being called ‘that fella from down under’ by the, by the President of the United States?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, it was an interesting moment in the media conference at a very-, but he always usually just when we speak privately, he refers to me as his pal.

USHER: Right.

PRIME MINISTER: So, there you go.

USHER: So, he’s forgotten your name for quite a while, has he?

PRIME MINISTER: No, but I'm looking forward to seeing him next week. We'll be catching up there in Washington. And that will be another important opportunity. Of course, we had that very important meeting in Carbis Bay, which I know some were critical of at the time. But, I think now people can see that that was probably one of the most important meetings that a Prime Minister has had with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and and and the United States in a very long time.

BARR: Because you were starting to do the deal then?

PRIME MINISTER: Oh, of course. I mean, we've been working on this for over 18 months. I mean, so it's been a very long process and it's been very careful process. And and we've greatly appreciated the way that both the United States and the United Kingdom have worked through us, through this with us. I mean, this is not something you can do overnight. This has taken many, a very long time. And, of course, it should. I mean, this is one of the most complex military build projects anywhere in the world. And you don't go into it lightly. And it involves a very significant commitment, not just today, but forever. That's why I refer to it as the forever partnership. It is, it is one that will see Australia kept secure and safe into the future. And it is, it is probably the most significant thing we've done in Australia's security interests, certainly in our Government's term.

USHER: Alright, pal, that fella from Down Under, thank you for your time today. We appreciate it.

PRIME MINISTER: Thanks, pals.

https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-43572

Interview with Ben Fordham, 2GB

17 September 2021

Ben Fordham: PM, good morning to you.

Prime Minister: Good morning, Ben. Good morning right across Sydney.

Fordham: Big, big news yesterday. When we hear language like that, when you say the relatively benign security environment we've enjoyed over many decades is behind us, that has some people worrying. What are we bracing for?

Prime Minister: Well, this world is changing. It's as simple as that, Ben. The world we used to knew, know, over many decades has changed in our own region in particular, and there's a lot more, a lot more of the space is contested. There's a lot more competition. Our economy's changing. All of this is changing. And that just means Australia needs to work closely with our partners, with our friends, people in the region, to ensure we can keep things as stable and as peaceful as possible. And that's what yesterday's announcement was really all about.

Fordham: Yeah.

Prime Minister: About keeping Australia safe, keeping our region secure and stable, so we can continue to be the country we want to be.

Fordham: It was really about China, wasn't it? And I heard someone say yesterday, no one wanted to mention the panda in the room.

Prime Minister: Oh, look, I've seen all that commentary. All I know is that we're doing this to ensure that our region is stable, it is safe, that we keep Australians safe, as we always have. And as the times change, then you have to move with those times and you have to prepare your defence forces, the way you set all these things in place, the way you work with your partners and allies. Not just the United States and the United Kingdom. We work with countries all throughout the region, and it's in everybody's interests, including China's interests, for a stable, a stable and safe region.

Fordham: That's not the way that China sees it. They've gone on the attack, describing this pact as extremely irresponsible. But, I would have thought it was extremely responsible to protect your own people?

Prime Minister: Well, all countries take decisions in their national interests, and we have, and certainly China does. China has a very substantive program of nuclear submarine building, and their, have every right to take decisions in their national interests for their defence arrangements. And, of course, so does Australia and all other countries.

Fordham: Are you keen to start dialogue again with China?

Prime Minister: Of course. And we've never been, we've always been open to it. That has always been an open invitation. That remains to this day, and will continue.

Fordham: Well, what fresh attempts are you making to get that dialogue started again?

Prime Minister: It's an open invitation. Our embassy up in Beijing is always available and always offering those opportunities.

Fordham: The eight nuclear submarines will be vital, but we're being warned that they might be at least 15 years away. So, does this leave us exposed in the meantime?

Prime Minister: No, because we also announced yesterday what's called a Life-of-Type Extension. What does that mean? That means that we will be able to expend the life of our Collins class submarines, and we will doing that in South Australia as well. And that will mean they'll be operational well out into the 2040s. And, in addition to that, the agreement, which is called AUKUS - which means Australia, UK, United States - just like ANZUS - Australia, New Zealand, United States - AUKUS, what it does is it gives us access to a whole range of other defence capabilities. So, yesterday I announced Tomahawk Missiles. I also announced - which can be launched from our various platforms - and the other thing I announced yesterday was missiles that can be launched from the air, and all of these things on counter cyber arrangements, other sub- subsea defence systems, all of these things are things that we now have access to as part of this historic agreement. It's the biggest agreement we've had with our allies since ANZUS itself 70 years ago. And, just so people understand how significant that is, there's only one country in the world that the United States has shared its nuclear submarine technology with - that's the UK. It happened in 1958. So, it is a very significant development in the depths of our relationship with the United States and the United Kingdom.

Fordham: Ok. Just on the subs, they're powered by a reactor containing …

Prime Minister: Yep.

Fordham: … enriched uranium. So, we're going to import these reactors. But, we have a third of the world's uranium right here. Why can't we relax the ban on nuclear energy and build them right here in Australia?

Prime Minister: Well, there's no reason for Australia to need to do that because we can do exactly as you said. This doesn't require the development of Australia's civil nuclear capability, and and the other key thing that is involved here is these reactors on these vessels are able to be there for the, for the whole life of the vessel. And, they are the two big game changing things from a technology point of view that has happened since where we were back in 2016. Neither of that was available to Australia, and in particular the access to the technology from the United States.

Fordham: Well, why are we reluctant, though, to go down the nuclear path? The International Energy Agency says to guarantee energy security and reach our climate targets, nuclear power must play an integral role. So, if nuclear’s going to power our submarines, why can't it power our homes?

Prime Minister: Well, right now we believe we can achieve the goals that we have for emissions reduction through the issue, through fuel sources like hydrogen, in particular, and the many other, the many other things that are set out in our technology roadmap. That sort of technology is is being worked on in Australia for many years. I mean, ANSTO has been around for a very long time. My father-in-law worked at ANSTO from the 1960s. And, so, Australia has capability here. We don't come to this new, but in terms of going ahead with a civil nuclear capability, that is, that is not something that's linked to this decision.

Fordham: Prime Minister Scott Morrison joining us this morning. A few things to get through.

Prime Minister: Sure.

Fordham: Christian Porter, he's under fire for accepting money from anonymous donors to pay his legal bills. So, if he paid that money back, can he stay in his job?

Prime Minister: Well, I'm just taking some advice on those arrangements and the ministerial guidelines, and that's what's occurring at the moment. And I know Christian's looking carefully at those things as well. And, so, we'll allow that to take place.

Fordham: I don't know how you'd pay the money back if you don't know where it came from, though.

Prime Minister: Well, these are the issues that are being worked through.

Fordham: It's bizarre, isn't it, when you've got someone handing over a bucket load of money to a Minister of the Crown and we can't trace the money back. I mean, that's not going to stand, right? You're going to make a tough decision on it? Is he going to go, are you going to boot him from Cabinet?

Prime Minister: It's a serious issue, Ben, and that's why I'm taking it very seriously and acting carefully and taking the advice on what this means for the standards and guidelines. And I always act in accordance with those standards and guidelines.

Fordham: Is it right you want to make a decision on that before you take off to Washington?

Prime Minister: The timeframe I haven't set out.

Fordham: Just on a few other issues. During the pandemic, you've spared no expense to save lives. Are we going to have the same approach when all of this is over? Because, we have Aussies, as you know, who have to take out loans to pay for medication not listed on the PBS. Every week we all get an email from some poor family who's got a sick child trying to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for lifesaving treatment. So, are we going to keep that spare no expense mentality post-pandemic?

Prime Minister: Well, we've always been targeted, and even what we've done through the pandemic, Ben, and our heavy lifting on the pandemic, keeping people in jobs. I mean, the Labor Party's bagging JobKeeper, saying it wasn't worth it. I mean, I couldn't disagree more with them. It saved jobs, kept, saved businesses, actually kept Australia going ahead. And that has been probably the most successful economic program the country has ever run, and I think there are Australians all across the country who understand that personally because of what JobKeeper meant to them themselves, their own jobs, their own way to get through. And, even now, Ben, as we're working through the lockdowns that continue in New South Wales. I mean, we've already pumped just under $5 billion into New South Wales alone, in the same types of economic supports that were available under JobKeeper. These supports in New South Wales have been continuing for the 12 weeks now that people have been in lockdown. So, that's important. Going forward, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, Ben, that is something we've championed as a Government. We've listed more medicines than any government, and and that has been a mainstay of a commitment of mine. But, think about the last Budget - $17 billion to support aged care, $2.- just over $2.3 billion to support mental health care reforms. Massive changes in all of these areas. So, you know, while we've been dealing with COVID, that's very true, at the same time, we've been ensuring that our services are maintained right across the country, our health and education, but also that Australia's national security interests have also been protected and and progressed. And you've seen that in the significant announcement yesterday with AUKUS and the nuclear-powered submarines. I said stress, conventionally armed, they’re they're not nuclear weapons on those on those submarines. We don't seek that. We'll comply with all the comprehensive, all of the Non-Proliferation arrangements that are associated with these things.

Fordham: Just on hotel quarantine, I’m wondering how long we can keep on going with hotel quarantine. Yesterday, there were 1,351 new cases of COVID in New South Wales. Not one was in hotel quarantine. If hotel quarantine was considered an LGA, it wouldn't be one of concern. And now we've got, you know, the Australian Golf Open and PGA Championship. They've been rescheduled because vaccinated players don't want to sit in a hotel for two weeks. The Formula 1 set for November in Melbourne has been moved to next year. Tennis players don't want to quarantine before the Aussie Open. We're hearing the same thing about English cricketers and the Ashes now being in doubt. We've got a $60 billion tourism industry on hold. How long can we keep up with hotel quarantine?

Prime Minister: It's got a use by date on it. There's no doubt about it. I've been saying that for some time.

Fordham: What’s the date?

Prime Minister: Well, I believe the use by date is when we get home quarantine in place, and that's what the New South Wales Government is doing right now. It's what the South Australian Government is doing right now. In the national plan I set out back in early July, it actually requires this once you get to the high levels of vaccination. And the good news is, Ben, I mean, yesterday, right now we will have hit 70 per cent first dose around the country. New South Wales, one in two people will now be fully vaccinated, aged over 16. That will have already happened yesterday. Over 80 per cent New South Wales reached yesterday, four out of five people. Down in Tassie, they’ve just gone over one in two as well, when it comes to their vaccination rates, double dose. And importantly, in aged care facilities, we now have over 95 per cent of aged care workers who have had their first dose, which is what those mandates required, and those mandates have worked.

Fordham: Very impressive numbers. Just on the COVID vaccine, are you getting sick of all the conspiracy theories out there? Because we get emails and text messages every day. And even yesterday, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago had to release an official statement denying the vaccine can lead to swollen testicles. This is after the singer Nicki Minaj told two million social media followers her cousin's friend ended up developing the problem and it led to a cancelled wedding. There are some very, very nutty conspiracy theories out there, PM.

Prime Minister: Well, I'm concerned about it, I am. That's absolutely true, because it's dangerous. I mean, one of the things we're dealing with, particularly in a lot of disadvantaged communities in Australia, and in particular in Indigenous communities as well as some particular cultural communities, is that these conspiracy theories, this misinformation, and those who are out there peddling this misinformation - whether they're sending it into people's phones by text or they're putting it over the airwaves or they're parroting it from wherever they're doing it - they are putting people's lives at risk, and it's not right. And they should stop doing it.

Fordham: I know you've got to run. You're off to Washington. Now, Joe Biden yesterday, I can’t remember what he called you, ‘Old mate from down under’, or something.

Prime Minister: He called me pal.

Fordham: What did he call you?

Prime Minister: He called me, he called me his pal. That's actually how he usually refers to me on the phone, too.

Fordham: He knows your name, though, right?

Prime Minister: Of course, he does.

Fordham: Have a good trip. We’ll catch up when you’re back.

Prime Minister: Good on you, Ben.

Fordham: Good on you.

https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-43571

NSW to Run Home Quarantine Pilot Program

17 September 2021

Prime Minister, Premier of NSW, NSW Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney

The NSW and Commonwealth governments will launch a home quarantine pilot in Greater Sydney next month, as NSW transitions towards opening up international borders.

The pilot, to be operated and monitored by NSW Health and NSW Police, will trial a seven day home quarantine program for around 175 people.

Participants in the pilot will have had both doses of a TGA-accredited COVID-19 vaccine.

The participants will be selected by NSW Health, based on a risk assessment framework, and may include some NSW residents, some non-Australian residents and some Qantas air crew.

The isolation period will be reduced from 14 to seven days.

The pilot program is being run in partnership with the Commonwealth Government and findings will inform future quarantine programs.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the pilot would help secure Australia’s safe reopening plan.

“This is the next step in our plan to safely reopen, and to stay safely open,” the Prime Minister said.

“NSW has carried the lion’s share of quarantining returning Australians and will be leading the way with this trial that could set the standard for the next phases of the way we live with COVID-19.

“This could mean more families and friends being able to reunite more quickly, more business being able to be done here, and more workers for key industries being able to fill critical jobs.”

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the home quarantine program is critical to bringing more Australians home while keeping the community safe.

“NSW has quarantined over 245,000 travellers throughout this pandemic, by far the most of any jurisdiction in the country and this pilot will lay the foundations for us to reunite even more families and friends who are fully vaccinated,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“Hotel quarantine has been an important line of defence throughout this pandemic but as we move towards our vaccination targets, we have to look at new ways of doing things.”

“The safety of the community remains our number one priority and the rules around this home quarantine pilot will be strictly enforced.”

NSW will utilise a mobile phone app based on that already in use in South Australia. The app uses geolocation and face recognition technology to monitor isolation compliance. The app will also provide people with a testing schedule and symptom checker.

Privacy will be protected through the same mechanisms as the current Service NSW check-in regulations.

Random in-person police checks will also be conducted, and the existing penalties for individuals who breach conditions of their isolation still apply.

The Commonwealth Chief Medical Officer has discussed the pilot’s arrangements with the NSW Chief Health Officer and supports the shortened quarantine period proposed for this pilot and for the proposed cohort of fully vaccinated travellers, vaccinated with a TGA approved vaccine.

Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said improving vaccination rates mean a home quarantine trial is now a viable option.

“As more people around the world and here in NSW get vaccinated, we can start to consider things that make lives easier, like home quarantine,” Mr Ayres said.

“NSW looks forward to reopening and to accepting a greater number of international arrivals.

“Now is the ideal time to pilot a home quarantine solution as we transition towards opening up.”

The pilot will run from later this month and operate for four weeks.

https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-43570

National Cabinet Statement

17 September 2021

National Cabinet met today to discuss Australia’s COVID-19 response, recent outbreaks of COVID-19 and the Australian COVID-19 Vaccine Strategy.

National Cabinet continues to work together to address issues and find solutions for the health and economic consequences of COVID-19.

Since the beginning of the pandemic there have been 82,202 confirmed cases in Australia and, sadly, 1,138 people have died. More than 35.2 million tests have been undertaken. Testing has increased nationally over recent days with 1,574,446 tests reported in the past 7 days.

Globally there have been over 226.9 million cases and sadly over 4.6 million deaths, with 674,536 new cases and 11,033 deaths reported in the last 24 hours. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to surge in many countries around the world.

Australia’s COVID-19 vaccine roll out continues to expand. To date over 24 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in Australia, including 302,141 in the previous 24 hours.

In the previous 7 days, more than 1.9 million vaccines have been administered in Australia. More than 70.4 per cent of the Australian population aged 16 years and over have now had a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, including over 85.3 per cent of over 50 year olds and more than 91.9 per cent of over 70 year olds.

More than 45.3 per cent of Australians aged 16 years and over are now fully vaccinated including more than 64.5 per cent of over 50 year olds and more than 73.2 per cent of Australians over 70 years of age.

Today, Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly provided an update on current outbreaks of COVID-19. The Chief Medical Officer noted the outbreaks in New South Wales, Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory.

All leaders reiterated the importance of Australians, especially those in vulnerable groups, to get two doses of a COVID-19 vaccination.

Professor Brendan Murphy, Secretary of the Commonwealth Department of Health, provided an update on the work being done by the Commonwealth and all states and territories looking at health system capacity for managing COVID-19 cases during Phases B and C of the National Plan, and the Chief Medical Officer provided an update on the Test, Trace, Isolate and Quarantine (TTIQ) work underway through AHPPC. Leaders discussed in detail the health system capacity within jurisdictions, with further analysis to come back to the next meeting of National Cabinet. NSW and Victoria provided an update on the detailed planning already underway in their jurisdictions.

National Cabinet received a briefing from Lieutenant General John Frewen, DSC, AM, Coordinator General of the National COVID Vaccine Taskforce (Operation COVID Shield). National Cabinet welcomed the roll out through pharmacies of the Moderna vaccine from next week. Further work is underway to support booster shot roll out, subject to approvals.

State and territory leaders received an update on work underway in some jurisdictions to progress home quarantine trials for fully vaccinated Australians. All jurisdictions agreed to integrate an individuals’ record of COVID-19 immunisation history into state and territory check-in apps. The record of COVID-19 immunisation history will be used within these check-in apps as per requirements under state and territory public health orders.

All leaders agreed that National Cabinet has strengthened relationships between governments by facilitating regular discussions in the national interest, founded on the same principles of trust, confidence and collaboration which underpin State, Territory and Commonwealth Cabinets. Today National Cabinet members have provided a joint statement reaffirming this, which is attached.

National Cabinet agreed to meet next on Friday, 1 October 2021.

COVID-19 Risk Analysis and Response – Taskforce

National Cabinet received an update from Professor Jodie McVernon of the Doherty Institute and Mr Phil Gaetjens, Secretary of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, on the Doherty modelling of additional scenario and workstreams, and the Taskforce report on reopening.

Doherty’s sensitivity analysis found that the Delta variant can be managed at vaccination rates of 70% and 80% when combined with appropriate test, trace, isolate and quarantine (TTIQ) practices and public health and social measures (PHSMs) to control transmission and to manage capacity of the health system.

Doherty’s sensitivity analysis showed that, even if an outbreak starts with hundreds or thousands of cases, its original conclusions for transitioning to Phases B and C of the National Plan at 70% and 80% vaccination rates respectively remain robust.

The sensitivity analysis confirms that, when daily case numbers are in the tens or hundreds, movement to Phase B can be achieved with vaccination rates of 70% when combined with low-level PHSMs and partial TTIQ or alternatively baseline PHSMs and optimal TTIQ.

When daily case numbers are in the thousands, applying medium PHSMs in the locations of concern would be prudent and improve outcomes as Australia moves to Phase B at 70% vaccination rates, before shifting to low PHSMs from 80%. Given the pace of the vaccination roll out, the transition from 70% to 80% by jurisdiction is modelled to take around two weeks.

Doherty is now undertaking further work that focuses on synergies between vaccination, TTIQ and PHSMs at a small area level and for high-risk groups and settings, including Indigenous Australians and schools.

Professor McVernon noted the impact of COVID-19 on children is already incorporated in the Doherty’s previous modelling and the setting of targets. The best way to protect children is for the adult population, including their parents, to get vaccinated, as they are more likely to transmit COVID-19, and children experience less severe health outcomes from COVID-19.

The Doherty modelling confirms that with high vaccination and appropriate TTIQ and PHSMs to constrain outbreaks, overall cases and deaths are expected to be similar in order of magnitude to annual influenza.

The updated Doherty scenario and Taskforce summary is available on www.pmc.gov.au.

National Code on Boarding School Students

With school holidays starting in some states today, National Cabinet endorsed the National Code on Boarding School Students, previously considered by the AHPPC. The Code provides nationally consistent arrangements that help boarding school students, parents, carers and boarding school staff travel across borders between school and home, while also allowing states to take a risk-based approach to health and safety.

https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/sites/default/files/2022-06/national-cabinet-statement-the-importance-of-confidentiality-to-relationships.pdf

https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-44111

Interview with Jane Marwick, 6PR

16 September 2021

Tom Elliott: Scott Morrison, the Prime Minister, joins us right now. Prime Minister, good morning.

Prime Minister: Good morning, Tom.

Elliott: Well, I know that the election is unofficially on, because we're all out campaigning. Or at least you are. When are you going to call it?

Prime Minister: Oh, it won't be very long from now. You know, it's coming up to three years in the middle of May. Since the last election. And I've always said that, you know, that’s the time for the election. Others have speculated, I've always been pretty clear in my mind and upfront with the Australian people about it. So that's coming up soon. That's when it was expected to be done, that's when it will be held. And the election gives people the opportunity to take a good look at the choice, and this election is a choice, not a referendum. It's a choice between the Liberal Party and the Nationals and Labor supported by the Greens. Our future plans and our track record of the economy and national security, and plans we don't know anything about from Labor and the Greens. They're an unknown. It's a choice between what you know and what you don't know.

Elliott: The polls say that you're not doing too well. Do you reckon you'll win?

Prime Minister: Yeah, look, I'm confident in the Australian people that as we get to this election, as people focus on the choice that's before them, that they will make a choice that will ensure that Australia continues to be strong in very uncertain times. There are incredible pressures on our economy. There are incredible pressures on our national security. And now is not the time to be changing course. Australians have worked incredibly hard, over what has been an extraordinarily tough three years and we need to keep going in the way that we have, which has made Australia one of the strongest economies coming out of this pandemic in the advanced world.

Elliott: In about half an hour, I'm going to speak to the CEO of the National Australia Bank, Ross McEwan, and there's a story in the The Age this morning saying that the big banks are going to lift interest rates four or five times in the next six months. Do you think that's going to exacerbate cost of living pressures on Australian families?

Prime Minister: Well, there are lots of pressures on the Australian economy and there are those pressures. There's no doubt about that. That's going all around the world. I mean, inflation is running double in the United States what it is here in Australia and significantly higher in the United Kingdom and in many other developed economies around the world. And that's why strong financial management in the years ahead is going to mean more than anything, and we've had a steady hand on those issues. WeJane Marwick: Scott Morrison, good afternoon and welcome, PM Good afternoon. 

Prime Minister: Good afternoon. It's great to be with you. G'day Western Australia. 

Marwick: Prime Minister, this big announcement from you today, Australia will acquire at least eight nuclear powered submarines in a once in a generation decision that will deliver the nation unprecedented strike capability and a significant boost to defence spending. Now, there has been criticism from our Premier Mark McGowan. I'll play you a bit of that in a moment. But these new nuclear subs will be delivered under this historic defence technology partnership between Australia, the US and the United Kingdom called AUKUS, to meet rising Chinese strategic threats. Now, I know that you did pick up the phone today to Premier McGowan. Let's have a listen to what the Premier said in parliament. 

[excerpt plays]

Marwick: Prime Minister, have you let the great state of Western Australia down? 

Prime Minister: No, of course not. I mean, that can't be sustained. The facts just don't bear it up. Let me run through what we're building in Western Australia. The Arafura class offshore patrol vessels, that's worth $3.9 billion. The Guardian class patrol boats that's, $510 million. The Evolved Cape class boats, they're $343 million. There's the ANZAC Class sustainment. That's $338 million per annum. There's the undersea surveillance support ships. That's between $6-9 billion. There's the future mine warfare and hydrographic vessels. That's between $4.3-6.4 billion. There's the joint support ships, it's a long list, I'm sorry, you'll have to be patient as I run through it. That's $5.1-7.7 billion. There's the replacement LHD landing craft. That's $400-600 million. There's the Ocean Protector replacement. That's $400-650 million. There's a Future Army water and landing craft, there's $1.9-2.8 billion and the forward support vessel between $500-750 million. 

Now, on top of that, there's the Collins class intermediate mid cycle docking arrangement. That's 500 jobs and that goes through until the mid-2040s. And very importantly, a project which the Premier knows full well that we're very supportive of working together with him on. And that is the large vessel dry berth infrastructure, which means that Henderson becomes such an important part of our naval shipbuilding capability. Now, look, this isn't something that we should be playing politics with. Anthony Albanese can make his own points in Western Australia. He doesn't need the Premier to help him do that. I just want to work with the Premier to do good things for Western Australia. We've done that on many occasions. The Premier and I have worked on many great projects for Western Australia and we'll continue to do that. And I look forward to doing that. I rang him this morning out of sheer courtesy because he and I had been discussing the full cycle docking issue for some period of time. I told him on my last visit to WA, that that decision couldn't be made until a higher level strategic decision had been made. We've obviously made that now in relation to the nuclear powered submarines, and that led to us now making the decision on full cycle docking. But of the many other projects that we're going, Western Australia is a massive part of our naval shipbuilding programme. And the Premier knows that. 

Marwick: Prime Minister, are you disappointed that he said that the Liberals and Nationals have turned their backs on Western Australians? 

Prime Minister: Well, it's just politics, that's all it is. There's an election coming up next year. You'll probably hear a lot more of that. But I think what Western Australians want us both to do is just get on with projects that are important for Western Australia. And that's exactly what I've always sought to do. And on so many occasions, I believe the Premier has also. We've done a lot of important work together. And at the end of the day, it was the federal government, my government that delivered the GST deal for Western Australia and has guaranteed that deal. And that's something that the Western Australian Premier would know very well because it's a massive part of his surplus this year. 

Marwick: Prime Minister, this is clearly a lot to do with China. This is clearly very, very strategic. At what point in government did you realise how present and real the threat from China is? 

Prime Minister: Well, that's not what I've said today, and that's certainly not how I’ve couched the announcements today. And nor has President Biden or Prime Minister Johnson. What we've done is announced a partnership between the three of us to ensure that we can contribute to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. And Western Australians understand that, probably even more so than right around the country. You're on the Indian Ocean. The Indo-Pacific is very real in Western Australia and particularly our friends and partners up through the ASEAN countries and South East Asia and Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia. These are places that Western Australians know very, very well and have a deep affinity for. And so what we're doing together is providing stability and stability brings the peace, which enables the whole region to just get on with what we all want to achieve. And that is what is the best for our people. 

Marwick: What do we know about these nuclear subs that we're going to order? 

Prime Minister: Well, it's be using technology which is drawn from both the United Kingdom and the United States, and that will be worked up over the next 18 months. What I think is really important about this, is the United States has only ever once enabled access to the technology for nuclear powered submarines, and that was to the United Kingdom in 1958. Plenty have sought this support in the past and the answer has always been no. And indeed, Australia has been keen on having this capability for some time. This is the first time ever that we've been afforded the opportunity to access this technology, and that is a significant leap forward for Australia. 

It is enormously significant for our future defence capabilities, but it's not just about the nuclear powered submarines. I should stress they're nuclear powered, they’re conventional weapons that would be on board the nuclear powered submarines. It does not require us to have a civil nuclear capability here in Australia. That is another key game changing issue that has occurred since 2016, when we previously made the decision about the conventional submarines, the Attack Class from the French based Naval Group. So a lot has changed over that period of the last five years. And so this technology that we'll be able to access will be worked up as to the best pathway forward of the available technologies and designs that are available from the United States and the United Kingdom. 

Marwick: Earlier this week, Anthony Albanese said that he would make climate change a hallmark of the US-Australia alliance if he wins the next election. Does an announcement, an announcement like this blow that out of the water? 

Prime Minister: Well, look, of course, climate change is important. I believe climate change is important, my government does. It's important that we transform our energy economy as the world transforms its energy economy over the next 30 years. We understand that. The Americans understand that, too, and are taking a strong position, as are the United Kingdom. But when it comes to the alliance relationship we have with the United States, it is grounded in one thing first and foremost, and that is our national security. And that has always driven that partnership from when Robert Menzies first secured the ANZUS Agreement 70 years ago, and indeed before that time, when it was Prime Minister Curtin from Western Australia, who really was the first to engage in that pivot towards the United States. So I think I'm in good company with Curtin and Menzies and in so many fine prime ministers since, in particular John Howard. 

Marwick: Well, speaking of fine prime ministers of the past, this French sub deal that we've now just put on the scrap heap under Prime Minister Turnbull and ably assisted by Christopher Pyne has cost us, what, $2.4 billion and many years, how much has that cost us? 

Prime Minister: $2.4 billion. That's why we said today, that was an important investment that has enabled us to be where we are today. And that investment has been building up our people, their skills, their abilities, and much has been gained from that. And we wouldn't be able to be where we are today had we not done so. 

Marwick: So that money was well spent, the $2.4 billion?

Prime Minister: In 2016, the option of having a nuclear powered submarine was not available. It wasn't on the table. We couldn't access that technology. We had to go forward with the best possible conventional submarine that was available to Australia, and that was the Attack Class submarine from France. And a lot has changed since 2016. And I'm sure you would agree, I'm sure your listeners would agree that if we have the opportunity now, you have gates in contracts for a reason and we were approaching a very important, effectively final gate on that contract, from which there was no point of return. And to have that opportunity to go down the nuclear submarine pathway, it was incredibly important. And the decision had to be made to ensure that we did that and to do that then obviously, we couldn't proceed with the Attack Class submarine programme.

Marwick: Prime Minister, we're out of time. Thank you for joining us this afternoon on 882 6PR. Let's hope, let's hope that you and the Premier can be friends again. 

Prime Minister: Oh, we already are friends, we're always good friends and we get on just fine. And politics will go round and round and round. But the Premier and I will keep getting things done for Western Australia. 

Marwick: All right. Good to talk to you. Thank you. There he is, the Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-43569

Key Naval Projects Confirmed for South Australia

16 September 2021

Prime Minister, Minister for Defence, Minister for Finance

South Australia will spearhead a major expansion of Australia’s naval capabilities, supporting thousands of jobs and advancing the state’s shipbuilding expertise.

A number of naval projects have been confirmed for South Australia, following the announcement today of a new enhanced security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States.

The first initiative under the partnership, known as AUKUS, is to acquire nuclear-powered submarines for Australia, which are intended to be built in South Australia.

The Morrison Government has also approved a Life-of-Type Extension to the Collins class submarine fleet from 2026 in South Australia, and confirmed that the Full-Cycle Docking of the Collins class will continue to be conducted at Osborne. Up to $6.4 billion will be invested in these works, and around 1,300 jobs supported in South Australia.

The Government will also invest up to $5.1 billion in upgrades to the Hobart Class destroyer combat management system upgrades at Osborne from 2024, creating 300 jobs in the state.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the investments reinforced the Government’s commitment to South Australia’s shipbuilding industry.

“This expansion of Australia’s naval capabilities will strengthen national security, boost our sovereign workforce and support thousands of jobs in the South Australian industry,” the Prime Minister said.

“South Australia is home to some of the most skilled shipbuilding workers in the world, they have the know-how, ingenuity, industrial knowledge and determination that is required to provide our Defence Force with the very best capability.”

Minister for Defence Peter Dutton said the Government’s investments would ensure Australia maintained a strong and agile submarine capability for decades.

“The Collins class submarine to this day remains one of the most capable conventional submarines in the world,” Minister Dutton said.

“The planned Life-of-Type Extension, through the replacement of key systems, will help deliver Defence’s strategic objectives.

“The upgrade to the Aegis combat management system will ensure our fleet of Hobart class air warfare destroyers maintain their capability-edge into the future.

“Both of these projects announced today are vital for Defence’s ability to act with greater independence in an increasingly contested strategic environment.”

Minister for Finance and Senator for South Australia Simon Birmingham said the state would continue to benefit from the Morrison Government’s sovereign and continuous naval shipbuilding program.

“South Australia is the engine room of naval shipbuilding in this country,” Minister Birmingham said.

“Full-Cycle Docking and Life-of-Type Extension at Osborne will ensure we retain our skilled shipbuilding workforce, and will continue to create opportunities for local businesses to engage with the defence industry.

“In addition, the up to $5.1 billion investment in upgrading the Hobart class combat management system will create extra economic activity as well as around 300 jobs in the state.

“Conducting these sustainment projects in Osborne, on top of the building of frigates and submarines will ensure South of Australia continues to be the epicentre of naval shipbuilding in this country.”

Collins class submarine HMAS Farncomb will be the first to undergo a Life-of-Type Extension when it enters its next Full-Cycle Docking in 2026.

https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-43567

Australia to Pursue Nuclear-Powered Submarines Through New Trilateral Enhanced Security Partnership

16 September 2021

Prime Minister, Minister for Defence, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Minister for Women

Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States have agreed to the creation of an enhanced trilateral security partnership – AUKUS.

The security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region have grown significantly. Military modernisation is occurring at an unprecedented rate and capabilities are rapidly advancing and their reach expanding. The technological edge enjoyed by Australia and our partners is narrowing.

AUKUS will build on the three nations’ longstanding and ongoing bilateral ties, and will enable the partners to significantly deepen cooperation on a range of emerging security and defence capabilities, which will enhance joint capability and interoperability.  Initial efforts under AUKUS will focus on cyber capabilities, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, and additional undersea capabilities.

This is an historic opportunity for the three nations, with like-minded allies and partners, to protect shared values and promote security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.

AUKUS will complement Australia’s network of strategic partnerships, including with our ASEAN friends, our Pacific family, our Five Eyes partners, the Quad and other like-minded partners.

First initiative under AUKUS

The first initiative under AUKUS is for Australia to acquire nuclear-powered submarine technology, leveraging decades of experience from the US and UK.

Under AUKUS, the three nations will focus immediately on identifying the optimal pathway to deliver at least eight nuclear-powered submarines for Australia.

Over the next 18 months, Australia, the UK and US will intensely examine the full suite of requirements that underpin nuclear stewardship and demonstrate a clear pathway to becoming a responsible and reliable steward of this sensitive technology. Australia will establish a Nuclear-Powered Submarine Taskforce in the Department of Defence to lead this work.

Nuclear-powered submarines do not have the same limitations that face conventional submarines on weapons storage, speed and endurance. They can stay completely submerged for many months, limiting the opportunities for detection by adversaries.

As a three-ocean nation, it is necessary for Australia to have access to the most capable submarine technology available. As a nation, we are ready to take the step to pursue the most advanced submarine technology available to defend Australia and its national interests. 

Australia has no plans to acquire nuclear weapons and this proposal will remain consistent with Australia’s longstanding commitment to nuclear non-proliferation.  All three nations are deeply committed to upholding leadership on global non-proliferation.

The Government’s intention is to build the nuclear-powered submarines in South Australia, maximising the use of Australian workers.

Building the submarines in Australia is the best way to develop a strong and effective sustainment industry, which will enable us to meet every requirement to safely operate and maintain nuclear-powered submarines.

Attack class submarine program

The pursuit of nuclear-powered submarine technology means that Australia will no longer proceed with the Attack class conventional submarine program with Naval Group.

The Government would like to thank the Attack class submarine workforce, Naval Group, the Government of France and Lockheed Martin Australia for their efforts to date. However, accelerating changes to regional security make conventional submarines unsuited to our operational needs in the decades ahead.

The Government will actively work with industry to ensure the people and skills developed under the existing program are not lost to the Government’s Naval Shipbuilding Enterprise as we establish a new program to support the delivery of nuclear-powered submarines to the Navy.

The existing submarine workforce are prime candidates for the unprecedented work that needs to be performed across the Enterprise over the coming decades, where we will rely on their expertise more than ever.

The Government will partner with our Australian-owned sovereign shipbuilder, ASC, to manage and implement a new Sovereign Shipbuilding Talent Pool.

The Government is committed to finding a role within the Sovereign Shipbuilding Talent Pool for each and every skilled shipbuilding worker impacted by this announcement.

The Sovereign Shipbuilding Talent Pool will re-deploy the existing shipbuilding workforce throughout current and new shipbuilding programs, while building the nuclear-powered submarine skills that will be crucial for the success of the nuclear-powered submarine program.

This decision was not taken lightly. Our partnership with the Government of France and Naval Group on the Attack class conventional submarine program would have resulted in the most capable and lethal conventional submarine ever built.

As likeminded liberal democracies, Australia and France share a common commitment to the rules-based global order that has delivered stability and prosperity to the Indo-Pacific.

We look forward to continuing to work closely and positively with our French counterparts. France is a key friend and partner to Australia and the Indo-Pacific.

Other capabilities

The Government will also acquire additional long-range strike capabilities for the Australian Defence Force.

Throughout the decade, Australia will rapidly acquire long-range strike capabilities to enhance the ADF’s ability to deliver strike effects across our air, land and maritime domains.

These include:

• Tomahawk Cruise Missiles, to be fielded on our Hobart class destroyers, enabling our maritime assets to strike land targets at greater distances, with better precision.

• Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles (Extended Range) will enable our F-A-18F Super Hornets and in future, our F-35A Lightning II, to hit targets at a range of 900km.

• Long-Range Anti-Ship Missiles (Extended Range) (LRASM) for the F/A-18F Super Hornet.

• Continuing collaboration with the United States to develop hypersonic missiles for our air capabilities.

• Precision strike guided missiles for our land forces, which are capable of destroying, neutralising and supressing diverse targets from over 400km.

• Accelerating $1 billion for a sovereign guided weapons manufacturing enterprise – which will enable us to create our own weapons on Australian soil.

These capabilities, coupled with the planned Life-of-Type Extension of Australia’s Collins class submarine fleet, will enhance Australia’s ability to deter and respond to potential security challenges.

The management of this transition, and other capability acquisition options that will meet Australia’s strategic requirements, will be at the forefront of consultations through AUKUS over the next 18 months.

https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-44110

Joint Leaders Statement on AUKUS

16 September 2021

The Hon. Scott Morrison MP
Prime Minister of Australia

The Rt. Hon. Boris Johnson MP
Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

Joseph R. Biden, Jr.
President of the United States of America

As leaders of Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, guided by our enduring ideals and shared commitment to the international rules-based order, we resolve to deepen diplomatic, security, and defense cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, including by working with partners, to meet the challenges of the twenty-first century. As part of this effort, we are announcing the creation of an enhanced trilateral security partnership called “AUKUS” -- Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Through AUKUS, our governments will strengthen the ability of each to support our security and defense interests, building on our longstanding and ongoing bilateral ties. We will promote deeper information and technology sharing.  We will foster deeper integration of security and defense-related science, technology, industrial bases, and supply chains. And in particular, we will significantly deepen cooperation on a range of security and defense capabilities.

As the first initiative under AUKUS, recognizing our common tradition as maritime democracies, we commit to a shared ambition to support Australia in acquiring nuclear-powered submarines for the Royal Australian Navy.  Today, we embark on a trilateral effort of 18 months to seek an optimal pathway to deliver this capability.  We will leverage expertise from the United States and the United Kingdom, building on the two countries’ submarine programs to bring an Australian capability into service at the earliest achievable date.

The development of Australia’s nuclear-powered submarines would be a joint endeavour between the three nations, with a focus on interoperability, commonality, and mutual benefit. Australia is committed to adhering to the highest standards for safeguards, transparency, verification, and accountancy measures to ensure the non-proliferation, safety, and security of nuclear material and technology. Australia remains committed to fulfilling all of its obligations as a non-nuclear weapons state, including with the International Atomic Energy Agency.  Our three nations are deeply committed to upholding our leadership on global non-proliferation.

Recognizing our deep defense ties, built over decades, today we also embark on further trilateral collaboration under AUKUS to enhance our joint capabilities and interoperability.  These initial efforts will focus on cyber capabilities, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, and additional undersea capabilities.

The endeavour we launch today will help sustain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.  For more than 70 years, Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, have worked together, along with other important allies and partners, to protect our shared values and promote security and prosperity. Today, with the formation of AUKUS, we recommit ourselves to this vision.

https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-44109

Quad Leaders’ Meeting

14 September 2021

At the invitation of US President Biden, I will travel to Washington D.C. from 21-24 September.

This will be my first visit to the United States since President Biden took office. I look forward to reaffirming our 70-year alliance, and to discussing ways to further strengthen our security and economic partnership.

I will also participate in the first face-to-face meeting of Quad leaders, with President Biden, Prime Minister Modi of India and Prime Minister Suga of Japan. Reconvening this important group reinforces our commitment to the Indo-Pacific COVID-19 recovery, and our efforts towards peace, prosperity and stability in our region.

The Quad represents four great democracies working in partnership for an Indo-Pacific region that is open, inclusive, resilient and anchored by shared principles.

On my return to Australia on 26 September, I will be complying with the health advice and quarantine requirements, as will accompanying staff, officials and media.

https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-44108

A Family Sized Dose of Hope as Morrison Government Secures a Million More Moderna Doses to Bolster Community Pharmacy Vaccine Program

12 September 2021

Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Minister for Women, Minister for Health and Aged Care

The Morrison Government has secured an additional one million Moderna doses from European Union member states to further bolster Australia’s vaccination programme.

The extra doses, along with the first shipment of the already contracted doses, will arrive within the next week and go directly to local community pharmacies across the country and into the arms of Australians.

This comes at the same time that the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) is now also recommending Moderna for everyone 12 years and older. In line with approval by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), everyone aged 12-59, including families, can access these doses from their community pharmacy.

The doses have been sourced by the Government from surplus vaccines destined for Spain, Czech Republic, Portugal and Bulgaria and will further bolster the community pharmacy vaccine rollout.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the extra supplies of Modena represented a family sized dose of hope.

“Families will now be able to go along together to their pharmacy to get their vaccinations,” the Prime Minister said.

“This additional supply also enables us to direct urgent supplies where they are needed most, and make up the final ground for everyone in Australia to be offered a jab, originally set back in January for in October.

“In October we’re going to have enough vaccines in the country to have offered everyone a jab meaning we’ll be able to take the next steps in our plan to safely reopen Australia.

“First thing’s first to take the steps to safely reopening – get vaccinated. The next few weeks are going to be critical to encourage your friends, family and colleagues to get the vaccine.

“As all these extra doses arrive in Australia we’ll see queues for vaccines cut at the more than 9,000 places you can get vaccinated. Mum, dad and the kids will also be able to go to their local community pharmacist to get vaccinated as a family all at the same time.

“These are doses of hope for families in particular as we move to reopen Australia safely.

“These additional Moderna doses build on four million Pfizer doses sourced from the United Kingdom, one million from Poland and 500,000 from Singapore.

“I’d like to thank the European Commission and partnering countries for their cooperation, and Sweden and Norway for their assistance. I also thank Moderna with whom we have also worked closely to secure this arrangement.”

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Women, Marise Payne said Australia’s network of diplomats had been working around the clock in securing agreements such as this.

“This agreement further demonstrates the important role our diplomats play and the strength of Australia’s bonds with European nations and the European Union,” Minister Payne said.

“Australia is committed to working with all partners across the world because our shared recovery from COVID-19 depends on it.”

The safety of the Australian people is the Government’s top priority and upon arrival the Moderna doses will undergo the same TGA batch release process as all other COVID-19 vaccines.

With the vaccine rollout program expanding throughout community pharmacies, Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt said local community pharmacies would begin to receive Moderna doses within a fortnight.

“These doses are adding additional capacity and will further ramp up the vaccination rate of young Australians,” Minister Hunt said.

“Australia’s vaccine rollout is continuing to hit record levels every day, with 22.4 million doses delivered nationally. Some 13.6 million people have had one dose, and over 41 per cent of the eligible population are now fully vaccinated.”

These doses plus Australia's already contracted supply will be shared with over 3600 community pharmacies across Australia. Up to 1800 Pharmacies will begin to receive doses through the week of the 20th of September and the next 1800 pharmacies will follow shortly after.

Supplies will arrive later this week and go through standard clearing procedures with the TGA.

National President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia Trent Twomey said pharmacies across the country were ready to help even more Australians to be vaccinated.

"Community pharmacies have kept their doors open during bushfires, floods and a once in a generation global pandemic,” Mr Twomey said.

“Community pharmacies are now stepping up to vaccinate Australian families against COVID-19.

“I encourage all Australians to visit their local community pharmacy and roll up their sleeves to get vaccinated."

Getting vaccinated at your local community pharmacy is easy and convenient.

So far approximately half a million AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines have been administered through community pharmacies across the country.

https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-43564

Opinion Piece - 20 Years on from 9/11

11 September 2021

There are moments in time when things we thought were certain can change in a heartbeat and we know that nothing will ever be the same again.

We recall exactly where we were, what we were doing, and the shock we felt as the foundations of our world seemed to shake.

September 11, 2001 in the United States was one of those days.

That night in Sydney, as dawn broke in America, Jen and I were at home having a quiet evening together watching television. When the news broke through, we sat and watched in numb disbelief.

Twenty years have now passed since New York and Washington were attacked. On this anniversary, we remember and honour the 2,977 people who lost their lives on that day and the many more since.

Our hearts go out to the families of the 10 Australians among them, and the many other Australians affected by those terrible events.

It was a time when we saw both the worst and the best of humanity.

Amid the devastation, we saw acts of love, great bravery and sacrifice.

The calls being made to love ones from burning towers, as the tragedy came down around them. Messages of love and good-bye.

But also calls of brave defiance. ‘Let’s roll’ Tod Beamer said, as he and others on board took back Flight 93 and crashed into the fields of Pennsylvania, to thwart the terrorists’ evil plans.

And the thousands of first responders, many sacrificing themselves, as they charged into the burning towers, and those who then converged to find survivors and clear the rubble of ground zero.

We pay tribute to all their heroism and sacrifice. 

First and foremost let us must remember this terrible event as an awful human tragedy, causing great personal suffering and grief to so many.

When I think of September 11, my mind always casts forward to just over a year later on October 12, when the same evil terror, that blasphemes the very religion it claims to serve, was visited on 88 Australians in Bali.

Each year the families and friends of those Australians killed on that day gather on the cliffs at Coogee in Sydney to remember. I have often joined them there. 

Despite the passing of the years, their sorrow and mourning, their loss and grief continues. And so it will be for the families of the victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks today.

So on this anniversary, let our first thoughts be with them as we send our sincere condolences for their terrible loss and to President Biden and all the people of the United States.

But let us also appreciate that September 11 reminds us that we can never take our peace, our freedom and our way of life for granted.

A little more than a decade before the terrible events of September 11, the Berlin Wall fell. Some thought this marked ‘the end of history’ and that the cause of freedom had forever prevailed.

September 11 reminded us that freedom is always fragile. As Ronald Reagan said, it “must be fought for and defended constantly by each generation”.

That day was an attack on free peoples everywhere. It was an attack on our way of life and the values of liberal democracy. Despite the pain inflicted on that day, the terrorists ultimately failed in their attempts to crush our resolve and change our way of life.

Our then Prime Minister John Howard was in Washington D.C. on that terrible day. He saw the smoke plume in Washington. He also saw the great spirit and enduring faith of the American people.

The Howard Government invoked the ANZUS Treaty, for the first and only time in its 50 year history. As John Howard said to Parliament on his return, “if the comradeship, the friendship and the common bonds of democracy and a belief in liberty, fraternity and justice mean anything, it means that the ANZUS Treaty applies.”

So when the Taliban refused to hand over Al-Qaeda terrorists, we supported a US-led operation to hunt down Osama Bin Laden and eliminate the capacity to stage more attacks against the West from Afghanistan. 

Together with the international community, we also laboured long and hard to help the Afghan people secure a better future.

Sadly, the fruits from those seeds of hope are now very uncertain.

But let us never doubt that our cause was, and always will be, a just one.

So on this day of remembrance, we also honour all who served in Afghanistan, especially the 41 Australians who died in the service of our country.

And on this day we re-dedicate Australia to the cause of peace and freedom and to the constant vigilance required to  deny the threat of terror.

Let us appreciate all those who work every day to keep us safe. Our police and security agencies, our defence forces, and thank them for their service.

Let us commit ourselves to continue to stand with our partners and allies - especially the United States - as we work together for a world that favours freedom.

Let us re-affirm the liberal democratic values that guide us and the truths we hold dear.

And above all, let us hold all those we love a little closer and be grateful for their blessing in our lives.

https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/release/transcript-44107