Media Releases
New support package for Northern NSW
18 March 2022
Prime Minister, Acting Premier of New South Wales, Minister for Regional NSW, New South Wales Treasurer, New South Wales Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience
The Commonwealth and New South Wales Governments will provide $742 million to further support primary industry, businesses, rural landholders, councils and residents affected by the catastrophic flooding event across New South Wales, as part of the next round of support.
This is in addition to the almost $1 billion in emergency response and relief already provided through joint funding packages between the Commonwealth and NSW Governments. Direct Commonwealth disaster relief payments are in addition to these packages.
The fourth phase of support for jointly 50/50 funded programs includes:
$100 million for a Small and Medium-sized Businesses Package in the seven highly-impacted local government areas (LGAs) of Lismore, Ballina, Byron, Kyogle, the Richmond Valley, Clarence Valley and Tweed through two packages:
Support for medium-sized (21-199 full time employees) businesses ($20 million), with grants up to $200,000 available to assist with clean-up, essential repairs and replacement that are not covered by existing insurance.
Support for eligible small businesses that have suffered a 40 per cent or more downturn in their income ($80 million), with grants of up to $10,000 to help meet their operating costs so they can survive during the period in which the local economy is depressed.
$35 million for Rural Landholder Grants of up to $25,000, for impacted landholders state-wide, who are not eligible under existing support mechanisms, including insurance or special disaster assistance, and are able to demonstrate losses and damage beyond the vicinity of the residential dwelling.
The Rural Landholder Grant can be used for clean-up activities, damages or losses that are beyond the vicinity of the residential dwelling. This includes the removal of debris and deceased livestock, maintenance of livestock health, and repairing or replacing fencing.
$150 million for the primary industry sector targeted at assisting primary producers to protect supply chains, and boost recovery and rebuilding efforts.
This includes funding for Critical Producer Grants providing rapid support for significantly impacted primary producers (in addition to existing mechanisms) for recovery and rebuild, and funding for Primary Industry Recovery and Resilience to provide targeted grants for medium to longer-term projects that support supply chain efficiencies and recovery and rebuilding efforts.
$142 million to provide assessment of properties and the demolition of those found to be uninhabitable across disaster-declared LGAs.
An extension of the Recovery Grants currently available for primary producers, small businesses and councils in further disaster-declared LGAs.
The Commonwealth Government will also solely provide the following assistance in the Northern Rivers as part of the fourth phase package:
Up to $50 million for large businesses and major employers in key industries to provide immediate financial assistance in the Northern Rivers.
This package will provide funding to help the recovery of big businesses that are major employers in the region.
In addition, direct Commonwealth financial support through the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) and the Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) for the disaster-declared seven LGAs in New South Wales, including extra payments of up to $2,000 for residents of Lismore, Ballina, Byron, Kyogle, Richmond Valley, Clarence Valley and Tweed LGAs.
As at 17 March 2022, $653 million has been paid directly to support 596,000 individuals in New South Wales through these Commonwealth Government payments.
The New South Wales Government will also provide the following:
$120 million Local Council Support Package, including:
$40 million to provide grants to councils to address urgent and immediate operational challenges.
$80 million to establish a working capital fund to supplement councils with flood and disaster recovery where residents are unable to pay their rates.
$145 million for the urgent repair and replacement of water and sewerage critical infrastructure capacity in the Northern Rivers disaster-declared LGAs.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the Federal Government was following through on continuing to support the entire Northern New South Wales community as they continue to recover.
“We will continue to support thousands of residents and businesses in Northern New South Wales, by giving them the support they need to get back on their feet,” the Prime Minister said.
“This support package gets money in the hands of our small and medium-sized businesses and our farmers so they can rebuild and support the whole community to recover together.
“To date, my Government has provided New South Wales with $1.7 billion in direct funding to help communities rebuild and we will continue to back in those businesses and residents that need support.”
Acting New South Wales Premier Paul Toole said our regional communities are resilient, but they need the right support to rebuild and bounce back stronger than ever, and they need that support now.
“These regional communities provide vital resources for a huge part of the NSW population, so it’s critical money lands in the hands of local residents, our farmers, and business owners impacted by the floods to help keep the engine room of our state moving,” Mr Toole said.
“This latest package will provide valuable support to the hardest-hit communities of Ballina, Byron, Lismore, Kyogle, Richmond Valley, Tweed Shire, and Clarence Valley.”
Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience Bridget McKenzie said that this new support package for NSW will assist businesses in flood-affected communities to get back on their feet.
“The floods have had a devastating impact on our communities in Northern NSW, causing enormous upheaval to lives and livelihoods. This new package will support businesses and communities to repair the damage, stimulate local economies, and help communities to move forward,” Minister McKenzie said.
New South Wales Treasurer Matt Kean said the Government was committed to providing support to the many families, businesses and communities that have been so severely affected by these terrible floods.
“Many of these communities have been hit by a full spectrum of disasters these past two years. Now as the clean-up continues in earnest, this package will deliver support for their immediate recovery,” Mr Kean said.
New South Wales Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said the seven most heavily impacted areas of Lismore, Richmond Valley, Tweed, Ballina, Byron, Kyogle and Clarence Valley would receive $150 million worth of funding support to assist businesses and employers within the Northern Rivers region get back to work.
“This commitment includes $100 million for small-to-medium sized businesses and not-for-profit organisations,” Ms Cooke said.
“With the clean-up continuing in earnest, we are also pleased to extend the Clean Up and Recovery Grants to the additional 13 disaster-declared Local Government Areas (LGAs).”
This latest package for NSW focuses on support for businesses impacted by the flooding and is jointly funded through the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
There are now 58 LGAs in NSW eligible for assistance under the DRFA. This includes the additional LGA of Port Stephens.
People in NSW requiring disaster recovery support are urged to contact Service NSW on 13 77 88 or nsw.gov.au/floods.
Two new University Departments of Rural Health for WA
18 March 2022
Prime Minister, Minister for Regional Health, Minister Assisting the Minister for Trade and Investment, Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories, Member for Forrest, Member for O'Connor
More nurses and allied health workers will be trained in WA’s South West and Goldfields regions as part of a $36 million push from the Morrison Government to boost local health workforces through new University Departments of Rural Health (UDRH).
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the new additions would encourage more graduating health professionals to practice in the South West and Goldfields regions.
“University Departments of Rural Health boost the rural primary care workforce, improve health outcomes in rural and regional communities, and give students a taste of what it’s like to work in the bush,” the Prime Minister said.
“I welcome Edith Cowan University as a partner to the Program, as the 22nd university to provide increased rural and remote training across Australia under the program.”
Curtin University will build on its existing medical training presence in the Goldfields region, establishing a UDRH for nursing and allied health training to complement its rural clinical school.
Today’s announcement builds on the recent Rural Health Multidisciplinary Training (RHMT) program expansion, which included ongoing funding for a new UDRH to be located in Emerald in Central Queensland.
A former regional doctor, Minister for Regional Health Dr David Gillespie said the RHMT program was a key part of the Government’s commitment to addressing health workforce shortages outside the cities.
“We know from an independent evaluation that the RHMT program supports universities to deliver teaching and training to an equivalent, or higher, standard than that of metropolitan settings,” Dr Gillespie said.
“We also know that health professionals who graduate from rural placements are more likely to stay in the bush, where they are sorely needed, because they appreciate the professional and personal benefits of working in those communities.”
Member for Forrest Nola Marino and Member for O’Connor Rick Wilson welcomed the two new UDRHs.
“This is a very important initiative that will help address health workforce shortages in the South West – the fastest growing region in WA,” Mrs Marino said.
“Access to health care is a huge issue across the Goldfields so this commitment is a game changer for our region which I have been fighting hard for,” Mr Wilson said.
“A UDRH based in Kalgoorlie means we can grow our own workforce and create more local jobs in health.
“It is fantastic that Curtin University with local partners will deliver the program out of the School of Mines and I thank them all for their commitment to make this happen.”
The 2020 RHMT evaluation also found the program has direct economic and other benefits for regional and rural communities.
The new UDRHs will focus training activities in Modified Monash (MM) 3 to 7, or large rural towns to very remote communities, and strengthen the ongoing participation by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and organisations in activities across the RHMT program.
The Prime Minister said the new UDRHs would have a real impact on health workforce numbers in the regions.
“The program extension we’ve announced today will result in 3,000 additional placement weeks per year at full implementation – that’s up to 500 more students gaining rural clinical experience in Western Australia,” the Prime Minister said.
In 2020, more than 14,200 nursing and allied health rural placements were delivered across Australia, equating to over 65,000 placement weeks.
This initiative expands the Rural Health Multidisciplinary Training program, which will now support 22 universities, forming a national network of 19 Rural Clinical Schools, 19 UDRHs and 26 Regional Training Hubs.
Government awards Major Project Status to Kalgoorlie Nickel Project
18 March 2022
Prime Minister, Minister for Industry, Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction, Minister for Resources and Water, Member for O'Connor
A new critical minerals mine and processing plant in Kalgoorlie will be given Major Project Status in a move by the Morrison Government to streamline approvals and coordination and bring thousands of jobs to the Eastern Goldfields region.
The $1.165 billion Kalgoorlie Nickel Project will produce cobalt-nickel ore which will undergo a process to produce Mixed Hydroxide Precipitate, which is used as raw material in the growing international battery market.
Projects awarded Major Project Status have access to extra support from the Major Projects Facilitation Agency, including having a single-entry point for Australian Government approvals, project support and coordination.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said declaring Major Project Status would bring the operation to life sooner.
“With 1,500 jobs each year for the three-year construction and 500 jobs a year for the 25-year operation, this Project is a major project and will get every support possible from my Government,” the Prime Minister said.
“It’s projects like this that help build a stronger economy and secure a stronger future for the region and for WA.
“With the project in its early phases now, declaring it a Major Project will get more tradies on site, and more workers into town sooner.”
Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said the Morrison Government was backing local industries which were investing in and supporting technologies to help Australia and the rest of the world meet emissions reduction targets.
“This proposed facility has huge potential to contribute to the growing international demand for lithium-ion battery minerals that will underpin a range of emerging clean energy applications, including electric vehicles and everyday items such as smart phones and laptops,” Minister Taylor said.
“Unlike Labor, the Morrison Government is supporting a balanced approach to driving down emissions that will generate new jobs and not tear them down, all the while keeping power prices low for households and businesses.
“The Morrison Government recognises the enormous economic growth and job opportunities these projects provide for regional Australia. We have now granted Major Project Status to 12 significant critical minerals projects across Australia which will inject more than $8.7 billion into our economy and support over 7,500 construction jobs and over 3,800 ongoing.”
Minister for Resources and Water Keith Pitt said granting Major Project Status for the Kalgoorlie Nickel Project was another step forward for Australia playing a major role in the global critical minerals market, which is expected to grow exponentially over the coming decades.
“This project directly contributes to our Critical Minerals Strategy by increasing the supply of highly sought-after materials for the lithium-ion battery supply chain and has the potential to boost Australia’s sovereign capability,” Minister Pitt said.
Federal Member for O’Connor Rick Wilson said he welcomed significant projects like the Kalgoorlie Nickel Project that bring jobs and investment to the Goldfields region.
“Providing support to this project will help boost Australia’s position in the global critical minerals processing industry and add to regional WA’s reputation as a major contributor to the nation’s booming resource sector,” Mr Wilson said.
Today’s commitment follows a $119.6 million investment by the Morrison Government this week to build an integrated Nickel Manganese Cobalt battery material refinery hub in the Kalgoorlie region – the first facility of its kind anywhere in Australia.
Major Project Status still requires the project to meet all relevant Commonwealth and State regulatory approval processes.
More information on the Major Projects Facilitation Agency and the full list of current major projects is available on the Major Projects Facilitation Agency website.
Virtual Annual Leaders' Meeting with the Prime Minister of the Republic of India
18 March 2022
I am pleased to announce that I will host the Honourable Shri Mr Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of the Republic of India, for a Virtual Annual Leaders’ Meeting on 21 March 2022.
This will be our second Annual Leaders’ Meeting since Prime Minister Modi and I announced the bilateral Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2020.
Australia and India’s strong bilateral relationship is based on mutual understanding and trust, a commitment to democracy, and a shared vision of an open, inclusive, resilient and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
Prime Minister Modi and I will discuss deepening our trade and investment relationship and harnessing new economic opportunities to support our mutual economic recovery and growth.
Central to these endeavours are strengthened cooperation in defence and security, science and technology, and critical minerals and clean energy.
We will also discuss a range of regional and multilateral issues, including the situation in Ukraine and its implications for the Indo-Pacific, and Myanmar.
I look forward to reaffirming our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and advancing our shared bilateral and regional agenda.
Major boost for the Perth City Deal
17 March 2022
Prime Minister, Premier of Western Australia, Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, Western Australian Minister for Transport, Planning and Ports, Vice-Chancellor of Edith Cowan University
The multibillion dollar Perth City Deal is set for a major funding boost by the Morrison and McGowan governments to bring the centrepiece inner city campus of Edith Cowan University (ECU) to life, and to deliver the iconic new Swan River Bridge.
Both Governments have announced an additional $49 million for the ECU campus while ECU has also provided a $60 million boost, taking the value of the landmark project to $853 million - with the Australian Government investing a total of $294 million, the Western Australian Government $199 million, and ECU $360 million.
The major construction contract for the new ECU campus has also been awarded to Western Australian builders Multiplex; while a consortium made up of companies Civmec Construction and Engineering Pty Ltd, Seymour Whyte Constructions Pty Ltd and WSP Australia Pty Ltd, will construct the bridge.
The Swan River Bridge is being jointly funded by Morrison and McGowan governments on a 50:50 basis, with each providing an additional $25 million to the project, bringing the total $100 million.
Today’s funding announcements take the total value of the City Deal to $1.69 billion.
The additional City Deal funding is required to address the current challenging construction environment and labour market, allow design improvements, and enable more manufacturing work to be undertaken locally.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the Perth City Deal was already helping to transform the city.
“The Perth City Deal was a long term partnership between all three levels of governments and the private sector to bring more jobs, more investment to WA that will create a stronger economy and a stronger future for Perth,” the Prime Minister said.
“ECU project is a key to the Perth City Deal that would inject 7,500 construction jobs and 2,300 ongoing jobs into the city.
“The new ECU campus will not only reinvigorate Perth’s city centre, but it will redefine Western Australia’s higher education offering by bringing together more than 10,000 students plus staff generating tourism, filling up bars, restaurants and hotels and bringing more people to local shops and businesses.
“The new Swan River Bridge, which will be built and manufactured locally in Western Australia by Western Australian workers, will become an iconic part of the Perth skyline across the river, providing better transport connects to and from the CBD.
“This injection into the Perth City Deal means boots on the ground and tradies on site even sooner, with major works expected to start later this year.
“We’re bringing the jobs and opportunities from the Perth City Deal to life to deliver the stronger economy that secures a stronger future for WA.”
Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan said these job-creating projects were part of the extensive investment his government was making in infrastructure and transport for the future.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime transformation of our city centre, attracting thousands of people into the heart of the city during the day and night, creating activity and vibrancy throughout our CBD,” Premier McGowan said.
“We believe ECU will attract investment in Perth, boost the visitor economy, provide benefits for CBD businesses and further cement Perth’s reputation as a great place to live, work and visit.
“The Swan River is an iconic part of Perth, and it’s only fitting that we deliver a bridge constructed locally by Western Australians.
“This project will create and support hundreds of local jobs, while providing a new walking and cycling opportunity for our local community.
“This is a key part of the Perth City Deal that will see more than $1.6 billion invested in projects across our CBD, supporting local jobs, local businesses and encouraging people back into the City.”
As well as the new ECU campus and Swan River Bridge, the $1.69 billion Perth City Deal includes:
Investment in Curtin University's Historical Heart Cluster, including the expansion of the Graduate School of Business and Law School and the creation of a healthcare and clinical training facility.
Investment in Perth's cultural attractions, including the Perth Cultural Centre rejuvenation, the Perth Concert Hall Redevelopment and the WACA redevelopment and public swimming pool. These investments will create vibrant, safe and attractive offerings delivering improved liveability, cultural and tourism outcomes for the city.
Investment towards the celebration of Western Australia’s rich Aboriginal culture and history, including important community consultation and engagement, feasibility studies and preliminary design work for the Perth Aboriginal Cultural Centre.
The CBD Transport Plan, an investment to improve active and public transport accessibility and safety in the CBD, increasing the attractiveness and sustainability of the city for residents and visitors.
Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Paul Fletcher said the additional funding and contract award for the ECU campus paves the way for construction to begin on the world-class creative industries, business and technology campus, with schematic designs now complete.
“The Morrison Government is providing significant support for the new ECU city campus, with $294 million now committed to make sure we can deliver the full project scope and meet forecast cost pressures in the construction market,” Minister Fletcher said.
“The economic impact of the development will also be significant, with the project estimated to provide a $1.5 billion boost to the WA economy over the next four years.
“This is yet another example of the Perth City Deal, now worth nearly $1.7 billion, delivering for Western Australians, creating jobs and economic stimulus while securing the long-term prosperity and liveability of Perth.”
Western Australian Minister for Transport and Planning Rita Saffioti said the new bridge would be six metres wide and significantly higher than the current Causeway Bridge, with dedicated pedestrian and cyclist lanes providing safer access for the more than 1,500 cyclists and 2,000 pedestrians who use the path on the existing Causeway Bridge daily.
“Civmec has delivered some of our iconic bridges, including the Matagarup Bridge and the Kids Bridge, next to the Perth Children’s Hospital,” Minister Saffioti said.
“Set to become another iconic structure, the new Swan River Bridge will be fabricated locally in Henderson.
“With an estimated 540,000 cycling trips undertaken on the current Causeway Bridge, the new structure will provide a safer, easier option for cyclists and pedestrians.
“As we have seen with the Matagarup Bridge, the new bridge will become a meeting point for cyclists, pedestrians and families, while also providing a new tourism experience.
“The design of the structural elements of the bridges derive inspiration from the stories of Fanny Balbuk and Yagan - two key figures associated with Heirisson Island.
“Development work and early engagement with key stakeholders including Aboriginal representatives, recreational and commercial river users, local businesses and key local government agencies is currently underway.”
ECU Vice-Chancellor Professor Steve Chapman said this was an exciting milestone for the ECU city campus – Multiplex’s extensive experience in large and complex construction projects both here and abroad will help us realise our ambitious vision of a landmark for Western Australia.
“The construction of ECU City will also offer rich and diverse opportunities for local subcontractors, as well as exciting student outcomes, including apprenticeships, work integrated learning and mentorship programs for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students,” Professor Chapman said.
“Our city university will definitively change the heart of Perth and be one of the most digitally-advanced campuses in the world.”
Q&A, Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA
16 March 2022
AARON MOREY, CHIEF ECONOMIST, CCIWA: Prime Minister, it is great to have you back here in this glorious kingdom that is Western Australia. We are really excited to have you here and the message from you today is really clear, you want to partner with the WA business community and we don’t think you could choose any better partner. I mean a faithful, hardworking, mutual respect, maybe not physical affection but nonetheless just about every trait you’d want to see in a partner we’ve got it here for you. So it’s great you’ve got that vote of confidence in the WA business community. Because CCIWA are certainly very passionate about the ability of the WA business community. Last year we comprised 60 per cent of national exports, largely thanks to Rio Tinto and its peers and the legion of SMEs that support them. Let's just go to your announcements today, and indeed yesterday, so significant announcements in defence, supply chain resilience, advanced manufacturing. Most of the questions coming through on Slido does relate to that geopolitical situation, Prime Minister and in particular, China. You mentioned wheat, you mentioned rock lobster, these are sectors, I mean rock lobster, 95 per cent of our exports go to China. What's the endgame here Prime Minister? Many of these men and women will be wondering, do they continue to invest in those relationships and in that country going forward? What can you tell them about our prospects for maintaining a trading relationship with China or are they wasting their time?
PRIME MINISTER: Very important question. Australia has to be resilient in a different world, and no business, I think, seeks to put all of its eggs in one basket. A conscious strategy and risk diversification is a sound one and there have been significant opportunities in the Chinese market in the past. But the China we're dealing with today is very different to the one that John Howard dealt with, and many of my predecessors did. It has taken on a very different tone. And most distressingly, we've seen that in the course of this outrageous invasion of Ukraine. I was the first to call out, frankly, the lack of response from China in relation to what's happening in the Ukraine, and I'll continue to do that. And the reports that we see reported in the media are very concerning and the United States have been very clear about their position. If there's any suggestion of Chinese military support for Russia and our view is exactly the same, we are in lockstep with our allies and partners when it comes to that issue. The sheer fact that there would be even a suggestion of that is deeply concerning.
Now I say that in answer to your question, because I think the context is important and I’d be encouraging businesses not just here in Western Australia, but right across the country, to bear in mind that as they manage their risk, what markets they’re in. And I'd love to tell you that there will be a massive change in that relationship in the next few years. But, I can’t do that, and that's not because of Australia. I mean, we're not the ones who have chopped off diplomatic discussions at a leader level or ministerial. We're not the ones who are applying bans on their export of products. We're not the one who is insisting that they open up to more foreign investment in their country. We have a liberal democracy and a liberal economy that is facilitating investment on our terms, on our national interest terms and will continue to do that. And I'm very grateful to Australian industry and particularly in those producing sectors that have borne the brunt of the economic coercion and bullying that we've seen from China. And they have responded in many ways. And I would encourage them to continue to manage their risk in that way. But that said, when you look at the volume of trade between Australia and China, I think that what it says is, in large part that has continued because it's in their interest for that to continue. And trade always requires both sides of the table to be benefitting and where that continues to occur well I imagine that trade will continue and the ongoing engagement between private industry and business with markets like China is very important and I would continue to encourage that. But obviously, the political and diplomatic level, the situation is very, very different because Australia has faced very real coercion, threats and foreign influence here in this country, which we have called out and as an Australian I'm very proud of the role that our government has played in calling this out. I've talked about the arc of autocracy. We've been clear-eyed about threats Australia and the broader world faces and we've been one of the prime movers in waking the rest of the world up to that.
AARON MOREY, CHIEF ECONOMIST, CCIWA: Thank you for that Prime Minister, that’s a really useful sort of insight from you on that. Let's sort of go to the announcement today in a bit more detail, as well simply around the development of those critical minerals. You mentioned the Quad, the importance of the Quad. I mean, in terms of the, so we've talked a lot about your activities very much on that supply side, getting the market ready, getting the business community ready. What about the demand side, what role will your government play in, let’s say, facilitating business discussions with United States investment partners? That sort of activity as well.
PRIME MINISTER: A strong one and we already have, and we're already- I've been in those discussions for several years now. I raised it with President Trump when he was in the White House and continued those conversations with President Biden and their administration. We've had the same discussions and made progress, whether it be in Japan with quite a number of the European economies, which are obviously in need of the sorts of things that Australia produces and have raised these issues in India as well. And as part of the Quad, the beauty of the Quad is it brings together in the four of us, both the producers and the end users and processors. And this is what I think is one of the most practical, important jobs that the Quad has. The Quad obviously addresses security issues around our pandemic response in the region, humanitarian issues and all of this. But a big part of what we have put on the top of our agenda in engaging with the Quad has been where are the rare earths critical minerals supply chains because as we know, there is one big player. In critical minerals and rare earths, they control, dominate and intervene and disrupt the market for their own benefit. And it is in the interests of other countries to have a robust, sustainable supply chain alternative to the current monopolistic practices we're seeing. And that's what we focussed on in the Quad. So the answer to that is yes. We've told our partners in this area that, you know, the resources industry here, which is the best in the world, has a number of things it can choose to process and to take out of the ground and for rare earths and critical minerals to stack up, there has to be the assistance that we're doing as a government to support the scale that is necessary to meet those markets. But that has to be met by the certainty of offtake agreements which justify and back up that investment for the long term and offtake agreements that aren't distracted by the price of the cutting and monopolistic behaviour of our competitors.
AARON MOREY, CHIEF ECONOMIST, CCIWA: That's a really good point. We believe in democracy here at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA so we will be asking the highest rated question or most liked question on Slido so thank you from an anonymous source.
PRIME MINISTER: I'm not going to play the ukulele, I’m not. I know they want me to.
AARON MOREY, CHIEF ECONOMIST, CCIWA: No they’ve asked you to get a state daddy tattoo. No, only joking. So the question Prime Minister, all the plans mentioned today supporting much larger businesses. Your core support comes from small business. How are you planning to support them?
PRIME MINISTER: Well I can go through the litany of tax cuts and other incentives we've already put in place through the pandemic. And there's nothing that makes me frankly more proud than to walk into manufacturing businesses and other businesses around the country and see two things. One is, the first thing they do is they take me to that new piece of plant equipment and I'm talking about businesses with five people, 20 people, and they take me to that and say we bought that because of the instant asset write off that you put in place and what thrills me about this? In the middle of a pandemic, when their revenues were down, they look past the pandemic and the opportunities on the other side and they invest. The thing I love about the instant asset write off that we put in place is it backs the confidence of Australian small businesses. It's not a grant. They have to get the loan, they have to do the procurement, they have to take it on. We just allow it to be written off in one year and that helps. But that sort of support backs in the decision and confidence of Australian small and medium sized businesses, and it's been an enormously successful initiative. The other thing they do then is they then take me to the apprentice or the ten that they have in their business because at the start of the pandemic, Michaelia Cash, and Josh and I, the thing we were most concerned about right at the start was that we were going to lose a generation of skills as apprentices would have been laid off and they just wouldn’t have come back and we would have lost a generation of skills. And the record investments that we made in training and skills and apprenticeships and the Boosting Apprenticeships programme and similar programmes means we have 220,000 in trade training today, which is the highest number on record and those records began in 1963. So whether it's lower taxes down to 25 per cent, whether it's lower taxes delivered through the instant asset write off, whether it's the support for training and skills that enables those small businesses to keep those apprentices on, which means right now I am meeting apprentices who have finished their apprenticeship in their fourth year, which is still in the business, which means those businesses can now take advantage of the opportunities that are coming their way. The last point I would make on that is on that is, you know, it's one big economic ecosystem, and the big projects we're seeing in Henderson, they’re not likely to be done by a prime, this work goes all the way through that supply chain down to the smallest businesses. And I think whether it's the defence industry, Melissa Price will tell you this, it's the connectivity in the defence industry supply chain. Now, the large primes can't do what they do unless the small firms that are here in Western Australia can do what they do and benefit from that and in sharing in that benefit is critical to the success of the defence industry.
AARON MOREY, CHIEF ECONOMIST, CCIWA: Thank you Prime Minister. Let's go to the economic reform debate. I mean, you responded to questions on this last week at the AFR business summit. Obviously, there are still reforms that we can undertake, whether it's around permanent immigration. I know you responded on that issue last week, but whether we can make it easier around streamlining labour market testing, that sort of thing, taxation reform, workplace relations reform. I mean we are losing more days to industrial action now than we have been in a decade. Obviously, next term we'll get two types of government, the type of government that leaves those fundamental challenges in the too hard basket or the type of government that rolls up their sleeves and has another crack. Now clearly the DNA of your government is in the latter. You had a crack on company tax with Mathias last term, you had a crack at workplace relations this term with Christian Porter. Obviously, you were let down by the Opposition on those issues, leaving the Opposition aside for a moment. Can you basically promise to these people, these men and women trying to do the best they can for business, that you will continue to push for those reforms should you win government into the next term?
PRIME MINISTER: You make a very good point. People know what we stand for, they know we stand for lower taxes. They know we stand for sensible, practical, responsible changes to how the industrial relations system works. And during the pandemic, we sought to work with the unions and across the aisle, in the middle of a pandemic, where you would think there was some national bipartisan commitment to actually move on a number of these things, EPBC Act changes, the same thing. But there wasn't. So we haven't changed our spots. Sadly, the Labor Party hasn't changed theirs, and the Labor Party continue to resist all of the things you just mentioned, as you highlighted yourself. On the tax front, having Mathias and I fought that battle together, and that's what enabled us to at least get the tax rate down to 25 per cent, ultimately, for businesses under $50 million in turnover. Having not been able to go down the broader route we changed direction and started focussing on investment allowances and the R&D tax concessions and found other ways to bring down the effective tax rates on businesses in this country so they can invest, and we will continue to look for opportunities to do that. But on industrial relations, you asked me about small business before and you know, big companies, and there are a number here, Rio, and others here today, I mean they have the big legal teams and the human resources departments that can get engaged in these issues and try and sort this all out. But for small and medium sized businesses they will be at the mercy of an often militant, union driven government backed in by the Greens as well. And what does that mean? Well, we did get through the reforms that were positive to deal with the casualisation issues, and that was our highest priority and we did deliver that. But there were so many other things. And what you can see in that is that a Labor government supported by the Greens and a militant union movement will see the Australian Building Construction Commission gone. So if you think it's hard to build something at the moment, the labour shortages you've got now, well add a premium to that for a Labor government here in Western Australia. But I will give Mark McGowan great credit on this. Mark and I, as I said, agreed on those EPBC Act changes, we wanted them done. Don't make the mistake that federal Labor under Anthony Albanese is the same as state Labor under Mark McGowan. They are not the same thing, they are just not the same thing. Mark McGowan is going to be Premier after this election, regardless of who you vote for. But if you vote Labor, you’ll have Anthony Albanese as the Prime Minister, and that is a very different outcome for the people of Western Australia.
AARON MOREY, CHIEF ECONOMIST, CCIWA: Thank you, Prime Minister. We are already 10 minutes over time. CCIWA we do respect people's time, we could ask questions all day, but I do have one final line of questioning for you, Prime Minister. When we shared the stage last year, you boasted of your ability to keep your family's chickens alive, as people would know the Prime Minister famously built a chicken coop one weekend in the early stages of the pandemic, and you were very proud last year, Prime Minister, that all chickens lived and were producing many eggs. My final question Prime Minister, do the Morrison family chickens still live?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, sadly my daughters probably won’t want me to say this publicly, but sadly, we lost one to illness, which was a shame but the other three are going well, producing famously well, and Buddy and Charlie, the cat and the dog are also doing incredibly well as well.
AARON MOREY, CHIEF ECONOMIST, CCIWA: I'm sorry to hear that one died, but luckily keeping chickens alive is not a necessary precondition for being an effective Prime Minister, but nonetheless very sad to hear about the chicken’s welfare. Prime Minister, the demands on you are relentless. I mean, for some people, it doesn't matter what you do, it will never, ever be enough. I think it's important at this stage of the parliamentary term to recognise everything that has gone right and everything that your government has achieved. You mentioned, obviously the GST reform, which is significant for Western Australia. But I think for me personally, what stands out very much is the response of the government when coronavirus ripped across the world and in particular, JobKeeper. While other countries around the world, including the United States, made significant policy errors, JobKeeper kept the fabric of the economy together. There's been talk of a mental succession here in Western Australia. I can assure you that on behalf of all the men and women in this room that we all Australians first, thank you for being our Prime Minister. Ladies and gentlemen, please thank our Prime Minister.
PRIME MINISTER: Thank you.
Doorstop - Burswood, WA
16 March 2022
SENATOR THE HON. MICHAELIA CASH, ATTORNEY-GENERAL: Well, ladies and gentlemen, good morning, and it is great to be here today at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia breakfast joined by, of course, my Western Australian colleagues Linda Reynolds, Melissa Price and Ben Morton. But the man we are here to see is, of course, the Prime Minister of Australia, Scott Morrison. It is great to have our Prime Minister back in Western Australia, as he said this morning at the breakfast, he has been a long time visitor to our state, even before he went into politics. And now that the borders have reopened, it is great to have him back on the ground and certainly at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Breakfast this morning.
The Prime Minister reminded us all, governments don't create jobs. Businesses do. Employers do. Governments put in place policies that under Scott Morrison and his team, enable businesses to prosper, to grow and create more jobs for Australians. And certainly, we're able to highlight today that economic support for businesses in Western Australia that the Morrison Government provided throughout COVID 19, over $14 billion of federal support was provided to Western Australians, whether it be by JobKeeper, by JobSeeker or other policies that were put in place to ensure that Australians maintain that connection with their employer. But of course, we're also able to talk about the return of the fair share of GST to Western Australians. We can never forget that our Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, was the Treasurer at the time that the GST deal was sealed, and it wasn't just about delivering a fair share of GST back to Western Australia. It was about bringing all the other states in Australia with us, and we were able as that strong WA federal team to do that. And again as the Prime Minister said today, this is not a one off. This is a deal that is signed, it is sealed and it is delivered. And in 2019/20 and 2021/22 alone, Western Australia, as a result of the GST deal, has received almost an additional $5 billion. It's $5 billion we did not have before we returned WA’s share of GST back to them and over the next forwards, we can look forward to as Western Australians around $2.6 billion each year that we would otherwise have not received if it was not for the Western Australian Federal Liberal team, and at that time Scott Morrison, as our Treasurer, now as our Prime Minister working with us to deliver this deal for Western Australia.
And of course, two major announcements have been made whilst the Prime Minister has been on the ground in Western Australia, which again just go towards backing Western Australians each and every step of the way. And of course, yesterday, out at Henderson, an investment of up to $4.3 billion in Western Australian shipbuilding with our first dry dock. And then today at our breakfast, critical minerals. As we know Western Australians, we want to be front and centre of any investment in critical minerals, and the Prime Minister today was able to make some incredibly important announcements. So it is great on behalf of the Western Australian federal Liberal team to have our Prime Minister Scott Morrison back in Western Australia and Scott over to you.
PRIME MINISTER: Well, thank you, Michaelia. It's tremendous to be here with so many of my Western Australian team and many more like Ken and others are out there right now, Vince Connolly and so many others, Andrew Hastie who I was with yesterday, who did a great job here from Western Australia and Michaelia, you've made the right point and that is because of my Western Australian team and because of the closeness of the Western Australian team of Liberals that form our government, we've achieved a lot for Western Australia in just the last three years. Just the last three years, including the pandemic, we've delivered an extra $20 billion to support Western Australians through this crisis that some more than $14 billion directly in economic supports and economic support through JobKeeper and cash flow assistance and all of those measures. There's been over $800 million directly that we've put in to support the WA health response through the 50/50 partnership on hospitals and the many other measures from vaccines to mental health. And then on top of that, the $5 billion, the $5 billion that has been delivered already in the additional GST that has come through the fair GST deal, which I initiated, which I legislated as Prime Minister with the full support of my Western Australian team, but not just my Western Australian team, because we were able to carry our whole team, our national team, not as some favour to Western Australia. It wasn't about a favour to Western Australia, it was about fairness for Western Australia, and that fairness was in the national interest and we took that on and we succeeded. And Western Australia now going forward is $2.6 billion on average, better off every single year in additional payments being made to ensure GST is a fair deal for WA, that’s some $13 billion over the next six years. That's more money for hospitals, it's more money for schools, it's more money for police and nurses and teachers. That is what that GST fair deal means for Western Australia, and I think it's going to continue to make a big difference. It's not a one off. It's a forever deal for Western Australia that we've secured and that we've legislated and it will never, ever change under my government. We built it. We'll keep it because we know how important it is.
But that's not the only way we're backing in Western Australians. As Michaelia has just said, we understand that Western Australia is a powerhouse of the Australian national economy. One of the important reasons why Australia has fared better than all of the G7 nation economies, the most advanced economies in the world during this pandemic, with 260,000 more people employed after the pandemic than we had before. And the fact that we've saved 40,000 lives in Australia, including here in Western Australia, one of the highest vaccination rates in the world, and Western Australia now leads that pack across the country and that we can say that under the global index, Australia is the second most prepared country in the world for pandemic preparedness. All of this has happened by backing Western Australians in Western Australia's economy being such an important part of the national economy. The unemployment here in Western Australia has already gone below four per cent, and that's going to happen for the rest of the country under our economic plan.
But one of the ways you achieve that here in Western Australia is you're serious about backing in the resources industry, in the mining industry here in Western Australia. Now we don’t just say that as Liberals, we mean it, whether it's our agreement with the Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan, we wanted to change the Environmental Protection Biodiversity Conservation Act, the EPBC Act, to ensure that it was simpler, that it was fairer, that decisions could be made quicker and investments could flow into Western Australia. The Premier and I agreed that we had to do this, and so we put the legislation forward. Labor and the Greens opposed it at a federal level. Federal Labor under Anthony Albanese is not the same as state Labor under Mark McGowan. There are two very different animals, and we've worked very closely with Mark McGowan here in Western Australia to deliver and support the path he has been on and to ensure that the economic dividend, especially in our resources sector, continues to be realised.
And we've done the same with our defence industry investments. Just in the last two days yesterday, $4.3 billion up to that and investment in the dry dock facility we discussed yesterday. Today, more than $400 million investment in realising Australia's critical minerals and rare earths industry, and that's especially here in Western Australia. Two companies specifically benefiting from direct support to ensure that they can realise their potential. This is how you grow a strong economy. This is how you get a strong economy for a stronger future. And in this election, that is the choice. The choice is who can best manage our economy going forward, who can best manage our national finances. It is our government that has kept our Triple-A credit rating throughout the pandemic and over our entire time in government, and we've done that by making sensible, responsible decisions and you'll see that in the budget in a fortnight's time. Sensible, responsible decisions, but at the same time, address the need to grow our economy and support Australians with the cost of living pressures that they are facing. The budget will be there to support Australia's ongoing recovery, but not just that, but to build our economy for the future in the same way we have, which has made Australia one of the most resilient economies in the world through this crisis. And that is in no small part due to the very outstanding efforts here in Western Australia. Happy to take some questions.
JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, you have spoken about the importance of your West Australian team. Is your friend Ben Morton, he's standing behind you, going to still be a part of that team after the Election Day or is he going to the lose his electorate?
PRIME MINISTER: I have great confidence in Ben in his seat. Ben has done outstanding work in his seat and he's best placed to go out there and advocate that. And will and I have absolutely no doubt that he will be supported because of the work that he has done and what he's been able to deliver everything from support to basketball stadiums to ensure that the support is happening in apprenticeships and trainees and mental health support and hospital and health care support throughout his electorate. So we have the record of delivering these things when we've got record levels of health and hospitals funding. Our hospitals funding for Western Australia since we've come to government has increased by over 80 per cent, over 80 per cent. Now that is almost double what the increase has been at a state level. So we've been delivering for Western Australia from GST to hospitals to pandemic support, to backing in the important industries that create the jobs here in Western Australia. And if you're by choosing and choosing to re-endorse Ben Morton as the Member for Tangney, you're choosing to endorse and support these outcomes that they know that they've been experiencing.
JOURNALIST: The latest polling suggests Tangney is in danger. If you lose four seats in WA, it's going to be very hard to retain government, isn't it, if you lose WA?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, this only highlights the importance of the choice between the Australian people. Now, Western Australians know that it was our government that delivered the fairer GST deal. It's our government that has supported the resources industry. It's the Labor Party that didn't move on GST when they had the opportunity. We did. It's the Labor Party that has not backed the resources industry here in Western Australia at a federal level. The state level, very different, state Labor completely different to Albanese Labor at a federal level. It's not the same thing. At the next election, whoever you vote for, Mark McGowan will be the Premier the next day and if we're returned at the next election, I will continue to work closely with the Western Australian Premier to get the right outcome for Western Australians and the national scene as well, and we've been a good partnership to that end. But what you would have if the government is not returned is Anthony Albanese as the Prime Minister of this country. Someone who has never held a financial portfolio in all of his time in government, never done a budget, never held a national security portfolio. And this is someone who is seeking to be Prime Minister at a time when we face the biggest global shocks not only to our energy economy, but also our broader global economy and the national security challenges that we face in terms of what has occurred all [inaudible] in Europe. But most significantly, here in the Indo-Pacific.
Now we've demonstrated the experienced steady hand on economic management and national security. These are things that Labor often pretend to but never deliver on. And probably the best example of that on national security is if we kept defence spending as a share of the economy on what was set up by Labor when they were last in power, which was the lowest level since before the Second World War, then there would have been $55 billion less invested in our Defence Forces from that day to this. $10 billion less in this year alone. So you can't claim to have the same views when it comes to national security when you've done that. You can't claim as Labor does that you have the same experience on managing the nation's finances when they, we've already demonstrated, would have spent $81 billion more during this pandemic than the government. That's not how you keep a Triple-A credit rating in the middle of a pandemic.
Labor knows how to start spending, but they never know how to stop. We knew we had to spend during the pandemic to get the economy through, but we also know when it's the responsible time to stop that and start returning the fiscal management, the money management of our economy and of the government back to more normal settings. And the Treasurer will have a bit more to say on that.
JOURNALIST: The National Security Committee is meeting today. Is there any consideration being given to sanctions on China, for its silence over Russia?
PRIME MINISTER: One thing that has disturbed me from the outset, apart from the obvious in terms of Russia's violent and illegal invasion of Ukraine, has been the chilling silence that we saw from China. And I think there is a real lack of transparency in the relationship between China and Russia. Now, at a time when the rest of the world is applying sanctions to Russia and seeking to impose a heavy price on them for their violent and aggressive actions, China actually relieved trade restrictions or trade measures on Russia on wheat, for example. Now that sends a terrible message. China seeks to present itself as playing a positive role in global affairs to maintain peace and stability. The lack of transparency in relationship with Russia is a great concern in our region, not just to liberal democracies. And I think it's time for these sorts of issues to be made clear.
JOURNALIST: Is there potential for sanctions on China for its silence?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, we will move in lockstep with our partners and allies on these issues, and the United States has made some very clear statements about this and we support those statements. We support those statements and we support them because we think it's important that the whole world comes together to put an end to this terrible violence and aggression by Russia in Ukraine. There is no there is no equivalence, as China has seemed to have present between the claims of Ukraine and Russia. There is no equivalence. The rest of the world is not gone anywhere to suggest that. And I have been concerned that there has been some implicit support that has been there for the claims of Russia in Ukraine by China. I don't agree with that. Australia doesn't agree with that. Our partners and allies and liberal democracies around the world and Europe and other places in North America do not agree with that. And so I think it's very important for China to be very transparent about what is their relationship with Russia, what is their relationship with Russia when it comes to throwing them an economic lifeline during this global crisis? And potentially what, if any, support has been discussed for military support for Russia? Because that would be an abomination.
JOURNALIST: What do you say to claims that Kimberley Kitching was bullied by members of the Labor Party before her death?
PRIME MINISTER: These are very distressing claims, and I don't think they can be just dismissed. But more significantly, I feel terribly for Kimberly's family that at the time that when they are grieving so badly and her close friends and there she had close friends on both sides of the aisle and her funeral will be next week, as I understand it. I know there will be many Coalition members there as well. Kimberley Kitching was unique. She was a true patriot, and the reason she had so many friends on our side is because she stood up very strongly for issues of our national security and sovereignty. And she worked closely with members like Andrew Hastie here in Western Australia, who became a good friend of Kimberly. And so these reports of her treatment are not ones that I can confirm, obviously, as the leader of the Liberal Party, but there are certainly things that I would expect not to be dismissed and to be taken very seriously and addressed.
JOURNALIST: Should the Labor Party launch an investigation?
PRIME MINISTER: Look, I'm going to leave those matters to the Labor Party. I deal with matters in our party, both as the leader of the parliamentary party and as the Prime Minister, but I don't think they can be dismissed. They obviously need to be addressed and particularly out of respect for the late Senator Kitching and, of course, her family and her friends. But my main message is to them, it is just a terrible shock. It was a terrible shock to us all that it was like when we lost our dear friend Don Randall many years ago here in the West, almost in very similar circumstances, and died of a heart attack while he was in his car. And for many of us, it brought back those memories as well. So I do understand how so many in the Labor Party would be feeling at the moment. But these are the stories that have come forward. They have come forward from the Labor Party and the union movement. And clearly, they need to be addressed. And I'll leave that to the leader of the Labor Party to address.
JOURNALIST: [Inaudible] has warned against a cash flush in the upcoming budget to avoid furthering inflation. Is that something you're considering and will it be a more reserved budget outlook?
PRIME MINISTER: I think we have to be very careful about those issues and that's why we have to take responsible decisions and always have. The reason we've kept our Triple-A credit rating in Australia is because ratings agencies have understood what we were doing in our budgets, that they understood that we'd been targeted. And this is one of the key principles that we articulated at the start of the pandemic. We said we would be targeted in the supports that we provided, that they would have a start date and they'd have a stop date. That there'd be a pathway in and there'd be a pathway out. And we were very clear about that. And the Labor Party, they opposed us on that. They said they supported JobKeeper, but then they attacked us when we turned it off. And if it had been left to the Labor Party, they would have spent $81 billion more during the pandemic on these measures. Now, to give you an understanding of the scale of that, that is almost three times what we spend on Medicare every single year, and this is the risk that Labor presents. They know how to start spending, but I don't know how to stop because they aren't able to accept that responsibility for financial management. People know Labor can't manage money. We've seen it every time. And in this pandemic, our government has both done what we've needed to do to support the economy, so it had its strength to rebuild after the pandemic. But now that process is well underway that we continue to must be targeted in the things that we do, so we don't add to those inflationary pressures. And the headline inflation in Australia was running around at 3.5 per cent, about 2.6 per cent on underlying inflation. The average under my government, by the way, is around 2.1 per cent. Now what we're seeing overseas inflation over five per cent in the United Kingdom and approaching eight per cent in the United States. And so managing inflation is incredibly important, and that means a lot of this election because inflation rising means higher interest rates and high interest rates for the millions of Australians for whom that is a major part of their of their weekly budget.
And so as we go into this election, there are many, many pressures and who's best able to manage inflation? Who is best able to manage the pressures on rising interest rates? Who's best able to manage the budget and ensure that we get our economic supports right? And particularly here in the West is who's going to support the resources jobs? Who's going to support the mining jobs and stand up for the mining industry here in Australia, like the Liberals and the Nationals here across the country? Because that's what we've always done. Thanks very much everyone.
Supercharging critical minerals manufacturing
16 March 2022
Prime Minister, Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction
Australia’s critical minerals sector and the job-creating industries that rely on it are being supercharged under the Morrison Government’s $1.3 billion Modern Manufacturing Initiative.
The Government has today announced over $243 million in support for four projects under the Collaboration Stream of the Modern Manufacturing Initiative, which will create over 3,400 jobs over time and cement Australia’s place in the rapidly growing critical minerals, electric vehicle and battery markets.
This includes:
$119.6 million for Pure Battery Technologies’ $399 million Western Australian pCAM Hub, in partnership with Poseidon Nickel, will build an integrated nickel manganese cobalt battery material refinery hub in the Kalgoorlie region. The site will become home to a growing workforce with 380 construction jobs and 175 initial permanent jobs from 2023.
$49 million for a $367 million project led by Australian Vanadium, to process high-grade vanadium from its Meekatharra mine in WA and transported to its Tenindewa plant powered by clean hydrogen from partner ATCO Australia. This highly sought-after critical mineral will then be transformed into energy-storing batteries to fuel the growing domestic and overseas market, with more than 740 jobs to be supported.
$30 million for Arafura Resources’ flagship Nolans Project near Aileron, in Central Australia, the first of its kind rare earth separation plant in Australia and only the second outside China. The $90.8 million project, located in the Northern Territory, will leverage Australia’s mineral processing expertise to develop rare earth separation technology not currently available here now, creating 650 jobs at the peak of construction and new high-value export opportunities.
$45 million for Alpha HPA’s $330 million project with Orica to construct a high purity alumina production facility near Gladstone that will help meet the rapidly expanding demand for lithium-ion batteries and LED lights, with more than 300 jobs to be created from this year.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the projects were key to securing manufacturing in Australia and the thousands of jobs that come with those industries.
“Projects like these make for a stronger economy and a stronger future for Australia,” the Prime Minister said.
“These projects are about manufacturing the products and materials Australians need and the world needs, by making them right here at home.
“We’re helping grow the local critical minerals processing and clean energy industries and locking in the future of those industries by backing manufacturing projects in Australia.
“The $1.3 billion Modern Manufacturing Initiative is a key part of my Government’s plan for a stronger economy and a stronger future for our country.”
Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said these projects would help us capture even more parts of the global supply chain, while at the same time helping us power our lives here at home.
“The things we use every day like our smartphones, computers and rechargeable batteries need to be made with critical minerals. They are also needed to make solar panels, electric cars, defence technology and many other high-tech applications,” Minister Taylor said.
“Australia is lucky to have some of the largest reserves of the critical minerals and metals which drive the modern global economy. But China currently dominates around 70 to 80 per cent of global critical minerals production and continues to consolidate its hold over these supply chains. This initiative is designed to address that dominance.
“These projects are not only game-changers for the local region with the creation of new jobs, they will also open up incredible export opportunities.”
Australia is a global leader in resources technology and can build greater capacity in critical minerals processing by leveraging our vast natural resources, huge investments in R&D and proximity to the growing global market.
Under our Modern Manufacturing Strategy, Australia’s regional manufacturers are playing an important role in seizing this opportunity.
Investment To Unlock Potential Of Australia's Critical Minerals Sector
16 March 2022
Prime Minister, Minister for Resources and Water
As part of our plan for a stronger future, the Coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to support the growth of Australia’s critical minerals sector, announcing a package of measures to help unlock the industry’s significant potential.
The measures, which are part of the 2022-23 Budget, include a $200 million Accelerator grants program, $50 million to support research and development and an updated industry strategy.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Australia’s resources companies were leading the world in developing new critical minerals markets.
“The world is becoming a more uncertain place and we want to secure Australia as a reliable partner for local and global businesses that need the critical minerals we have right here,” the Prime Minister said.
“We’ll dig them up right here. We’ll refine them right here. We’ll look to make the products that use them right here.
“These suite of initiatives are about backing our home grown resources industry just like Liberals and Nationals always have.
“As the global economy changes, there are exciting new growth opportunities emerging in areas such as rare earths and critical minerals that ultimately mean we can deliver a stronger economy for Australia and secure a stronger future.
“Critical minerals are used in more and more essential products. That means there are huge opportunities to backing the Australian critical minerals with programs like these, to be a partner whose products are high quality and consistent. A partner people can trust to deliver.”
Minister for Resources and Water Keith Pitt said the Accelerator initiative will provide grants to strategically significant critical minerals projects at the early to mid-stage to fast-track them to market.
“By backing these important projects, we are also driving private sector investment to enhance Australia’s strong international reputation as a reliable supplier of the resources the world needs,” Minister Pitt said.
Minister Pitt said the 2022 Critical Minerals Strategy, launched today, sets out to grow our critical minerals sector, expand downstream processing and help meet future global demand.
“The Strategy will cement Australia’s position as a leading producer of critical minerals, while contributing to our national security and economic prosperity,” Minister Pitt said.
“Developing and diversifying our resources sector strengthens our national economy, delivering jobs and growth opportunities, especially in regional Australia.
“While the Greens openly talk about partnering with Labor to destroy Australia’s resources sector, the Government strongly supports the industry and today’s announcement builds on our strong record of delivery.
“A strong economy means a strong future for Australia, and resources are a significant contributor to that.
“Our resources and energy exports hit a record high value of $348.9 billion, and are projected to hit $379 billion in 2021-22.
“Australia is blessed with extraordinary reserves of the critical minerals needed by sectors including defence, aerospace, automotive, energy, telecommunications and agritech.
“We produce around half the world’s lithium and we are the second-largest producer of cobalt and the fourth-largest producer of rare earths.
“We have the potential to do so much more and we are taking action to grow Australia into a critical minerals powerhouse.”
Minister Pitt said Australia’s large critical minerals reserves, our technical expertise and track record as a reliable and responsible supplier, enable the sector to respond to increasing global market demand.
“We can also expand into downstream processing and embed Australia in global supply for technology ranging from mobile phones to fighter jets,” Minister Pitt said.
Minister Pitt said the Government has also committed $50 million over three years to establish the virtual National Critical Minerals Research and Development Centre, which will draw together expertise from CSIRO, Geoscience Australia, and the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation.
“This Centre will build Australian capability in critical minerals processing, target technical bottlenecks in strategic supply chains, and drive breakthrough collaborative research,” Minister Pitt said.
“The Centre’s projects will help unlock new sources of economically viable critical minerals, and diversify supply chains of strategic interest to Australia and our allies.”
The 2022 Critical Minerals Strategy is available on the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources website.
Multi-Billion Dollar Large Ship Infrastructure For Henderson, Western Australia
15 March 2022
Prime Minister, Minister for Defence, Minister for Finance, Senator for South Australia, Minister for Defence Industry, Minister for Science and Technology
The Morrison Government will invest up to $4.3 billion to deliver Western Australia’s first large-vessel dry berth, creating a world-class precinct at the Henderson shipyard and supporting thousands of local jobs.
The Henderson dry-dock will enable the construction and sustainment of large naval vessels in Australia and support an even stronger commercial shipbuilding and sustainment market in Western Australia.
Government-owned Australian Naval Infrastructure will oversee the design and build of this nation building infrastructure, with work to start in 2023 and initial operations to commence in 2028.
The Commonwealth will work closely with the Western Australian Government and industry to develop a comprehensive master plan for the defence precinct at Henderson to ensure this investment fully supports our national naval shipbuilding enterprise effectively.
This project is likely to create at least 500 direct construction jobs at its peak and thousands more through local sub-contracts and the national supply chain. Once completed, this infrastructure will help support at least 2,000 direct shipbuilding jobs at Henderson, particularly as continuous naval shipbuilding in Western Australia comes to fruition as part of the national naval shipbuilding enterprise.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that Western Australia was a central pillar to the Government’s commitment to growing sovereign capabilities and turbocharging our national naval shipbuilding.
“This is a $4.3 billion vote of confidence in Western Australia’s shipbuilding capabilities, jobs, training and the critical role that Western Australia plays in defending Australian and powering our national economy,” the Prime Minister said.
“This multi-billion dollar infrastructure investment will transform the Henderson maritime precinct into a world-class shipbuilding powerhouse, and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to naval capability in the West.
“This investment in WA’s future will ensure we can build, as well as sustain larger vessels in Australia, turbocharging our national naval shipbuilding endeavour and creating thousands of job opportunities for West Australians.
“Henderson, HMAS Stirling and Fleet Base West all form a key part of our maritime capability and our nation’s security, particularly given the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean, and will continue to do so for decades to come.”
Minister for Defence Peter Dutton said the project builds on the Government’s previous $1.5 billion commitment to infrastructure improvements at HMAS Stirling and the Henderson maritime precinct.
“The Morrison Government is committed to delivering the sovereign shipbuilding outcomes outlined in the 2020 Force Structure Plan and the 2017 National Naval Shipbuilding Plan, and Western Australia is central to them,” Minister Dutton said.
“This decision will ensure that we can meet the Navy’s future requirements as we undertake the enormous investments in the maritime capabilities we need to keep our nation safe in the decades ahead.”
Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said the investment would generate economic and jobs growth in Western Australia, building sovereign defence industry in the region, with Australian industry requirements being built in from the beginning.
“This is a significant infrastructure project that Australian industry is already supporting through concept work and there will be significant future job opportunities for Australian industry throughout design and construction, and once it’s up and running,” Minister Price said.
“The project will build the capacity and capability of sovereign defence industry in the region, particularly in the advanced manufacturing sector, with Australian Industry Capability requirements in contracting arrangements.
“The infrastructure will also support Defence’s $90 million Regional Maintenance Centre due to be operational in Henderson in the second half of 2022 to enable a level of maintenance to be conducted on all surface fleet units and creating 40 jobs.”
Minister for Finance Simon Birmingham said that utilising Australian Naval Infrastructure for the design and build of this advanced facility would be crucial to maintaining sovereignty in our shipbuilding and sustainment infrastructure.
“Using ANI as our partner in the Henderson dry dock ensures we capture their experience from the Osborne Shipyard and maintain maximum sovereignty and flexibility in design, construction and management of this future facility in the decades to come,” Minister Birmingham said.
Interview with Liam Bartlett, 6PR
15 March 2022
LIAM BARTLETT: Prime Minister, how are you?
PRIME MINISTER: It's great to be here in the West. It's tremendous to be back.
BARTLETT: Finally.
PRIME MINISTER: Yes, that's true. There's a few things too we had to be dealing with over on the east coast after I got out of COVID isolation. But I'm so pleased to be back here over the next few days, and there's a lot to do while we're here.
BARTLETT: Yes, well, floods notwithstanding, obviously, in your part of the world. But the borders …
PRIME MINISTER: True.
BARTLETT: … the borders are down and we're welcoming anybody. You’re proof, indeed.
PRIME MINISTER: Well, I hope there's many more to follow and a lot of international visitors. We've also announced today cruise shipping - 17th of April - that's the start date again when they can start coming back, and that'll be appropriate to each of the states. But so that'll be happening again and and people can be travelling, and this is tremendous. We're getting through COVID. And I know in the West you've done a terrific job protecting Western Australians from COVID, but going through a challenging time now. But I have no doubt WA will push through, just like the other states and territories have.
BARTLETT: Prime Minister, look, I've got to say, you can tell an election’s coming up. I mean, we're being showered in gifts this morning with your announcement, bestowed with riches. It's all happening. Are we going mad with money, aren't we?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, we've been very consistent in our support for Western Australia. I mean, over the last three Budgets, after we were elected at the last election, we've delivered in just in GST alone, an additional $4.9 billion to Western Australia. That was the deal that I put in place, that I championed when I was Treasurer, sealed as Prime Minister. And that alone has delivered an extra $4.9 billion directly to the state Budget here in Western Australia. That was a problem that no one previously was prepared to deal with. But I did, both as Treasurer and Prime Minister, and Western Australia are the beneficiaries of that. It’s almost $5 billion in just three years, and that continues on into the future. WA will continue to get their fair share of the GST and they'll get that forever based on the arrangements I put in place.
BARTLETT: And that's and that's great, and that's good news for us. But, you know, at a grassroots level, let's talk about just the average wage earner at the moment.
PRIME MINISTER: Sure.
BARTLETT: You know that many are feeling the pinch right across the country - I’m not just talking about WA - but the cost of living pressures right now, especially at the bowser. Will you consider consider cutting the fuel excise, Prime Minister?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, the Budget’s in a couple of weeks’ time. But what I can tell you is we're very conscious of what these cost of living impacts are and particularly at the bowser. And as Australians know, that's being caused by what's occurring with the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, and and those at the bowser increases are even worse in many other places, including in New Zealand. But this is why next week, the pension’s going up $20 bucks for a single and $30 bucks for a, for a partner, a couple. And on top of that, you know, if you're earning $90,000 bucks today, you are paying $50 a week less tax than you were under Labor's tax rules when they were last in government. So we’ve delivered tax cuts to people. We’re, we've increased and increasing the pension next week by the highest level it's increased since 2013.
BARTLETT: Yeah. It’s not very much.
PRIME MINISTER: Electricity prices have fallen by eight per cent. Well it’s $20 bucks a fortnight …
BARTLETT: Prime Minister, please, it's 2.1 per cent, which is not even the inflation rate at the moment. So, you know, it's only just keeping up. Not quite.
PRIME MINISTER: Well, but my point is that costs, that costs taxpayers, that increase to the pension, over $2 billion a year, $2 billion a year.
BARTLETT: Ok, I understand, I understand it costs, you know, we can't pull it out of trees. But …
PRIME MINISTER: That's right.
BARTLETT: Do you intend to look at any reform to the pension? And, by that, I was having a chat to Gina Rinehart last week, and she's very keen on this. We've had a lot of, a lot of feedback from our listeners. You know, the ability of pensioners to earn income without being penalised. Is there any reform in that area on your radar?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, we made some changes to the pension oh about five years ago when it came to how the various income tests worked, and, look, we will always look to see how we can ensure that people can do better than they are now. But all of this has to be done at the same time as ensuring that you're doing the right thing to ensure that you can keep affording all the many essential services that Australians rely on. We've got record funding into hospitals, into schools, and, as you know, the the funding we've had to put in to support people through COVID has been without precedent. I mean, in Western Australia alone, the COVID support has been $14 billion in direct economic support, and there's $455 million we put into Western Australia just on their health, hospital and health system. And, so, you know, the demands on the Budget over the last couple of years have been significant. And, as a result, you know, that's why we're doing everything we can to support people with lower taxes and increasing the pension. We've got electricity prices down by eight per cent in the last two years. And, so, you know, our inflation rate’s running at, running at 2.1 per cent a year. In the United States, it's running at almost eight per cent. In the UK, it's running at almost six per cent. And so the strong economic management we've had is cushioning the blow. There's still a blow, of course …
BARTLETT: There is a blow.
PRIME MINISTER: …when you’ve had increases in cost of living.
BARTLETT: There is a blow.
PRIME MINISTER: I don't deny that. But what I am saying is Australia has managed these effects and these impacts far better than anywhere else. And that means that when it comes to interest rates and the pressures on interest rates, under our economic management management, that pressure is less than it otherwise would be and we're seeing in other parts of the world.
BARTLETT: You mentioned New Zealand, Prime Minister, and where we're talking about fuel excise, New Zealand's reduced its excise for three months. Why wouldn't we do the same right now?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, a - their fuel prices are far higher than they are in Australia for a start. And, you know, excessively more. And but, as I said, the Budget’s …
BARTLETT: But you, you can do that.
PRIME MINISTER: Liam, the Budget’s at the end of this month, and we're looking at a whole range of issues.
BARTLETT: But you don't have to wait for the Budget, Prime Minister. You could do that tomorrow.
PRIME MINISTER: Well, you can't actually, you have to do it in Parliament. You can't just change the excise. Parliament has to sit and Parliament has to pass laws to give effect to that. So, no, you can't just change the excise like that. The Budget’s …
BARTLETT: You could call Parliament back if you wanted to.
PRIME MINISTER: The Budget, the Parliament is sitting in in a couple of weeks’ time and the Budget will be handed down then, and that's when we'll be addressing a whole range of issues, as we always do every year.
BARTLETT: Can you confirm, Prime Minister, that the excise on draught beer is set to be removed?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, I don't know why this has been reported. I've done three Budgets as the Treasurer and I've done three Budgets as a Prime Minister, and before every single one of these people put a whole bunch of things up the flagpole and people say this is happening and that’s happening. And, well, on Budget night, that will become very clear. So it's my habit not to respond to that sort of speculation. The Budget’s at the end of the month and all of that will be made very clear one way or the other. But just because someone writes in the newspaper or say they believe it's true, doesn't mean it is.
BARTLETT: No, that's that’s that is true. So are you saying those reports are wrong?
PRIME MINISTER: I'm just saying there’s speculation before every Budget, and I'm not going to go down the path of ruling everything and everything out with every flag that people want to put up before the Budget. I haven't been going around saying that's what we're going to be doing. I haven't been hinting at anything like that. Other people are talking about that. That's for them to justify their speculation.
BARTLETT: Yes. Well, I'm asking you the question because you know it's been talked about a lot, and it does seem …
PRIME MINISTER: Yeah, but not by me.
BARTLETT: No. But in these times, it seems a bit ridiculous, doesn't it, that you could potentially you could do it for beer, you could take the excise off for beer, but not for petrol, for example.
PRIME MINISTER: Well, that's a very good point. So I don't know and I don't understand the speculation.
BARTLETT: It's at times like this that you need flexibility in the Budget, don't you, Prime Minister, to help people with the cost of living. I mean, if your Treasurer had handled JobKeeper better and made those companies that took billions when they didn't need it, pay it back, you'd have a lot more to play with now, wouldn't you?
PRIME MINISTER: Look, I'm sorry about that I don't accept that premise at all, Liam. JobKeeper saved the Australian economy. It kept people in work and actually kept people alive.
BARTLETT: Well, you don't, you don't think there’s figures to back up the fact that a lot of companies didn't need it?
PRIME MINISTER: No, but understand what JobKeeper was - when JobKeeper was put in place, it was put in place with the certainty for all the businesses that were eligible that it would be in place for that duration of time. You don't get to go and change the rules halfway through, because people make decisions about investment, about keeping people in jobs, keeping their businesses going forward. Now this is one of the classic things the Labor Party does…
BARTLETT: Well, it's not the Labor Party, Prime Minister. It’s not the Labor Party.
PRIME MINISTER: The Labor Party were the ones who raised it, Liam, and the Labor Party said, oh, we support JobKeeper. And then after we'd done it, they said they wanted to extend it when we finished, and then they said we spent too much money on it. So you can't have it both ways. JobKeeper saved the Australian economy. It saved 700,000 jobs and it saved lives. So if the Labor Party want to have a crack at JobKeeper, well, they can. But they say they support it and they say they oppose it. They have an each way bet on everything. JobKeeper helped this country achieve one of the highest rates of growth in the advanced world. It helped us ensure that businesses could remain intact and bounce back. And then we had the Commonwealth Disaster Payments that we followed up with when those states who were going through further lockdowns were able to push through those times as well. So, you know, I know the Labor Party wants to bag JobKeeper. We think JobKeeper saved the country, and I think we're right.
BARTLETT: Look, I'm not talking about Labor Party at all. I'm having the opportunity to ask you a few questions, so I'm not basing it on anything the ALP has said. I'm basing it on pure financials and the financial records. Well, the ones we can see that are ASX listed because, of course, there was no public register. So we can't see the ones that effectively hid the payments. But we know there are a lot of people that didn't need it and there were billions wasted, Prime Minister, and those billions, those billions would be very helpful now.
PRIME MINISTER: No, I don't, I don't accept that Liam. I don’t. Liam I don’t accept that, because what you're saying is the rules should have changed halfway through the crisis. Now, if people get a tax cut, we don't change that halfway through the year, do we?
BARTLETT: Well, you could have tightened, you could have tightened the rules along the way, Prime Minister. Your Treasurer could have, but he chose not to.
PRIME MINISTER: No, we gave a clear commitment to give people certainty, to keep people in jobs, to keep investing in their businesses, to keep their apprentices in place to ensure that the Australian economy could get through. Now you don't go and pull the rug from the economy in the middle of a pandemic. That's what Labor Party wanted to do. We didn't think that was the right idea, so I don't agree with your suggestion.
BARTLETT: But what do you say for all those companies that made profits, that posted profits over and above the money they got in JobKeeper? How can you say that's not wasted?
PRIME MINISTER: What I'm saying is they were able to invest that in their companies. They were able to keep their companies going. They were able to keep all their employees in place …
BARTLETT: Oh lovely, the taxpayer, taxpayer-funded welfare. Lovely. That’s lovely.
PRIME MINISTER: Liam, I, look, I don't agree with you. You think JobKeeper didn't save the economy. I think it did. And I think there are businesses all across this country who know that to be true. And when you make a commitment to say you're going to give support during a period of unprecedented crisis, well you stick to your word. You don't change your, you don't change it half the way through. We stuck to our word and we gave the commitment and we got the Australian economy through.
BARTLETT: Alright. Prime Minister, the latest Newspoll, what do you think of those figures? It has you marked as the least trusted Prime Minister in more than a decade. How do you fix that?
PRIME MINISTER: Oh the polls, you know, they'll say what they'll say, but Australians are the ones who get to make the choice. And, you know, at this election there is a choice, and there's a choice between myself and my Government, that have managed the economy in a way that’s kept people in jobs at record levels. I mean, we've got unemployment down to 4.3 [sic 4.2] per cent and it's heading to less than, with a three in front of it. We've got youth unemployment down to nine per cent. We've got women's unemployment down to one of the lowest levels we’ve ever seen. We've got people in jobs. Businesses are investing, and our economy is one of the strongest performing advanced economies in the world. We know how to run a strong economy. And when you've got a strong economy, you've got a stronger future.
Now, the Labor Party, people know they don't know how to manage money, and they know that they haven't been able to manage a strong economy. And so it's a choice. And how people vote at this election will determine the economy they live in for the next 10 years, just like it did three years ago. Three years ago, we said we're going to keep the economy strong, and we did so, despite pandemic, despite cyclones, floods, bushfires, even mice plagues, and our economy is even stronger today than it was than before the pandemic. Our AAA credit rating is intact, one of only nine countries in the world to have done that, and particularly through the pandemic. So we've demonstrated our ability to manage a strong economy, and that means Australians can have confidence under our economic management that they can have a stronger future, because that's what pays for the pension. That's what pays for the defence needs that the country has. It’s what pays for the National Disability Insurance Scheme. If you can't run a strong economy, then you can't guarantee the essentials Australians rely on.
BARTLETT: What about, particularly in Western Australia, Prime Minister, because I know you've said in the past, and you're quite right, that it's not a vote against you and Mark McGowan. It's a vote against you and Anthony Albanese.
PRIME MINISTER: True.
BARTLETT: But it appears in this latest Newspoll voters consider you less caring and more arrogant than Albanese. I mean, how does that work? Do you think the ALP leader's makeover is doing the trick?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, I had a bit of a giggle at my own expense last night about that. But at the same time, you know, I'm not pretending to be anyone else. You know, I'm not pretending to be Bob Hawke or John Howard or Kevin Rudd or Mark McGowan or anyone else. You know, I'm still wearing the same glasses I was a couple of years’ ago, and still wearing the same suits, because that's not what makes a Prime Minister. What makes a Prime Minister is being able to manage the economy and keep Australians safe. These are the things Australians rely on in a Prime Minister. And no makeover is going to make up or change the policy positions that Anthony Albanese has had for 20 to 30 years.
I mean, even on border protection, on border protection he said he could never implement a turn back policy on border protection because he couldn't ask people to do something that he wouldn't do himself. Now, that's what he said when that was happening. As Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, I implemented that policy and put an end to the border chaos that happened under the Labor Party when they were last in power. So when it comes to it, I've done the Budgets, I’ve run the fiscal policies. I've worked in the National Security Committee for about eight years. I’ve spent the time in the Budget Committees working through some of the most difficult challenges we've had. And at the end of the day, it's your ability to do those things that keeps Australians safe and keeps our economy strong.
BARTLETT: I remember those days very well. I remember when you were Minister for Immigration …
PRIME MINISTER: Yeah.
BARTLETT: … in fact, doing an interview with you on the, on the, on the footpath outside Villawood Detention Centre. That's how long ago that was.
PRIME MINISTER: I remember that, too. Yeah, that was, I think, when the, when the riots were happening.
BARTLETT: Exactly, exactly.
PRIME MINISTER: Yeah.
BARTLETT: But do you think this is going to get very personal, this election campaign? Because, it's real, I mean, I know there's always that presidential sort of style about it, and it's become more and more over the years. But this is really shaping up as a very personal sort of fight, isn’t it, between you and Albo.
PRIME MINISTER: Well, look, the Labor Party have been sledging me for the last three and a half years. They have a crack at me because they don’t like how I spend my time in my spare time. They have a crack at me for spending time with my family. They have a crack at me for when I turn up at a football game. They’ve been doing this for three and a half years and I'm quite used to them having these personal sledges against me. I’m big enough and ugly enough to take that on the chin and move on. I don't have a, you know, I'm not precious about those sort of things. But the election shouldn't be about that. The election should be about what I've been talking about. And that is, how do we keep our economy strong and how do we keep Australians safe.
I mean, we are living in a very, very unique time, and that is characterised by the pressures that are there in our global economy. We've got war again in Europe. We've got pressures in the Indo-Pacific here with China, in the Indo-Pacific region, and this is a time when experience counts. This is a time when people have demonstrated the ability to keep the economy strong, fund our Defence Forces. I mean, when Labor were in power, defence spending in Australia was 1.57 per cent, 1.57 per cent of the size of our economy. Today, under us, it's 2.1 per cent. If we'd left it where Labor had it when they were last in power, there would have been $55 billion less spent on defence over the last eight years, and $10 billion less in this year alone. So that's why I don’t buy this idea that Labor and the Greens are the same as the Liberals and Nationals when it comes to defence. Their record tells another story. They can say whatever they like, but that doesn't mean that's what they'll do.
I joked last night, I could say I can surf as well as Kelly Slater. I can say it, but I can't do it. And it's the same when it comes to Labor on the economy and national security.
BARTLETT: Prime Minister, I know you've got to take off, but just a final question on national security …
PRIME MINISTER: Sure.
BARTLETT: And I know it's not relating directly to our defence, but the situation in Ukraine. Is there anything else we can do of substance, in a material sense, or is there anything else we're contemplating that we can do?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, there is, and I can't go into the details of that for security reasons, but I've spoken to President Zelensky. I've been speaking to other European leaders constantly over the course of this crisis, and we're continuing to extend our sanctions to more and more individuals, which is done in concert with all the other countries. That is having a big impact on Russia's economy, and that's very important. But also, when it comes to defence support, we've already, as you know, put $25 million, sorry $50 million - I was thinking of the humanitarian component - $50 million US into supporting them with armaments in their defence. Now we're working closely with our other partners as to whether there is more we can do there. And certainly if we can and that will be useful, then we're very prepared to do that.
We've been processing visas of Ukrainians, of, particularly of family members here in Australia, and there would be over 2,000 now. Last check it was around 1,700 that we’d already processed. And those Ukrainians will be coming to Australia and getting residency here, for many of them, or some of them are coming on temporary skilled visas, which means they can have safe haven here during the course of this conflict. But most of them will want to return home. That's what the European leaders are telling me, and hopeful that they will be able to do that.
BARTLETT: Yes, ok. Prime Minister, thanks very much. Have a, have a good trip to Western Australia. I hope it's successful for you. And look, thanks for fronting up and taking the questions - the good and the bad. You always do that. I respect it. Good on you.
PRIME MINISTER: Thanks a lot, Liam. Good to talk to you. Great to be here in the West.
BARTLETT: You too.
Working Together To Strengthen Regional Security Preparedness At Blackrock Camp
14 March 2022
Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama today announced the official opening of the redeveloped Blackrock Peacekeeping and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Camp in Nadi, Fiji.
Prime Minister Morrison said Australia was proud to call Fiji our partner, our friend and our family, and that Blackrock stood as testament to the strength of the bilateral relationship.
“The collaboration between the women and men of our armed forces and our officials in redeveloping Blackrock Camp has demonstrated the character of our broader relationship, and the values of family, mutual respect and mateship that underpin it,” Prime Minister Morrison said.
“This state-of-the-art facility will enhance Fiji’s peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief capacity, and ensure intent is matched with resources to meet the common challenges and security of our shared region.
“It has become the norm for Fiji and Australia to back each other – and our broader Pacific family – at times of crisis. Blackrock Camp will now serve as a training and regional response hub for both disaster response and peacekeeping missions.”
Prime Minister Bainimarama thanked the Australian Government for its commitment to the project, and to deepening the relationship between the Republic of Fiji Military Forces and the Australian Defence Force.
“The Blackrock Training Camp is a testament to the peace-loving spirit of Fijians and the security and prosperity that Fiji and Australia strive for across the Pacific and throughout the world. This world-class training centre will ensure that Fijian peacekeepers are trained and equipped to uphold Fiji’s 47-year legacy of defending the defenseless in the world’s conflict-ridden regions,” Prime Minister Bainimarama said.
“Blackrock will also serve as the regional launching pad for joint deployments that put Fijian and Australian troops at the front line of the climate war raging throughout the Pacific. Our campaign to respond to the super-storms, floods, rising seas, bush fires, and other climate-driven disasters will not be won by guns, ammo, and artillery, but by seawalls, resilient infrastructure, and cutting-edge technology –– we look forward to continually building our joint capacity to respond to these new threats together.”
Australia’s investment in Blackrock Camp provides a strong foundation and model for other security infrastructure collaborations in Fiji.
Australia and Fiji are currently working together to upgrade the Republic of Fiji Navy’s Stanley Brown Wharf, which will house Fiji’s two Guardian-class Patrol Boats, and construction will shortly begin on a Maritime Essential Services Centre to be built in Suva.
These joint projects inject significant funds into the local economy and create jobs across Fiji.
Fiji and Australia are committed to working shoulder to shoulder with our Pacific family to advance our shared goals for a secure, stable, and resilient region.
The Republic of Fiji Military Forces and Australian Defence Forces are currently co-deployed on operations in Solomon Islands and Tonga and as a part of Operation Flood Assist in Australia.
Prime Minister Morrison participated virtually in the opening ceremony. He was represented in person by Minister for International Development and the Pacific Senator Zed Seselja, as well as Vice Chief of the Australian Defence Force, Vice Admiral David Johnston, and Secretary for Defence, Greg Moriarty.
Imagery is available at: https://images.defence.gov.au/S20220471
Australia and the Netherlands Initiate MH17 Legal Proceedings
14 March 2022
Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Women, Attorney-General and Minister for Industrial Relations
Australia and the Netherlands today initiated legal proceedings against the Russian Federation in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 in 2014.
We have maintained since May 2018 that the Russian Federation is responsible under international law for the downing of Flight MH17.
Today’s joint action by Australia and the Netherlands is a major step forward in both countries’ fight for truth, justice and accountability for this horrific act of violence, which claimed the lives of 298 victims, 38 of whom called Australia home.
Australia and the Netherlands will rely on overwhelming evidence that:
Flight MH17 was shot down by a Russian Buk-TELAR surface-to-air missile system;
the missile system was transported from Russia to an agricultural field in the east of Ukraine on the morning of 17 July 2014 – an area under the control of Russian-backed separatists;
the missile system belonged to the Russian Federation’s 53rd Anti-Aircraft Military Brigade, and was accompanied by a trained Russian military crew;
from the launch site, the Buk-TELAR fired the missile that shot down Flight MH17, killing all 298 people on board;
the missile could only have been fired by the trained Russian crew of the Buk-TELAR, or at least by someone acting under their instruction, direction or control; and
the Buk missile system was returned to the Russian Federation shortly after the downing of Flight MH17.
In October 2020, Russia unilaterally withdrew from negotiations with Australia and the Netherlands regarding the downing of Flight MH17, and refused to return to the negotiating table despite repeated requests by Australia and the Netherlands.
The Russian Federation’s refusal to take responsibility for its role in the downing of Flight MH17 is unacceptable and the Australian Government has always said that it will not exclude any legal options in our pursuit of justice.
Today’s joint action under Article 84 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation is in addition to the Dutch national prosecution of four suspects for their individual criminal responsibility in the downing of Flight MH17.
Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine and the escalation of its aggression underscores the need to continue our enduring efforts to hold Russia to account for its blatant violation of international law and the UN Charter, including threats to Ukraine’s sovereignty and airspace.
While we cannot take away the grief of those whose loved ones died as a result of Russia’s actions, the Australian Government will pursue every available avenue to ensure Russia is held to account so that this horrific act never happens again.
Interview with Chris Uhlmann, Weekend Today
13 March 2022
Chris Uhlmann: Prime Minister, welcome.
Prime Minister: Good morning, Chris.
Uhlmann: Were you too slow to act on the floods in New South Wales and Queensland?
Prime Minister: We moved as quickly as the Defence Forces and the agencies can, and I'll give you a good example. Back in 2011, in the Queensland floods, those terrible Brisbane floods, they moved as quickly and did everything as they possibly could on that occasion. This time around, four times the number of ADF on the ground a week earlier, almost a week earlier. Now that's a statement about the increase in the capability of our Defence Forces. But I understand the frustration, because in a disaster like I have seen up in Lismore, no response is ever going to be able to meet the overwhelming need. And the first response always comes from the community, Chris. It always comes from the community, and then it comes from the SES, and then the ADF comes and and supports that. But on the Monday, after the floods hit on the Sunday night, ADF were winching people off roofs and risking their own lives.
Uhlmann: And yet again, though, we seem to have this division between states and the Commonwealth, even on what a national emergency is and when it should be called, because Queensland doesn't want one called. Why is that? Why are we always seeing this division now?
Prime Minister: Well, I don't know if I'd quite put it that way. What I'd say is this: states obviously respond to emergencies. They run the SES, they run the police, they run the hospitals, they run all of those immediate responses. But whether it was the Queensland floods up in North Queensland some years ago, and I remember when I was up there in the middle of those floods, you know, the Queensland, North Queensland Cowboys were out in boats rescuing people. The whole community was out rescuing. That is what happens in relation to every natural disaster. The the SES or the Defence Forces, they don't replace that community response. They add to it, they support it, and they bring in the heavy equipment. But as I said, on the very day as the floods hit, ADF were winching people off roofs.
Uhlmann: And again, some of the SES were saying to people, don't get in those boats, don't get on those jet skis, don't go out there. Thousands of people might have died if that was the case. Are we in a situation now where there's been government overreach - governments are telling people they can do too much for them?
Prime Minister: I I have a lot of sympathy with that view, and I think we've seen that now. This idea, and I got a question like that when I was up there in northern New South Wales - why did people have to go and rescue their neighbours? Of course we need people to go and rescue their neighbours. We we need the community response. That is the first response because the community is always going to be the first ones there. To deploy nationally positioned Forces around the country and mobilise them with the equipment and the heavy equipment and the supplying and the provisioning - that, you can't just turn that off and on. You're never going to have an ADF base sitting around the corner in every single town. And let's not forget, this flood in the Northern Rivers and Lismore was a one in 500 year flood. And I was talking to a dairy farmer who had got his cattle to the place of safety in the milking shed, which was built above the highest ever flood they'd ever seen. And he lost all of his, pretty much all of his cattle. So this was quite an extraordinary event. And the bravery and response of the community - his son Matt rescued his dad, then went into town on his jet ski and rescued 40 people that night.
Uhlmann: But it won't be a one in 500 year event, will it? It might be a one in 10 year event. You've said now that Australia is becoming a harder place to live in. That's because of climate change, isn't it?
Prime Minister: Yes, it is.
Uhlmann: And the Coalition's been a long time coming to that conclusion, hasn't it?
Prime Minister: We've always, I think, been very clear on the issues of resilience, and when it comes to adaptation, and this is one of the big challenges. I mean, I gave this, I said this a couple of years ago. I said, we need to get emissions down, and we've got it down by more than 20 per cent. Canada can't say that. New Zealand can't say that. United States can't say that. Japan can't say that, but we can. But dealing with climate change isn't just about getting emissions down. It's about resilience and adaptation. Now let's talk about bushfires in that context. You want to deal with resilience on bushfires, you have to do fuel load management. You want to deal with floods, you've got to build dams. Now it hasn't been the Coalition that has been against reducing fuel loads and building dams in this country.
Uhlmann: But you might also need to build levees and you might also need to tell people that if you're living on a floodplain, there is nothing a government can do for you when it floods, particularly when it's one like this, or or you're building up against the bush. We have to look at building levees, don't we, and have to look at how and where we build?
Prime Minister: Well, you take a, you take a place like Grafton, which, you know, built levees many years ago - they still get floods. But when I spoke to the Mayor of Ballina when I was up there, those areas of Ballina that were actually built under the new planning guidelines, which are a bit higher, a bit more expensive, they they got through. Other parts of of Ballina didn't, did not, which were built in the older areas. And the Planning Minister in New South Wales Anthony Roberts has made this point about having that broader response that deals with planning issues. But when I spoke to the Mayor of Lismore, he was elected on a platform of getting the head water management and the levees and all of those flood mitigation works in place that had been resisted up there in Lismore for a very long time. He was elected on a platform to get this done and I've committed to him that we will spend over $100 million backing in a resilience plan that he was elected to get done. And I'm sure the New South Wales Government will join me fully.
Uhlmann: Prime Minister, it's been an extraordinary couple of years. You go back and look at the bushfires, then COVID-19 and then the floods. There are some who would say of you, across all of those sorts of things, there's been a familiar pattern, which is a lack of foresight, acting too slowly when the crisis comes and then blame shifting afterwards. Do you accept any of that as criticism of the way that you you behaved? Do you reflect on on those those things and think, I shouldn't have behaved that way, or I did something wrong?
Prime Minister: I don't accept Labor's narrative on that. And there's a, you know, a chorus of commentary which seeks to support that. And that's often the same chorus that didn't like how the last election went. But what I do accept is that in every single one of these cases you you learn many things. Now was Australia quick to move on JobKeeper? You know, $80 billion that effectively saved the Australian economy during the pandemic. Yes, of course we were. Was Australia one of the first movers to close the borders when it came on the pandemic, in particular to China? We were criticised for closing the borders for China and told we were being racist. Was Australia slow to move in calling out the origins of the virus? No, we weren't. Was Australia quick to move when it came to realigning our defence positioning and our our force structure and the alliances and partnerships we have with other countries, particularly the United States and the United Kingdom? These this web of protection we've built over the last two and a half years, to wake, basically, the western world up to the challenges we face? No, I don't think we have.
Uhlmann: Yeah, but you look, you're looking at the successes. But but the Labor Party has made this campaign about your character and about trust, and that does seem to have some resonance with the community. Why should people trust you with another three years in government, having looked at your record?
Prime Minister: Well, I'm not pretending to be someone else. I'm not pretending to ride on someone else's coat-tails. Australians know me and they know that I'm pretty resilient. But more importantly, the key answer to that question is because Australians need a strong economy, because Australians need to see those jobs, because Australia needs a government that knows how to stand up to the threats that we face. And that's what I've demonstrated. That's what my Government has demonstrated, and the plan we have to keep doing that means we will get even more Australians in jobs. I mean, through this pandemic we have one of the strongest economies in the world. December quarter figures show that our economy has outpaced all the G7 nations. Our our immunisation rate, 95 per cent, one of the highest in the world, and we've got more people in jobs after the pandemic than we had before the pandemic. So when you look at, when you look at the big things: Are more people in work? Are Australians safer? Have we built a more resilient country? Have we got one of the highest levels of pandemic preparedness in the world, rated number two? And if if they want to take my word for it, they can take Bill Gates' word for it.
Uhlmann: Let's look to some of the small things that really matter to people - the cost of petrol.
Prime Minister: Sure.
Uhlmann: The cost of housing. What can you possibly do about that - petrol $2.20 a litre now, $200 a tank - what can you do?
Prime Minister: Well, it is, it's roughly exactly what you're saying, I checked that again this morning. But I think Australians know that what's happening with petrol prices at the moment is being caused by what's happening with the war in Europe. I think Australians understand those issues. And so we're working with other countries around the world at the moment in terms of releasing fuel reserves to try and alleviate the pressure on fuel prices. The other thing we've done, particularly on energy prices, I mean, there is a a 75 per cent gap between the international price of gas and what we're paying here in Australia because of the gas mechanism we put in place, which kept, and that is the reason why, Chris, that electricity prices have fallen under, since I've been Prime Minister in particular.
Uhlmann: On petrol though, on petrol, you do have one lever. That's excise - 44 cents every litre. That's a Government excise. Can you cut that?
Prime Minister: The Budget is coming up at the end of this month, but I think Australians understand ...
Uhlmann: So is that a yes or a no? Can you cut it? Have you been thinking about cutting it?
Prime Minister: No, the answer is the Budget's at the end of this month. But my point is that excise, where it has sat, is not going to change what the fluctuations are in price, that is going to mean many times over any change you made in excise. I mean, we've seen it going from, you know, $1.70s to $2.20. That's that's that's gone above the total excise you even pay on fuel per litre. So what is driving fuel prices are things well beyond the shores of Australia, but you ask about housing. Since we were elected last at the last election, we have got more than 300,000 Australians into their home. They've bought it, they've bought it. Now, and that is at a time when housing prices have been increasing. And what we did was, is we alleviated the burden on the saving for the deposit. The biggest challenge Australians face in owning their first home or buying any home is saving for that deposit, and we cut that from 20 per cent down to five per cent. Now I've spoken to people we've got into homes. They've told me it's saved them eight years, eight years. So the things we can do, we do, and the things we can't do anything about, well, we understand them and work with other countries around the world to try and relieve those pressures.
Uhlmann: Speaking of the world that we're in at the moment, it's a fairly unsettling place, and China is clearly part of the, part of your concern, a real part of your concern. Do you have any red lines? Would you stop China from building building a military base, either in the Coral Sea or the South Pacific? Would you actually stop that from happening?
Prime Minister: Our Pacific Step-up, which has been another hallmark of what our Government has been doing, has been about working with our Pacific partners to ensure we can keep the our our region ...
Uhlmann: Do you have red lines in the Pacific? If they, if they said they were going to build a military base in Fiji, in Tonga, would you stop them?
Prime Minister: Well, they've they've been very clear about those aspirations ...
Uhlmann: And you'd stop them?
Prime Minister: But they haven't, have they? They haven't. They haven't. And one of the reasons that Australia is respected so well by our partners, whether it's the Americans or the Japanese or or the United States or sorry, the United Kingdom, or India or other countries, is because we work so hard on the relationships. Let me tell you about Fiji. In Fiji, we ensures that they, we got them vaccinated, at the biggest moment of their need. And Prime Minister Bainimarama accepted that support, and when help was offered from other places, he was able to say, no, we're good. The Australians have looked after us. That's how you achieve the goal. You work closely with our Pacific family, and I refer to them as family. I talk to Pacific leaders every single week and that is what ensures that we can block the incursion into our region, because we share values with the Pacific.
Uhlmann: Prime Minister, finally and briefly, 30 seconds, you're going up for election again. Why should the Australian people trust you again with another three years in government?
Prime Minister: Because we've delivered the jobs, we've got the economic plan, which means a strong economy, which means a stronger future for Australians. If you don't have a strong economy, you can't guarantee the essentials Australians rely on. You can't keep Australians safe, and you can't keep Australians going forward in what will be a very difficult period over the next three to five to 10 years. We've delivered on jobs, we've delivered on security, and that's what Australia needs.
Uhlmann: Prime Minister, thank you.
Prime Minister: Thank you.
$13.7 Million To Support Our Defence Kids
12 March 2022
Prime Minister, Minister for Veteran's Affairs, Minister for Defence Personnel
More children of Australian veterans and Defence personnel will receive additional support thanks to a new $13.7 million investment in the successful Kookaburra Kids ‘Defence Kids’ mental health program.
This new investment comes as Kookaburra Kids celebrates its 20th year of providing services. It builds on our Government's investment of $2.1 million for a pilot of the Defence Kids program in 2016 and $7.7 million to expand the program in 2018.
The additional funding will see the program expanded to more regional areas: Wagga Wagga, Albury/Wodonga, the Mornington Peninsula, Bendigo, Ballarat, and Geelong.
For the first time, services will also be available for children in north and south Tasmania.
The Prime Minister said the Defence Kids program was making a massive difference to the lives of children of Defence families, and the funding would ensure it could reach even more kids and families.
“Being a kid can be tough enough, and there can be added challenges for kids from Defence and veteran families,” the Prime Minister said.
“Often, our Defence kids have to move away from friends, they change schools and they deal with a parent being away for extended periods of time or who may be facing mental health challenges.
“The Kookaburra Kids Defence Kids program helps kids to manage these challenges, and brings them together with others facing similar experiences.
“We want to give our Defence kids as much support as possible, and give our veterans and Defence members the confidence that their families are well looked after. The extension of this program will ensure just that.
“I also congratulate Kookaburra Kids on their 20th anniversary. From their start in the Shire, to now reaching out across the nation to help thousands more kids, it’s truly great work.”
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Andrew Gee said the additional funding would grow the program across the regions and provide access to even more kids.
“The Kookaburra Kids program has already had more than 4,300 engagements with children in the Defence and veteran community, and this significant additional investment will see more children reap the benefits,” Minister Gee said.
“Kids aged 8-18 years old can get involved by attending camps and activity days where they develop coping skills and resilience, building up their mental health while understanding their unique experience.
“The program delivers tailored, evidence-based, age-appropriate education, prevention and early intervention mental health services.
“Prevention is key in supporting our Defence kids and providing them with the help they need to thrive. I’m extremely supportive of anything that supports our Defence families.”
The funding will also see face-to-face services continue in all mainland capital cities as well as the regional centres of Townsville, the Hunter, Wollongong, Shoalhaven and the NSW South Coast.
To find out more about the Kookaburra Kids ‘Defence Kids’ program visit: https://kookaburrakids.org.au/our-programs/defence-kids-activities/
National Cabinet Statement
11 March 2022
National Cabinet met today to discuss Australia’s response to COVID-19 and the Omicron variant, the ongoing safe reopening of Australia, resumption of cruising in Australia, approaches to test, trace isolate and quarantine and the vaccine rollout and booster program.
Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly provided an update on the spread of the Omicron variant. Overall case numbers continue to decline in Australia and the Omicron case variant continues to be the predominant variant in Australia and globally. Omicron continues to show greater infectivity than the Delta variant, but with much less severity in terms of hospitalisations, ICU and ventilated patients.
Since the beginning of the pandemic there have been 3,136,920 confirmed cases in Australia and, sadly, 5,549 people have died.
Globally there have been over 452.7 million cases and, sadly, over 6 million deaths, with 1,949,622 new cases and 7,240 deaths reported in the last 24 hours. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to surge in many countries around the world.
Lieutenant General John Frewen, DSC, AM, Coordinator General of the National COVID Vaccine Taskforce (Operation COVID Shield) provided a detailed briefing on the next phase in Australia’s vaccination rollout.
Australia’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout continues to expand. To date, 54.9 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in Australia, including over 12 million booster doses.
More than 94.7 per cent of Australians aged 16 years and over have now received a second dose, including more than 99 per cent of over 50 year olds.
Over 51 per cent of 5-11 year olds have received a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine in the first two months of their vaccination program. Second dose vaccinations for 5-11 year olds commenced earlier this week.
National Cabinet noted that Australia has largely transitioned to Phase D of the National Plan, with states and territories and the Commonwealth considering removing the remaining restrictions in the coming months, subject to continued public health advice.
National Cabinet will meet again in June 2022.
COVID-19 and Influenza Winter Preparedness and Response
National Cabinet agreed to a nationally consistent approach to manage both the COVID-19 pandemic and the likely co-circulation of influenza during winter 2022, to minimise health impacts while supporting the economy, with following key principles:
a) focus public health policy on prevention of severe disease and targeting the most high risk cohorts for testing and treatments for both diseases;
b) maximise COVID-19 and influenza vaccination coverage;
c) ensure existing testing capacity is maintained, with agreed approaches to prioritise PCR testing for those at risk of severe disease, those in a household with someone at-risk, or those who would likely benefit from treatment;
d) transition to no longer requiring quarantining of all close contacts as soon as possible, with AHPPC to provide urgent advice as soon as possible to inform this transition, appropriate to each jurisdiction;
e) transition to not routinely undertaking PCR testing in otherwise healthy people with mild respiratory illness, and promote voluntary self-isolation while symptomatic for this group, following endorsement by AHPPC;
f) transition to PCR testing for multiple respiratory pathogens simultaneously (multiplex PCR);
g) ensure health, economic and social measures are in place to address the impacts of a possible new COVID-19 wave, including workforce shortages, supply chain issues, and pressures on specific sectors and individuals;
h) states and territories should continue to support fever clinics and other community-based testing arrangements where demand requires it, noting these testing centres should also offer multiplex PCR testing;
i) consistent messaging and communication strategies for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 and influenza across all jurisdictions and population cohorts, with a key area for the communication strategy emphasising the importance of receiving the influenza vaccine and being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 this year; and
j) reinforce business and individual responsibility for prevention, preparedness and response efforts.
National Cabinet further agreed that states and territories consider mandating influenza vaccination for aged care workers at residential aged care facilities.
National Cabinet noted that the Commonwealth is investing $2.1 billion to support and protect Australians against COVID-19 and influenza this winter and agreed to extend the COVID-19 National Partnership Agreement to 30 September 2022.
Resumption of Cruising
National Cabinet noted positive progress by the eastern states and the cruise industry to develop appropriate health protocols and common guidelines to support a safe return to cruising in their jurisdictions over the coming months.
COVID-19 Rapid Test Concessional Access Program
National Cabinet agreed to extend the COVID-19 Rapid Test Concessional Access Program to 31 July 2022, which will provide an additional 10 free RATs per eligible concession card holder over the additional three month period. The program will continue under the existing policy parameters, with costs to be shared on a 50:50 basis between the Commonwealth Government and each state and territory government.
Eligible Commonwealth concession card holders include those with a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card; Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold, White or Orange Card; Health Care Card or Low Income Health Card.
Joint National Japanese Encephalitis Virus Response Plan
National Cabinet noted the update on the Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV) situation in Australia, from Australia’s Chief Veterinary Officer and Chief Medical Officer.
National Cabinet noted the development of the Joint National Japanese Encephalitis Virus Response Plan, which will be finalised and endorsed by the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) and Chief Veterinary Officers in each jurisdiction.
Consistent with this plan, National Cabinet agreed that each jurisdiction will undertake:
to coordinate a One Health response that will inform the coordination mechanisms nationally;
enhanced surveillance on mosquitoes, animals (including wildlife) and humans, consistent with what will be outlined in the national response plan to JEV and supporting surveillance plans;
comprehensive data sharing on a national, state and territory level to enable the development of a clear picture of the risk of the disease;
to commit to sharing lessons learned and strategies implemented for prevention, control, and response measures undertaken; and
to use consistent cross-government messaging and communication strategies to ensure the public has clear, factual and timely information, appropriate to the public health and animal health risk posed by JEV.
To support these initiatives the Commonwealth Government will provide approximately $70 million in funding for initiatives aimed at preventing exposure to the disease through vaccination and mosquito management systems, to protect people and animals most at risk during the current outbreak, and targeted communication for at-risk areas.
The Chief Veterinary Officer also briefed National Cabinet on the outbreak of Lumpy Skin Disease in Indonesia. Lumpy Skin Disease affects cattle and water buffalo.
National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement
National Cabinet noted that the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement (National Agreement) has come into effect, following signing by the Commonwealth, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australian, Tasmanian and Northern Territory Treasurers.
The National Agreement addresses key recommendations from the Productivity Commission’s Inquiry into Mental Health and the National Suicide Prevention Adviser’s Final Advice. It will: clarify roles and responsibilities; progress improvements in the mental health services available to adults, children and youth; establish collaborative approaches to monitoring and evaluation to ensure our services are providing people the help they need; reduce gaps in the system of care; expand and enhance the workforce, including the peer workforce; and work to improve mental health and suicide prevention for all Australians, across a range of settings.
The South Australian and New South Wales Governments have signed bilateral agreements with the Australian Government that will provide significant funding to implement initiatives under the National Agreement in their states. The Australian Government is continuing to work with all states on these important reforms.
New Joint Funding Program To Support Flood Victims With Accomodation And Grants
10 March 2022
Prime Minister, Premier of New South Wales, Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience, Deputy Premier of New South Wales, Minister for Regional NSW, Minister for police, New South Wales Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience
An additional $551.7 million will be provided to support flood affected communities across New South Wales as part of the next round of Commonwealth and New South Wales Government funding.
This funding builds on the initial $434.7 million in joint funding announced last week, to provide support for families, communities and businesses to recover from the devastating floods, totaling almost $1 billion in support across New South Wales.
This additional funding will provide support to small businesses, primary producers, councils, households, and families hard hit by the devastating floods.
The new funding provides $285.2 million for the new Temporary Housing Support package, which will support those on the Northern Rivers who cannot live in their homes while they’re being repaired or have lost their home entirely. It’s estimated that this could assist up to 25,000 households, and includes;
Immediate hotel accommodation, to provide accommodation for four nights, with flexibility to increase while people make interim arrangements.
Grants towards initial rental costs, from $6,000 for an individual up to $18,000 for a six person household
Utilising Mobile Motor Homes and Recreation Camps for medium term accommodation
Extending the Temporary Dwelling Program, which allows people to stay on their land in a caravan or demountable, for example.
There are also supports for 45 Local Government Areas to help with the removal of flood and storm related damage, debris and green waste.
Grants of up to $75,000 for primary producers and up to $50,000 for small businesses and not for profit organisations devastated by flooding will also be extended to the additional 28 disaster declared LGAs, delivered by the Rural Assistance Authority and Service NSW.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said this support package would help families, communities and businesses as they continue their recovery.
“We will continue to stand side by side with those affected by these devastating floods, from the initial emergency response, to the clean-up and as they look to the future,” the Prime Minister said.
“Supporting the immediate housing needs is a further critical area of support. There are many more steps ahead of us to restore these devastated communities that experienced the equivalent of an inland tsunami.
“This next phase of funding is in addition to the Commonwealth’s Disaster Relief Payment of $1,000 and the 13-week income replacement for employees and small businesses, which has so far provided $310 million in support to more than 268,000 recipients.”
Premier Dominic Perrottet said it was vital the thousands of people who had been displaced were able to get started with their recovery.
“This support package will help those impacted by the floods to get back on their feet as quickly as possible,” Premier Perrottet said.
“Rebuilding won’t be a quick process and that is why we are using a flexible approach to provide people with the help they need now and into the future so communities can rebuild their homes and businesses as quickly as possible.”
Since 22 February, 45 LGAs have been declared as disaster areas and are eligible for support through Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience Bridget McKenzie said this was the next phase of support offered by the Commonwealth and New South Wales Governments.
“Working together we are able to respond to the needs of the community as recovery starts, and I am continuing to work with my state counterparts to get the right support delivered to our communities,” Minister McKenzie said.
NSW Deputy Premier Paul Toole said all available resources will be allocated to help communities that were already reeling from consecutive disasters.
“This flooding emergency has impacted thousands of people but we are working around the clock to make sure support is available for everyone who needs it,” Deputy Premier Toole said.
“We know the recovery will be long but we have the backs of the regional communities and we will be with them every step of the way in the weeks, months and years ahead.”
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said there were now numerous support options being delivered, including the locally-based Recovery Centres.
“As flood waters recede, we are setting up these one-stop shops for our flood-affected communities to register for clean-up services, financial assistance, insurance and legal support, business support and mental health services,” Minister Cooke said.
“The Recovery Centres will stay open for as long as necessary as will the Customer Care specialists which are available on 13 77 88.”
The new package includes;
$285 million Temporary Housing Support package
$75,000 primary producers and the $50,000 small business and not-for-profit grants extended to all disaster declared LGAs
$1 million grants to additional 28 impacted councils to assist with their immediate social, built, economic and environmental needs.
$90 million to assist with the clean-up and removal of flood and storm related damage, debris and green waste for the additional 28 disaster declared LGAs
Defence workforce to grow above 100,000
10 March 2022
Prime Minister, Minister for Defence
The size and capability of the Australian Defence Force will be significantly increased by the Morrison Government to keep Australians safe in an increasingly uncertain global environment.
Under the plan, the number of ADF personnel will increase by around 30 per cent by 2040, taking the total permanent ADF to almost 80,000 personnel.
Overall, Defence’s total permanent workforce will increase to over 101,000 by 2040 – an increase of 18,500 over baseline growth already agreed in the 2020 Force Structure Plan.
The estimated cost of this expansion is at least $38 billion over the period to 2040, which is a significant investment in ensuring our ADF has the right people and skills to keep our nation safe.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said there was never a more important time to invest in increasing the size of the Australian Defence Force.
“The first priority of my Government is keep Australians safe and to do that we need a bigger ADF with more soldiers, sailors and airmen and women to operate the cutting-edge capabilities we’re getting to protect Australia,” the Prime Minister said.
“Our world is becoming increasingly uncertain so it’s important we take steps now to protect our people and our national interest over the coming decades.
“You can’t flick a switch to increase your army, navy and air force overnight, growing the type of people and skills we need to face the threats of the future takes time, so we must start now so critical skills can be taught and experience gained.
“ADF personnel will be increased in every state and territory with a particular focus on capabilities associated with our trilateral security partnership between Australia, United Kingdom and United States (AUKUS), as well as air, sea, land, space and cyber.”
Labor’s defence spending as a share of GDP dropped to 1.56 per cent in the 2012-13 Budget - the lowest level of funding since 1938. In their last three years in Government, Labor cut Defence spending by 10.5 per cent in real terms. Our Government has increased investment in defence to more than two per cent of GDP.
Minister for Defence, the Hon Peter Dutton MP, said under the 2020 Force Structure Plan workforce growth was critical to deliver and operate the capabilities Defence needs to secure Australia’s strategic environment, protect Australia’s interests, and build a credible military force.
“Defence operates with a highly integrated workforce spanning the Australian Defence Force, civilians and industry providers, with each bringing specialised skills and expertise,” Minister Dutton said.
“This growth in workforce and expertise will enable us to deliver our nuclear powered submarines, ships, aircraft and advanced weapons. It will mean we can build warfighting capabilities in the domains of space, and information and cyber.
“It will also build the resilience we need in critical areas and enable our people to increase intelligence, information and communications capacity.
“Defence industry will also be fundamental to supporting Defence’s capability delivery and workforce growth to deliver current and enhanced technologies, systems and equipment.”
The Government remains committed to developing a strong, sustainable and secure Australian defence industry and supports leading edge national innovation. Through initiatives such as the Defence Industry Skilling and STEM Strategy, Defence continues to help industry equip itself with the skilled workforce it requires to support the Australian Defence Force.
The expanded defence workforce will span all states and territories, cities and regional areas with a majority of the growth expected to occur in QLD, NSW, SA and WA.
Senator Kimberley Kitching
10 March 2022
The death of Senator Kimberley Kitching, at just 52, is a deep and terrible shock.
Senator Kitching was a serious parliamentarian who had a deep interest in Australia’s national security.
She had a passion about Australia’s national interest and argued for it.
She demonstrated that her passion for her country was always greater than any partisan view. She clearly loved her country and it genuinely showed.
I came to greatly respect the way Senator Kitching approached the issues.
Senator Kitching was a practicing Catholic and we witnessed her authentic faith in the life of the Parliament. She followed her conscience and was fearless and I admired that.
She was respected by those on both sides of the Parliament - she was a parliamentarian in the truest sense. Senator Kitching was deeply respected by the Coalition.
To Senator Kitching’s family I extend the sympathies of the Government.
More support for NSW and Queensland flood zones
9 March 2022
Prime Minister, Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience, Minister for Government Services, Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme
More support is on the way for families, farms and businesses affected by the catastrophic flooding disaster in northern NSW and Queensland as part of an additional package of support from the Morrison Government.
As communities continue the recovery and clean-up effort led by Resilience NSW and regional recovery coordinator, Deputy Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon, as well as by the Queensland Government and Major General Jake Ellwood, this further support from the Morrison Government will ensure people get money in their pockets to help get them through.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said his government was focused right now on the pressing needs of communities in NSW and Queensland.
“I intend to recommend to the Governor-General to make a National Emergency Declaration covering this severe weather and flooding event across New South Wales and Queensland to ensure all our emergency powers are available and that we cut through any red tape we might face in delivering services and support on the ground,” the Prime Minister said.
“I have made this decision today, in consultation with the Premiers, after further briefings from government agencies about the situation in northern NSW and seeing the catastrophe firsthand. We introduced the power to make a National Emergency Declaration after the Black Summer bushfires and it will ensure our Ministers and agencies don’t face any unnecessary bureaucracy as they roll out what communities need.
“The feedback we’ve had from communities, state governments and my own ministers who have visited the impacted areas has helped us identify where the gaps are right now, and how we can get support out the door quickly to where it’s needed.”
The National Recovery and Resilience Agency and Emergency Management Australia have assessed the flood extent area, the proportion of the populations affected, the latest residential impact assessments and the proportion of population seeking assistance for Disaster Recovery Payments to declare the Richmond Valley, Lismore and Clarence Valley LGAs are the highest impacted areas and in need of additional support.
The Prime Minister said those three LGAs were facing catastrophic conditions.
“The sheer scale and impact to these areas in northern NSW highlights the need for extra support right now,” the Prime Minister said.
“While people in northern NSW aren’t able to work, are still clearing out their homes and businesses, the extra two lots of $1,000 payments we’re rolling out to eligible families and individuals will give them some certainty as they start to rebuild their lives.
“We can’t underestimate the long term mental health toll so many communities will be facing. As well as the new mental health supports we’re announcing, my government will closely monitor the situation to understand what else people need as they recover from these disasters.
“Resilience NSW and Deputy Commissioner Lanyon and the Queensland Government and Major General Ellwood will work alongside the Federal National Recovery and Resilience Agency (NRRA) to identify the priorities for the longer-term recovery under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
“We’ll work closely with the NSW and Queensland Governments to deliver further funding. It’s crises like this that the Emergency Response Fund was established to help support and it will help as part of the initiatives we deliver so communities across NSW and Queensland get back on their feet.”
This next phase of support includes:
An additional two weekly disaster payments for the catastrophe zones in the Lismore, Richmond Valley and Clarence Valley LGAs, automatically paid for those who have already claimed and received the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment, at the current rate of $1,000 per adult and $400 per child. These payments will be made from 15 and 22 March. The NRRA will also undertake assessment of possible additional LGAs that also meet the catastrophic impact assessment
Support for Norco in northern NSW on a bespoke business support package, in partnership with the NSW Government, to help restore operations of this key business and employer
$10 million to support the mental health of school-aged children in the Northern Rivers region affected by the recent flood event under the ‘Resilient Kids’ program
$800,000 to extend the Regional Small Business Support Program to include small businesses impacted by the recent flood event in NSW and QLD for two RFCS regions, with a six month extension until 31 December 2022, as well as free and independent case managed financial counselling through the Rural Financial Counselling Service
$5.4 million to boost existing legal assistance services operating within affected communities
$25 million for emergency relief, food relief and financial counselling services
Approximately $6.9 million in support payments of $10,000 to assist early childhood education and care (ECEC) services affected by the floods where they have been closed for more than seven days. More severely impacted services will also be able to apply for Community Child Care Fund Special Circumstances grants
$7 million to expand the Commonwealth’s business recovery and resilience service, Strengthening Business, into at least 30 of the most flood affected regions of northern New South Wales (NSW) and south-eastern Queensland
$31.2 million to deliver immediate and longer term local mental health support services for individuals, families, and communities impacted by the disaster and to support communities to recover and build resilience across the flood affected communities
$4.7 million to ensure the immediate continuity of primary health care services for flood-impacted Australians
Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience Bridget McKenzie said the Government was also looking at how to support primary producers particularly in northern NSW.
“As people turn their minds to the future, we want them to know they’ve got options and we’ll be there to help them,” Minister McKenzie said.
“That’s why we’re working with NSW and Queensland to identify the priorities for the longer-term recovery under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.”
Minister for Government Services Linda Reynolds said the additional $1,000 disaster payments would take immediate pressure off many families and allow them to focus on recovering from this major disaster event.
“The catastrophic scale and impact of what we’re seeing in this region of northern NSW is exactly why this extra support is needed,” Minister Reynolds said.
“The additional two $1,000 payments will automatically kick in for AGDRP recipients in the Lismore, Clarence Valley and Richmond Valley local government areas so there is no need for people to re-apply.
“Eligible adults in these three LGAs will receive a total payment of $3000 each, plus a total of $1,200 for each child. I’d encourage anyone who has not yet applied for the disaster payment to do so as soon as possible.”
The Federal Government has paid $238.9 million in disaster payments to 205,700 individuals impacted in NSW, since the payments opened on 1 March, including $16.5 million to 14,342 individuals in northern NSW. The Government has also paid $146.3 million in disaster payments to 125,200 individuals impacted in Queensland, since the payments opened on 28 February.
The Morrison Government has so far deployed more than 4,370 Australian Defence Force personnel to the flood zones, including 2,650 to northern NSW, and this support is expected to increase over coming days, with total deployments expected to reach 6,000 across NSW and Queensland by the end of the week.
The ADF are also deploying additional tractors, front end loaders, bob cats, dump and lift trucks into the region, and have been inserted into communities including Evans Head, Coraki, Woodburn and Broadwater by helicopter, and have been on the ground in Wilson’s Creek, Main Arm and Repentance Creek.
The latest round of support is in addition to the $434.7 million package announced last week by the Morrison and Perrottet Governments, including:
Demand driven - $75,000 grants to assist primary producers that have suffered direct damage from the recent severe weather and flooding. NSW Government estimate this to initially be $111.5 million.
Demand driven - $50,000 grants to assist small business and not-for-profit organisations that have suffered direct damage from the event. NSW Government estimate this to initially be $89.7 million.
$210 million to assist affected communities with the clean-up and removal of flood and storm related damage, debris and green waste. This will enable LGAs to work with Resilience NSW and NSW Government agencies to coordinate clean-up activities in their communities.
$1 million grants to impacted councils to assist with their immediate social, built, economic and environmental needs. This list may continue to grow.
$6.5 million to provide Community Recovery Officers to support communities impacted by this event.
The Morrison and Palaszczuk Governments announced an initial $558.5 million jointly funded support package for flood affected Queensland communities in need, which included:
Demand driven grants - $75,000 for farmers and primary producers
Demand drive grants - $50,000 for affected small businesses and not-for-profit organisations
Demand driven grants - $20,000 for sporting and community clubs and associations
Nineteen affected councils will also be helped through a $1 million injection each to assist with urgent clean-up works.
People in NSW requiring assistance are urged to contact Service NSW on 13 77 88 or online at: www.service.nsw.gov.au/floods.
For more information on grants for primary producers, small businesses and non-profit organisations, phone the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority on 1800 623 946 or visit http://www.qrida.qld.gov.au.