REBECCA WHITE, LABOR CANDIDATE FOR LYONS: Thank you for being here with us in Brighton today. I'd like to thank the Mayor, Leigh Gray, for joining us, Finance Minister Katy Gallagher, and, of course, the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, who's a great friend of Tasmania, he's regularly here in our state. He understands our community very well, and he's a great Prime Minister for all Australians, and that's why this announcement, I think, is so important for our community. It is a demonstration of a good Labor Government investing in building more houses, under a Leader who understands how important that is. The story of our Prime Minister is probably familiar to many of you, but I'd just like to touch on it, because I think it helps to explain why this investment is happening under a Labor Government at a time where we know so many people need access to more affordable housing. Our Prime Minister is a man who grew up in public housing, raised by his single mum, and knows as well as anybody how important it is to have a safe place to call home. This investment today unlocks the potential for hundreds more families and children to be able to find a place to call home. And this is an investment that could have been made under the Liberal State Government, but they've ignored it. And this is a project the Labor Party here in Tasmania has been talking about for a number of years now, along with the Brighton Council, arguing that if we make the investment to unlock the potential by investing in the infrastructure, we can build more houses. What we've seen in Tasmania is a challenge where the first mover in building construction projects like this is disadvantaged because they have to wear all that cost up front. And it does mean that these houses, 600 of them, haven't started. This is a problem that only the Labor Government's taken seriously, and this investment today is incredibly exciting. It opens up the opportunity for 600 more houses to be built at a time when we know whether you're renting or waiting for public housing on a waiting list in Tasmania that is far too long, or you're hoping to get a key to put in the lock to open the door to your first home, that this is finally going to happen. And I thank the Prime Minister for this announcement today.
ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Well, thanks so much, Rebecca, and it's great to be with you once again here in the beautiful South Island of Australia, Tasmania. I am a regular visitor here, and have been so for a long period of time, and it's great today to visit with the Finance Minister Katy Gallagher, and also the Mayor Leigh Gray and members of his team here in this great local community. This is a part of our agenda of building Australia's future. We have a $32 billion plan to build additional housing supply, and we know that part of what we need to do is to unlock the infrastructure that is necessary, so that those builds can occur. Whether it be social housing, whether it be Build to Rent, or whether it be increases in home ownership. This $10 million will unlock the development that is needed to build 600 new homes here in this Brighton industrial precinct. Providing for those essential services that are the key to homes being built here. It is just part of our program that's rolling out right around the country. This is round two of this housing infrastructure program. I note that Peter Dutton went to WA and made an announcement about housing that he talked up about the need for infrastructure so housing could be built. Well, this is already underway, and this is round two as a result. Once again, having been part of a Government that didn't even have a Federal Housing Minister for a long period of time, Peter Dutton, playing catch up. Well, we're investing real dollars in real infrastructure to build real homes to help families here in Tasmania. In addition to this announcement here, in the Upper Derwent Valley precinct, some half a million dollars has been allocated as well to improve connectivity in multiple townships as well. That will fund the development of precinct plans, concept designs, business plans and feasibility studies for a range of communities, including Plenty, Hayes, Bushy Park, Glenora, Westerway and Mount Field. In addition to building housing infrastructure, of course, we're building other infrastructure that people need. Most importantly, the announcement that we've made about the National Broadband Network. Labor started the NBN. I was proud to be the Communications Minister prior to the 2013 election, rolling out fibre right around the country. What we know is that the Coalition came in, thought that the NBN was just about downloading videos, stopped rolling out fibre and said they'd replace that with copper. 20th Century technology for the 21st Century, and we know that they've purchased enough copper wire to go around the world, not once, but twice, to produce an inferior product at a cost, not of $29 billion as they said it would cost, but $58 billion of taxpayers’ money. Well, Labor started the NBN, and will complete the NBN. Making sure that the NBN, which is so important, not just for downloading videos, but important for essential services, for the provision of telehealth, for students to be able to learn online, for small businesses located here in this community of Brighton, to be able to compete and take their products to the world just as easily as businesses in Collins Street, Melbourne, or George Street, Sydney. That's why the NBN is an essential service. Now, the upgrades that we've put in will provide for an additional 7,000 homes to be connected with fibre to the premises. That includes over 1,300 in Dodges Ferry, more than 1,000 in Primrose Sands and 700 in Carlton, but right throughout Tasmania, benefiting from this really important injection to make sure that we finish the NBN. We'll hear from the mayor, and then we're happy to take some questions.
LEIGH GRAY, BRIGHTON COUNCIL MAYOR: Thank you. Firstly, I'd like to thank the Federal Government for the granting of this $10 million to Brighton Council. It's a fantastic opportunity for us, it's something that we've worked very, very hard on over the last five years. In conjunction with TasWater, we put in a fantastic grant application, which has been successful. And that's what I want to talk about today, is the collaboration between not just the Federal Government, but Federal Government, local government, and TasWater utility to get this up and going. We will see 600 new houses in this particular area all due to this investment. As Rebecca said in her opening address, it's very hard. It's always the first mover that pays. In this situation, what we're doing is assisting those people to build houses, and that's the important thing. Thank you.
JOURNALIST: For people that don't know, how prepared is this area for more housing development?
MAYOR GRAY: We are ready to go. So, TasWater are ready to put in pump stations and the sewerage network throughout this particular area. We've already master planned this area as well, and we've already re-zoned the area as well to residential. So it is a shovel ready project that the Federal Government has given this grant to us to undertake.
JOURNALIST: How many years has this been in the works? Is it something you've been calling for, for a while?
MAYOR GRAY: It's about five to seven years since the implementation. We were approached by a group of landowners in the area just over to my right, they were interested in re-zoning from rural residential land to residential land. And this, in itself, is probably a first for Tasmania to have a brownfield development go to residential. So, it has been that long. It's been five to seven years in the planning. A grant application, which was very, very well prepared by our staff, in conjunction with TasWater staff, has brought this to fruition. So it's a great day for Brighton.
JOURNALIST: How much will this project cost overall?
MAYOR GRAY: About $13.8 million in all.
JOURNALIST: And when it’s up and running, what is it going to mean for the community to have that housing there and help reinvigorate?
MAYOR GRAY: Brighton is still growing. We're a population of just over 20,000 now. To have 600 more houses is just to add to that. But as you can see around Brighton, we've got a brand new high school, which will open in about a month's time to cater for 600 plus individuals. We've got a brand new IGA supermarket in Brighton that only opened last month, the largest in in Tasmania. We have now got a Banjos Bakery. We have a Subway. We have a KFC over our shoulder here. Everything is working. This 600 houses will bring along other development as well. We have 110 lot subdivision up Elderslie Road, just up the hill, which is a state government initiative in Tasmania. So that is happening, and that's been approved, and a permit has been issued. We have this highway services precinct now where we're standing today. We're already talking to developers in regards to what they're going to put here as well. So, we will see more commercial development. And probably the one thing that's very, very important to remember is that we're going to have a Child Care Center that is planned for this particular development here as well. So, to cater for those 600 houses, you know, mums and dads are going to be able to send their kids to childcare and go off to work.
JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, Jillian Segal has called today for mandatory prison sentences for attacks on synagogues. Is that something you would support?
PRIME MINISTER: Look, I think that we have a separation of powers in Australia between politics and the judiciary. I think that's an important principle, but I certainly support people who make these antisemitic attacks facing the full force of the law. They are state laws, but I certainly support strong action. We talked yesterday with the New South Wales Acting Premier and the Victorian Premier about just that, together with, of course, the Police Commissioner of the AFP, Reece Kershaw, who is presiding over Operation Avalite.
JOURNALIST: How realistically could this housing development be completed, and could the outcome of the federal election completely ruin the project?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, the funding is available right now, and this is round two of a program that has been put forward. So it isn't an election promise. It's something that's funded. But of course, incoming Coalition Governments have cut before, and Peter Dutton, on Sunday, in his speech, spoke about “economic surgery.” Well, that means cutting wages growth off at the knees. That means taking surgery and taking drastic action to provide a prescription, which is to cut cost of living support. That means cuts to Medicare, and it means cuts across the board. They've opposed the Housing Australia Future Fund for increases in public housing. They've opposed the Build to Rent scheme to provide support for increased private rentals, and they've opposed the Help to Buy scheme that is about increasing home ownership. So whether it's homeowners, renters or people in social housing, they've received no support from a Coalition. We think this is an important program. This has been through proper assessments, and we think this is a cracker of a project.
JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, every time you're in Tasmania, you're asked about the GST exemption, and every time you say it won't, it wouldn't be receiving one. So why did it receive a GST exemption, The Macquarie Point Stadium?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, it is, it is receiving one. There were representations made, we accepted those representations, and it's a good project to go ahead.
JOURNALIST: So, why the change, though? And why were you so firm to begin with?
PRIME MINISTER: It's a good project. What we do is we make announcements at the time, and we don't pre-empt those announcements. From time to time, state governments will put forward different propositions around the GST. The way the formula actually works is that, because it's the whole pool of Commonwealth infrastructure funding for state and territory governments, it evens out through that process.
JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, why won't you agree to a National Cabinet on antisemitism?
PRIME MINISTER: I've had a meeting –
JOURNALIST: I know you’ve had a meeting, you’ve talked about it –
PRIME MINISTER: Hang on, hang on –
JOURNALIST: Can you address the National Cabinet idea, though? You have referred to the meeting you've had, could you address the National Cabinet idea?
PRIME MINISTER: Okay, when you finished I’ll –
JOURNALIST: Right now would be great.
PRIME MINISTER: No, no, when you’ve –
JOURNALIST: No, that’s, that’s it.
PRIME MINISTER: Get it all out? Good. I've had a meeting with the Victorian Premier and the New South Wales Acting Premier yesterday. What we want, and what people want to see, isn't more meetings. They want action. We've established Operation Avalite. We've had a meeting to coordinate in the two states where there have been major incidents to make sure that there’s increased coordination. When National Cabinet meets, we meet about the full range of issues, particularly about cost of living, about health, about education, about housing, with State Premiers and Chief Ministers.
JOURNALIST: Is it your expectation the entire $240 million is poured into the precinct or just the stadium? Because the State Government's maintaining it will go just into the stadium.
PRIME MINISTER: No, well, it's about an urban policy redevelopment. That's what our funding’s for.
JOURNALIST: With more housing, we’ll need more services, GPs, etc. We've just had our Richmond one announce that it's closing down. I guess, what's the importance of having, you know, healthcare in regional areas, when we have more houses and people out here?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, we support Medicare and strengthening Medicare. One of the things we've done here in Tasmania, of course, is opening Urgent Care Clinics, which means that people can come and can get the health care they need when they need it, and can do it for free. All they need is their Medicare card, and that's been a huge success. In addition to that, we've worked cooperatively with the Tasmanian Government about GP services, particularly in regional areas. We've provided additional funding for hospitals. One of my recent visits to Tasmania was about additional funding there in Launceston as well, in a joint announcement that we made with Premier Rockliff and we’ll continue to work to make sure that people can get the health care that they need.
JOURNALIST: You've invited Donald Trump to visit Australia. Did you get any response to that yet? And how will you try and make that happen? Obviously he's a busy, busy man, everyone will be asking him.
PRIME MINISTER: Well, we work diplomatically. That's how we work. The last time the Coalition were in government during Donald Trump's presidency, for four years, President Trump wasn't able to visit Australia during that period, an American president will always be welcome in Australia. In the discussion that I had with him, I made it clear that he would always be welcome here and we spoke very constructively about engagement.
JOURNALIST: Just on GP clinics, the one that's closing in Richmond today has cited the Medicare rebates as one of the main reasons it's closing. Does the government need to do more to make sure that GP services can stay open?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, Medicare rebates were frozen, of course, when Peter Dutton was in charge of the government policy in that area, and we have been trying to restore Medicare to where it should be. That's why we tripled the bulk billing incentive for Medicare. That has resulted in a turnaround. The decline in bulk billing rates is turning around, and that is important, as well as providing that mid-tier of Medicare Urgent Care Clinics.
JOURNALIST: On the stadium, it's expected to run over cost and take potentially longer than the time frames the AFL deal allows, would you consider pouring more money into that project? And do you think the AFL should go easier on Tassie and allow us to renegotiate the deal?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, our funding is capped. Our funding is a clear contribution that we've made. The State Government are, of course, in charge of the project. We've worked cooperatively with Premier Rockliff on this issue. I think it's a great thing that Tasmania will get an AFL team.
JOURNALIST: Have you been made aware of the Dr Gruen report and its findings and recommendations and how it's throwing doubt over the government's ability?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, we are not in charge of the delivery of that service. We have made a contribution, not just to Macquarie Point as an urban redevelopment project, but importantly, as well, to the stadium at, I still think of it as Aurora showing my age, it's been through a few titles there. I think it's UTAS Stadium these days there at Launnie, and we've provided funding for half of the upgrade there as well.
JOURNALIST: So if the government came and said, ‘we need a bit more money to get this project done,’ would you consider that?
PRIME MINISTER: Our funding is capped.
JOURNALIST: Just to clarify a comment you made previously about the National Cabinet idea on antisemitism. You did say National Cabinet considers a range of issues from time to time. Is it one that you would like to see addressed as part of National Cabinet?
PRIME MINISTER: Of course, we can address the full range of issues, but we're addressing it cooperatively. State and territory governments don't just engage with the national government when everyone gets together, every what used to be every six months at COAG. We have National Cabinet, doesn't have the powers of a cabinet in terms of a binding decision. State and territory governments, we’re working cooperatively. Everyone of decency in Australia wants to stamp out antisemitism.
JOURNALIST: Are you concerned about the potential for Elon Musk to meddle in the upcoming election, if you think that could benefit the conservative side.
PRIME MINISTER: Look, I'm just focused on good policies and good outcomes for Australia. I'm focused on delivering cost of living relief in the short term and to deal with the pressures which have been on. I'm focused on putting downward pressure on inflation, whilst we set Australia's future up through building Australia's future. The Coalition, there will be a choice at the election, between Labor's positive plans and their plans for cuts and for things to cost more, their opposition to the cost of living relief that we have provided, as well as the contrast in plans between our plan for building Australia's future, more manufacturing, more jobs, more economic activity, and their plans, of which, the costings for their nuclear reactors showed that they expect 40 per cent less energy use in 2050 under their plans. That means less jobs, less manufacturing, less economic activity.
JOURNALIST: What foreign interference laws could be used to stop election interference?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, there is foreign interference laws in place over things like foreign donations, and there are a range of laws that ensure that our democracy needs to be protected. That's a good thing. It's been introduced in a bipartisan way.
JOURNALIST: Just on, just on salmon farming. Prime Minister, could you clarify whether you are considering some sort of legislation to clarify salmon farming in Macquarie Harbour?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, we consider legislation when we deal with it, but I support the salmon industry. To be very clear, I can't be more explicit than that. And I support taking action to ensure that jobs continue to come from what is an important industry for Australia and for Tasmania in particular. That's why we've funded more than $30 million of improving water quality there at Macquarie Harbour. That's why we're undertaking as well, a trial is going on off of Burnie, not just for salmon, but king fish as well. One of the great things about this state is the pristine agriculture and aquaculture that it produces. Clean, green products that are in demand throughout the world.
JOURNALIST: Rents are slow, which is putting downward pressure on inflation. Do you think that will have any effect on the Reserve Bank's interest rate decision, and should it see them cut?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, the Reserve Bank are independent, and they'll give the same answer that anyone responsible gives anytime those questions are asked. What our job has been, has been how do we how do we put that downward pressure on inflation? Inflation had a six in front of it and was rising when we came to office. It now has a two in front of it and is falling. We have through practical measures like cheaper child care, energy support as well and relief, free TAFE, the tripling of the bulk billing incentive, the free Medicare Urgent Care Clinics as well as tax cuts for every single Australian taxpayer provided that cost of living support when it's needed. As well, of course, real wages are increasing now, so people earning more and getting to keep more of what they earn, that's a conscious decision by the Government. We want improved living standards, and we know as well that people have been under pressure, so any decline in costs is a good thing, and one that we welcome. The decisions around interest rates are matters for the Reserve Bank that they determine independently.
JOURNALIST: By leaving open the option of special legislation on salmon farming in Macquarie Harbour, to what extent are you undermining Tanya Plibersek and her role, which is a statutory role under the EPBC Act?
PRIME MINISTER: Not at all. You ask me hypothetical questions and you get non-confirming answers, funnily enough.
JOURNALIST: But you certainly didn't rule it out. You said that you’d consider that at the time.
PRIME MINISTER: Well, what does that mean? Ask me about any other thing that you would like me to not rule out. You know, we deal with things that are in front of us, and we know that the salmon industry is an important industry.
JOURNALIST: You'd have to admit the industry doesn't have any certainty by the position the Government's taking at the moment?
PRIME MINISTER: No the decision that, because of the Howard Government's environmental legislation, which is there. Now the EPBC Act, when it was put there, it wasn't envisaged that something would have to have a pause that would result from something like agriculture. It was envisaged that it was about stopping a road being developed, stopping an activity like aquaculture is something that's very different, and that is something we want to reform the EPBC Act so it's modernized and so that it's effective.
JOURNALIST: And could that be retrospective, in this case, to clarify the future of salmon farming in Macquarie Harbour?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, I'm not, I'm not going to go through a range of hypotheticals. The Environment Minister has to make a decision. When I'm asked though, do I support the industry? Yes, I do.
JOURNALIST: Is it frustrating though, that the so called salmon boards are likely going to dominate this election campaign if there is not a decision made?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, no, I think that the industry is one which we support. I've made that very clear.
JOURNALIST: So can you give any guarantees of a decision before the election? And if not, why not, given this has gone on for a very long time.
PRIME MINISTER: It's not my decision, something that you're aware of.
JOURNALIST: So do you have no control over your Cabinet Ministers?
PRIME MINISTER: Under the law, what I don't have control over is breaking the law. And it would be, you're asking me to break the law, because the Environment Minister, it is her responsibility, and I won't be doing anything to break the law.
JOURNALIST: Is this going to be a thorn in your side over the next three months?
PRIME MINISTER: Not at all.
JOURNALIST: Particularly in the North West?
PRIME MINISTER: Not at all. I've got to say I've been to Strahan, I’ve been out on the Harbour. I went to local community festival there with the wonderful Anne Urquhart, who I was with this morning. The reception was very, very positive. I've supported that community and supported jobs in Tasmania for my entire political life. I'll continue to do so. Thank you.