Kununurra Spotlight: A Special Address from Australia’s Prime Minister

KAREN WHEATLAND, LABOR CANDIDATE FOR DURACK: It is a privilege to have all of you here today and to stand here with some distinguished guests. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Minister Catherine King, the Member for Solomon Luke Gosling—welcome to all. Also present is my respected friend and State Member for the Kimberley, Divina D’Anna. Additionally, we have Tony Chafer, the Deputy Shire President.

I am Karen Wheatland, and I am honored to be here as the Labor candidate for Durack. I am contending for this seat because Durack forms an integral part of my identity. Growing up in Geraldton, I have explored the whole coastline of Durack, including a period in Broome during the 90s working as a pearl diver in the Kimberley—I’ve spent a considerable amount of time here. I take pride in being part of a team that is committed to regional Australia. Labor governments prioritize people, which is another motivation for my candidacy.

Without further delay, the announcements we make today will significantly benefit regional communities. I am genuinely pleased to participate in this announcement. Thank you. Now, let me introduce Divina.

DIVINA D’ANNA, STATE MEMBER FOR KIMBERLEY: Good morning. It’s fantastic to be here on Miriwoong Country. I welcome my esteemed colleagues, notably Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Minister King. It’s great to see you, old mate Luke Gosling, and my friend and opponent for Durack, Karen Wheatland. Also attending is Tony Chafer, our Deputy Shire President of Wyndham-East Kimberley.

It’s thrilling to be here, showcasing such a strong presence and bringing positive news. We are all eagerly hoping to share fantastic news for this particular region. I know that the Albanese Government greatly values the regions, and arriving all this way to convey this good news reflects significant effort. So, let me express my gratitude even before we hear the forthcoming announcement. It certainly places a lot of expectations to ensure it’s truly excellent news. Thank you all for being here and for giving him a warm welcome.

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Thank you very much, Divina, and to Karen. I want to extend my gratitude to everyone who has joined us this morning, and those who said hello last night at the pub—everyone from the Port, the Chamber of Commerce, local business owners, local educators, and representatives from community organizations were there last night, so I feel as though I’ve met a large part of Kununurra, and it was a fantastic occasion. This is a welcoming town. This marks my fourth visit to Kununurra, but my inaugural one as Prime Minister.

I take immense pride in being here in this stunning region of Western Australia to deliver what is indeed a very significant announcement. I acknowledge the other familiar faces present as well—what we’ll affectionately refer to them as perpetually. Catherine King will elaborate on the specifics of this announcement.

This week, we’ve been traveling throughout Australia discussing the importance of constructing Australia’s future. When we mention building Australia’s future, it encompasses more than just physical structures. It includes Medicare, aged care, child care, education, and ensuring the welfare of individuals, all of which are essential components in shaping Australia’s future. For while this landscape is breathtaking, our greatest asset remains our people, which is why investment in them is necessary.

Today’s announcement of $200 million for housing and community infrastructure within regional Western Australia, alongside modifications to three essential ports here in the West, aims to do precisely that. It concentrates on developing Australia’s future. At the upcoming election this year, Australians will face a choice between a Government dedicated to offering support for individuals during challenging periods—providing cost of living relief while working towards building Australia’s future—and an Opposition that is solely engaged in negativity and regression. Their slogan refers to ‘back’, which says it all. They simply are not delivering and are imposing greater costs on Australians through the unfounded nuclear narrative they have proposed.

The announcements made today will provide support across Western Australia, catering to necessary community infrastructure projects while also paving the way for additional housing construction in line with our Homes for Australia initiative. This initiative envisions and encourages investment in more social housing, increased private rentals, and supports home ownership through our Help to Buy program. This scheme is unequivocally modeled after the successful initiatives that have been operating in Western Australia for numerous decades.

All of these measures, akin to our cost-of-living measures, were opposed by Peter Dutton and the Coalition. In fact, when Peter Dutton made a purported housing announcement, it merely referenced infrastructure to assist in housing construction. A program is already operational. Today, we are announcing the second phase of our initiative, developed not with a political map but focused on aiding Australians.

As a former Infrastructure Minister who has visited Wyndham and who implemented the East Kimberley Economic Development Plan as Regional Development Minister, which has stimulated growth over the past 15 years since its initial adoption in 2009, I affirm that our decision to approve the Port of Wyndham marks the most significant transformation in this region. It will facilitate the direct entry of imports and, importantly, enable a substantial increase in exports. This exemplifies how we can promote economic development in what is, by far, Australia’s largest state, and acknowledge that the focus must extend beyond Perth to the regions, which have the potential to drive economic development, generate jobs, and foster growth that benefits not just Western Australia but the entire nation. The decision to establish first port of entry at Wyndham along with Ashburton and Dampier ports will yield significant benefits.

With these developments, we anticipate the Port of Ashburton will export over 13 million tonnes of iron ore and rare earth concentrates annually by 2030. In this area, with the Ord Scheme and the various developments underway, transforming the Port of Wyndham into a genuine international port will create tremendous opportunities.

I’m genuinely proud of what we are achieving here. It’s about enhancing business, improving productivity, and ensuring that goods do not need to be redirected to Hedland or other southern ports for export. We recognize that Western Australia serves as an economic powerhouse for the Australian economy. We respect and support that, working closely with the Cook Labor Government here in Western Australia. I spoke with the Premier yesterday about this initiative, and he certainly welcomed it. I will meet with him this afternoon to discuss further measures that we are implementing collaboratively to ensure ongoing job creation and economic growth here in Western Australia. I’ll invite Minister King to share some insights, followed by comments from the Shire Deputy President.

CATHERINE KING, MINISTER FOR INFRASTRUCTURE, TRANSPORT, REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT: Thank you very much, Prime Minister. I’ll review some specifics of today’s announcement as well. First, may I begin with the initial port of entry among the three ports we are revealing today. This follows the designation of the initial port of entry for Broome, which is indeed a transformative moment for Broome. The same will apply to Wyndham. This initial port of entry will make it possible to establish border controls there, facilitating both import and export operations, particularly for exporting the remarkable cotton being cultivated in this district, as well as for Ashburton and Dampier. I would like to especially commend Karen for her advocacy in this matter as the Labor candidate for Durack. She is eager to see this area flourish, to witness investments here. This truly reflects the narrative of the Albanese Labor Government. Our governance is aimed at all Australians. The announcements we are making today are fundamentally centered on ensuring that our regions and their inhabitants are granted ample opportunities for excellent jobs, rewarding careers, quality education, dependable child care, and outstanding facilities.

The initiatives we are unveiling today regarding housing and community infrastructure are part of the Housing Support Program, the Growing Regions Program, and the Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program. I take pride in the $1.9 million allocated for the riverbank development here in Kununurra, aimed at fostering greater recreational opportunities. There’s enthusiasm for that. For recreation, it will allow individuals to gather and truly celebrate the strengths of this community. Additionally, we are allocating $19.6 million to the Wyndham Multi-purpose Community Hub, creating a venue for everyone to congregate. It will serve sports and recreation and function as an evacuation center for the community. We are also announcing a funding of $13.2 million for the Wyndham Community Boat Launching Facility. This initiative dates back to 2009 when the Prime Minister initiated this project in Wyndham as part of the Kimberley package, and we are continuing with that substantial investment.

There are additional projects across Western Australia. We chose to focus on these specific initiatives, but there is also a considerable funding package for Carnarvon included in today’s announcement. The housing initiative particularly across the West will support approximately 1,400 new residences throughout the region. Whether it’s in the Wheatbelt, Karratha, or Lockyer, these investments are enabling the construction of the infrastructure necessary to support the development of more homes in our areas. I am immensely proud to be part of a Government that prioritizes investment in Durack, but more importantly, in our regions and the entirety of Western Australia, endorsing what the Cook Labor Government has articulated – we desire to increase the population in the regions of the West. Thank you.

TONY CHAFER, DEPUTY SHIRE PRESIDENT OF WYNDHAM-EAST KIMBERLEY: Thank you, Prime Minister and Minister. On behalf of our community, I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude for the substantial investment you’re committing with all of these announcements, particularly in Wyndham. Wyndham is frequently referred to as struggle town within our community. It possesses a lengthy and proud heritage, yet the current economic situation leaves much to be desired. Nevertheless, it is a town that perseveres. I would specifically like to convey our gratitude for the grant of FPOE status for the Wyndham Port. As you both mentioned, it’s a transformative factor, serving as the gateway to the Ord irrigation area and many of our mining endeavors aimed at Southeast Asia. It significantly fortifies the substantial investments already made by various governments in the Ord irrigation region, exceeding $600 million in the cotton sector. This will facilitate our cotton reaching market. For cotton exportation, we need to import empty containers. Without the FPOE designation, this would not be feasible. Thus, this is indeed a transformative moment. Thank you very much.

PRIME MINISTER: Thank you. I’m ready to field questions.

JOURNALIST: Wyndham has certainly been advocating for this for quite some time. The State Government has sought point of entry status for a couple of years. What has led to it being achieved now?

PRIME MINISTER: A Labor Government. A Labor Government that takes action. One that doesn’t merely issue press releases but actively constructs infrastructure and makes decisions aligned with the national interest. This has undergone an assessment process and was recommended by the Department. I’m well aware of the situation there, having visited Wyndham. As the Minister mentioned, back in 2009, we financed a boat ramp that has positively impacted the community. This is a rational progression. My Government is committed to ensuring that we respond to the rising demand for exports and capitalize on the available opportunities. Cotton is an industry with potential here, but it can only expand with available export capacity. To facilitate that, customs facilities are necessary to ensure a seamless export process that enhances productivity. Infrastructure is fundamentally about that – enhancing productivity. The positive changes we’ve made in regional Western Australia are substantial. On my last visit to regional WA, I was with Karen Wheatland in her hometown of Geraldton. On Christmas Day, the very first export of lobsters left Australia bound for China. As of a few days ago, there had been 565,000 kilograms of live lobster exported to China, comprising more than 760 separate consignments. That’s about job creation. I met with the workers at the co-op in Geraldton, and they were undeniably thrilled. This brings a sense of security. I recognize that Premier Cook has emphasized the necessity for a greater influx of individuals to the regions in WA, and I wholeheartedly support that. We need to alleviate the burden on our capital cities. However, to achieve this, certain steps must be taken. We need to ensure the presence of jobs and economic activities in those areas. Housing availability is also crucial, which is the purpose of this housing infrastructure support. Additionally, community infrastructure is necessary to enhance quality of life. We are making progress in all these aspects.

JOURNALIST: Given all this and the anticipated significant surge in export volumes, how will local economies manage when the current median rent in Kununurra is double that of Perth, and the 500 houses included in this announcement won’t rectify that issue swiftly?

PRIME MINISTER: That’s why it’s essential to increase supply. You cannot remedy a decade of neglect from the Commonwealth in a matter of days or weeks. The Coalition obstructed every piece of our legislation. They blocked the Housing Australia Future Fund alongside the Greens. They stalled the Help to Buy scheme for homeownership. They also hindered the Build to Rent initiative to enhance private rentals. We hold just 25 votes out of 76 in the Senate. Hence, we occasionally rely on the Senate to exercise good judgment. Fortunately, enough members of the crossbench demonstrated good sense in the last week of December. That’s why we are committed, and we assert that housing supply is key. That’s why we have established this housing infrastructure fund. The second round of announcements today will contribute positively as well.

JOURNALIST: Can you clarify the number of houses being constructed in Karratha? So, we have 591 homes in Karratha and $22.1 million, which translates to $37,000 per house, which is less than four percent of the total cost of construction in Karratha. So, how many residences will this actually unlock?

PRIME MINISTER: No, to clarify, this does not entail constructing the homes. This involves unlocking, whether it pertains to social housing or private funding, to facilitate home construction. This is focused on the infrastructure. Therefore, it encompasses aspects such as linking electricity and establishing water supply. In numerous areas, we received feedback, including acknowledgment where it’s warranted; Helen Haines came to meet with Catherine King and me. She advocated vigorously, representing Wodonga, an independent member from a regional community in Victoria. She presented a case of a site that merely required cleanup to transform it into housing, yet there were insufficient funds to execute that. In many respects, this is why this represents a wise investment. For a comparatively limited financial outlay, significant changes can be made to the landscape, and we aspire to witness increased private investment. The government cannot solely handle this. There’s a discussion regarding government spending. We agree on the necessity of mobilizing private capital whenever feasible. That is the core of this initiative. Additionally, it aims to enhance social housing availability. It heavily revolves around identifying the obstacles to constructing more homes. How can we remove those barriers?

JOURNALIST: Regarding the images emerging from Los Angeles due to the fires, I would like to know your thoughts. Are you contemplating offering support, whether financial or physical, from Australia?

PRIME MINISTER: Those images are truly harrowing. I must inform individuals that these may evoke strong memories for many Australians who experienced the 2019 fires in southeastern Australia and also in Western Australia. Many who have faced bushfires, including those still affecting the Grampians in Victoria, may find these images distressing. I encourage anyone in need of support to reach out. It takes strength to acknowledge the need for help. Our American allies know we are always ready to assist them. This coincides with our peak seasonal troubles, coincidentally as they approach their winter. This is not an ordinary occurrence. However, we are increasingly observing a trend toward a new normal characterized by more intense and extreme weather events. It is heartbreaking that there has already been a significant loss of life along the west coast of the United States. All Australians stand in solidarity with them. As Prime Minister, I have communicated with the President of the United States, expressing our support during this challenging period.

JOURNALIST: Have you had a conversation with him?

PRIME MINISTER: No, I’ve sent a message.

JOURNALIST: Through DFAT?

PRIME MINISTER: Directly. I have a direct line.

JOURNALIST: May I also inquire about your response to the bushwalker incident in Kosciuszko National Park?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, it’s just splendid news. Hadi Nazari’s survival after such a lengthy period with only a few muesli bars is extraordinary. His medical knowledge likely proved beneficial in identifying edible berries. It’s remarkable. I believe the entire nation will celebrate upon hearing this news. I eagerly anticipate learning more about his story, perhaps even viewing a film or documentary that may emerge. It’s truly astonishing. I have walked—just like you might have as a Canberran—the snowy region there during the summer months when the temperatures aren’t quite as high as they are here, I might add. It’s a delightful activity during summer, though the terrain can be challenging. A huge shout-out too to all the volunteers and emergency service personnel who played a role in locating this young man, Hadi. In difficult times, we consistently witness the finest traits of the Australian character, which has certainly been showcased here, be it through emergency responders, volunteers, or Hadi himself, who demonstrated the resilience inherent in the Australian spirit.

JOURNALIST: On a different note, Prime Minister, can I hear your reaction now that we have more information about the Rottnest plane crash? With three confirmed fatalities and four injured, does this raise concerns regarding seaplane tourism across Australia?

PRIME MINISTER: Indeed, it is a tragedy, and my thoughts are with the family and friends of those who lost their lives. I will consult Minister King, who oversees the Australian Transport Safety Bureau. Following such incidents, an inquiry is automatically initiated. If any lessons can be derived from this, they will be incorporated by the Government through any necessary new regulations. Seaplanes can be a vital aspect of our tourism sector, whether in Western Australia or my former home state of New South Wales. The seaplane service from Rose Bay to Newcastle serves as a highly efficient mode of transport for both business travelers and tourists exploring various destinations. Seaplanes indeed have significant potential within the tourism experience, particularly in the expansive and rough terrain of the Kimberley, providing mobility in an area challenging to navigate by road. Nevertheless, we must ensure that safety remains paramount. I’ll also ask Minister King to elaborate.

MINISTER KING: Thank you. It’s fortunate that Angus Mitchell, the head of the Australian Transport Safety Bureau, was on-site yesterday with his investigative team. They will meticulously work through this investigation. These processes may take time as there is considerable information and numerous variables involved in a tragic incident of this nature. My heart goes out to all affected; we have lost a local in the pilot, as well as individuals who were vacationing and marveling at this astonishing part of the world. We express our deepest condolences to their families for this unfortunate occurrence. The ATSB performs commendable work, and they will thoroughly examine all aspects of the situation. Their task is to ascertain what transpired and identify any systemic issues requiring regulatory action by CASA, our Civil Aviation Safety Authority. We must allow the investigation to progress. There has been significant public footage captured, and I urge anyone possessing relevant footage of the incident to submit it to the ATSB or local authorities as soon as possible, as it will be invaluable to the inquiry.

JOURNALIST: Minister, is there any reason to ground seaplanes while the investigation unfolds?

MINISTER KING: At this moment, there are no indications of that, but we will heed the guidance of the experts and authorities involved. There is currently no advice to that effect.

JOURNALIST: Additionally, considering there was footage of that particular plane taken four days prior demonstrating difficulties during takeoff, does that raise significant concerns?

MINISTER KING: Again, we will permit the experts and investigators to carry out their duties. In general aviation, people are consistently flying in aircraft like this throughout the country. We experience very few safety incidents in Australia because we have a robust Civil Aviation Safety Agency and some of the most stringent regulations worldwide. However, we need to let the investigators perform their work. If there are any insights gained or recommendations they provide, we will take immediate action on those.

JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has stated he will match the $9.2 billion—sorry, $7.2 billion—in Bruce Highway funding, provided that the CFMEU is not involved inany of that effort. Is that a fair stipulation? Is it something the state Premier, I’ve been informed, is also in agreement with?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, the Bruce Highway announcement pertains to preserving lives. It has taken four days for the No-alition to finally state their position after Angus Taylor originally declined to endorse this announcement. And once more, they have made it all about their interests. This isn’t about unions, this is about preserving lives and enhancing infrastructure on the Bruce Highway. Peter Dutton ought to understand that it is the Queensland Government that is actually accountable for these projects, not the Commonwealth. Thus, this is yet another instance where Peter Dutton had a chance to refrain from political maneuvering. In his home state of Queensland, he was a senior Minister in a Government that failed to undertake this action, neglecting the Bruce for nearly a decade, and could have just once chosen not to engage in politics, saying, “Yes, I concur,” without attaching qualifiers that serve his own interests rather than the matter at hand.

JOURNALIST: Do you believe that your presence here in the North, campaigning in areas that are not necessarily politically advantageous for you, where you don’t hold seats in many of these locations we’ve toured, is getting under his skin by doing so this week? In January, when everyone is on vacation?

PRIME MINISTER: I’ve campaigned every January and I diligently work for the national benefit. And when it comes to the regions of WA – this marks my 27th visit to Western Australia as Prime Minister. I’ve been to Port Hedland, Karratha, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie, Albany, Bunbury. I’ve visited these locations because, as Prime Minister, I aim to represent the entire nation, ensuring that every part of our country receives the attention it deserves. That is why we’ve made, I believe, a significant impact with the announcements made today. We don’t make choices based on color-coded maps. There have been inquiries regarding our Bruce Highway commitments, for instance. There were 41 fatalities last year. It’s Australia’s most perilous road concerning deaths. Action was imperative. We did thorough work during our last term. As with many issues, we needed to rectify what we inherited, and the Infrastructure Minister has accomplished that, enabling us to establish the conditions for this substantial investment.

As for Peter Dutton, I’ll allow him to persist in being critical, continuing to oppose everything, but he must be accountable. I also observed that he is organizing a rally this weekend. What he needs to do is clarify why his so-called energy strategy predicts, for the 2040s, a 40 percent decrease in energy consumption by 2050 compared to what the Australian Energy Market Operator, via its Integrated Systems Plan, has indicated would be necessary. Does that imply – of course, it implies – fewer jobs, diminished activity, less manufacturing; reduced energy consumption can only indicate decreased activity.

Now, my aspiration is for an Australia that is larger, an Australia that is hopeful, an Australia that seizes opportunities in every capital city, every regional town, and every area including remote communities. I campaigned last time with the promise that no one would be left behind. We ensured this by investing amid the cost of living challenges that arose from global inflation. Yet no one was excluded. This is about seizing opportunities; it’s about enhancing child care, fortifying Medicare, and ensuring every Australian has the chance for employment and a fulfilling life. That is the pledge we will uphold. That’s our mission – constructing Australia’s future. Peter Dutton will continue to promote his slogan on Sunday, the first word of which is ‘back.’ I believe that is fitting given that he aims to lead the country backward and impose further costs. Thank you very much.