Categories: News

Exclusive Radio Chat: The Australian Prime Minister’s Insights from Perth


This page was generated automatically. To view the article in its original setting, please visit the link below:
https://www.pm.gov.au/media/radio-interview-perth
If you wish to have this article removed from our site, kindly reach out to us.


GERALDINE MELLET, HOST: Even though the Federal election has yet to be announced, it is clear that the Prime Minister has commenced his campaign efforts. Starting in Queensland and now moving to WA. He’s been addressing us with announcements concerning infrastructure investment aimed at facilitating housing in regional areas, followed by a brief visit in Perth. Before concluding his trip, he found time to engage with us on mornings, and I initiated the conversation by inquiring about the fires in LA and what assistance Australia is extending.

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: At present, there have been no requests for additional assistance. However, Australia is always prepared to lend a hand to our allies in times of necessity. One matter we must consider is that this is also our fire season. Hence, we need to ensure that we do not dispatch resources we may soon require back. I had visited the Grampians fires in Victoria not too long ago. Those fires are now under control, thanks to the extraordinary efforts of our emergency services and volunteers, including SES and other community helpers.

MELLET: Prime Minister, let’s shift our focus back to WA, where an election is set for March. This creates a potentially confusing overlap with the Federal election. Recently, our WA Electoral Commissioner indicated it could lead to considerable confusion for voters. Can you provide any clarification regarding the election date, and do you foresee potential voter fatigue?

PRIME MINISTER: We have an election scheduled on or before May. That is a given. It is simply something we must navigate.

MELLET: Do you perceive it might cause confusion? Do you understand that voters may question, ‘From whom are these messages coming?’

PRIME MINISTER: I believe Australians will figure it out. A consistent message from myself and the Cook Labor Government will be that we both aim to foster thriving industries and jobs here in WA. We both seek an energy framework founded on renewables and gas rather than opting for a nuclear reactor in Collie. As Labor governments, we share fundamental values and collaborate closely.

MELLET: Regarding the announcement you made during your visit to the Kimberley about facilitating access to the necessary water and electricity to expedite the housing process, builders in the Pilbara have reported that land and infrastructure costs are not the primary concern; rather, it’s the significantly higher construction prices compared to market rates. How do you envision your Government intervening to effect change here?

PRIME MINISTER: One observation from the recent inflation statistics released this week is that some of these costs have moderated, which is encouraging. We have announced increased funding for our housing infrastructure. This is not intended for constructing houses, but rather to connect electricity and water supply, or to –

MELLET: Apologies, but this specific builder has expressed that while that is appreciated, it doesn’t address the core issue, which is construction expenses. I’m curious about how you plan to make an intervention in this regard.

PRIME MINISTER: What we cannot do is make promises that will instantly remedy every problem. Our focus can be on supply issues. Some of these challenges are related to labor concerns. This is why we’ve introduced Free TAFE with a specific focus on the construction sector. That is just one of the initiatives we have to lower costs –

MELLET: Once more, certainly appreciated, but it has taken quite a while to arrive, hasn’t it?

PRIME MINISTER: You cannot rectify a decade of neglect – the previous federal government did not even appoint a Housing Minister for most of their term in office. They opposed the strategies we implemented. Fortunately, we managed to pass two of our initiatives through the Senate just in the last sitting week. One was based on a WA initiative, the Help to Buy scheme, aimed at assisting more individuals in achieving home ownership. The other was the Build to Rent scheme, which received robust support from the private sector and builders, such as Master Builders and the Property Council, concerning increased private rentals and providing incentives to reduce costs. Furthermore, we introduced the Housing Australia Future Fund to enhance social housing. Regrettably, all these measures were stalled in the Senate, where we only hold 25 out of 76 votes. Alas, a coalition of the Coalition and the Greens impeded these measures for an extended time. Fortunately, the legislation is finally set to be enacted in December. We will be implementing these strategies in our subsequent term.

MELLET: It seems to be about the present, and you are approaching an election amidst a cost of living crisis, with housing being two significant issues. On the night of your election, you mentioned that every parent desires an improved future for the next generation. However, with housing being less accessible than it has been in decades and rent levels hitting all-time highs, many individuals, particularly in Perth and WA, are unable to secure a rental. Could this be a crucial factor for you in this election? People are likely to express, ‘I am in a worse situation’.

PRIME MINISTER: You know what they will state? They will articulate that the Labor Government has made every effort, including not just the strategies I have mentioned, such as enhanced social housing, more support for those seeking home ownership, or additional private rentals. Because the crux of the issue is supply. We have increased rental assistance for two consecutive years, representing a total of a 45 percent rise in support for rentals. This builds on other cost of living measures we have established, whether that involves tax reductions for every taxpayer, reduced child care costs, Free TAFE programs, or more affordable medications, including 60-day dispensing. All of these initiatives have been enacted by us. And all of them were resisted by the Coalition.

MELLET: I acknowledge that. Nonetheless, at the end of the day, despite your actions and initiatives, when people are in distress, unable to find a rental, or locked out of the market after years of saving for a deposit, their immediate concerns are on their current situation. I assert that this may serve as a significant challenge for you in the election, to sway public perception otherwise.

PRIME MINISTER: We are taking action. Individuals understand that you cannot assert on January 10, ‘I will construct a house,’ and expect it to be completed on January 11. People comprehend that. Politicians should refrain from suggesting unattainable promises. What we have executed are measures to enhance supply across various areas, whether it pertains to social housing, private rentals, or increased home ownership. All of these actions hold significant importance. Additionally, we have provided relief for the cost of living and have delivered not merely one but two budget surpluses.

in order to exert that downward force on inflation, which currently displays a two in front of it, whereas when we took office it showcased a six in front of it. These initiatives focus on the diligent efforts we have undertaken to mend the economy and establish a sturdier foundation. We’ve laid these groundwork during our initial term. And we aspire to expand upon that. We recognize there is additional work ahead. We are aware that individuals are facing financial strain. This is precisely why we’ve made tough choices –

MELLET: Not only facing financial strain, if I may, but also endeavoring to find a residence, struggling to maintain that residence if they already possess one. Under such circumstances, and I acknowledge your comments, it requires time, but presently, when they’re deciding on who to engage with, do you concede that this will influence their decision-making?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, I recognize that there exists a cost of living strain. That is why we have taken action, Geraldine. That’s why we’ve taken action. It is no simple task to convert a $78 billion Liberal deficit into a $22 billion Labor surplus. That is our achievement. And we’ve accomplished this while designing cost of living relief that has applied downward pressure on inflation while also putting more money in people’s wallets. Not only through tax reductions for every single employee and taxpayer, but now real wages have risen for four consecutive quarters. This starkly contrasts with the previous government’s record, which featured low wage growth as a defining characteristic of their economic framework. It wasn’t by chance, it was intentionally designed such that wages did not keep pace with inflation. We have reversed that trend. And that’s an argument we will continue to present, but we won’t claim ‘mission accomplished’ because we don’t believe it is. We assert that there is more work to undertake. That is why we will persist with initiatives like you mentioned regarding young individuals entering the housing market. One of the measures we’ve already introduced is a 20 percent reduction in every student’s debt. Thus far, we’ve already alleviated $3 billion from student debt – we plan to do more with that 20 percent cut.

MELLET: If I may, I’m aware you have limited time with us and I would like to address a couple of final points. A multitude of Australian exporters, especially in WA, are watching anxiously to see whether President Trump will follow through on his threat of significant tariffs for countries, including Australia. I am curious, if he proceeds with it, what are your strategies to counter it?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, our strategy is to ensure we maintain the trade agreements we have with the United States under our Free Trade Agreement. The United States enjoys a surplus with Australia. Hence, there’s a logical argument that I am certain if I present to the United States, will be acknowledged there, asserting that it is in the best interest of the United States to sustain its relationship with Australia.

MELLET: Absolutely.

PRIME MINISTER: One of the aspects my Government takes great pride in is mending the relationship with China. For instance, I’ve been in Geraldton. Since Christmas Day, a total of 565,000 kilos of lobster have reached China, distributed across 760 individual shipments. This is a direct outcome of the diligent efforts and diplomacy we have executed, which has particularly benefited WA.

MELLET: And I commend you for that. I believe the exporters would appreciate it too. We recently spoke to a fisherman. Beyond China, and certainly that is the primary market, but are there other nations with which you are fostering closer trade relations, to lessen our dependence on the US?

PRIME MINISTER: We aim for global trade, and that is precisely what we have accomplished. Our efforts extend not only to China but also to sectors such as lobsters from the coast of Geraldton, wines from Margaret River, beef exports from the Pilbara and the Kimberley, along with our iron ore and other resources, which collectively represent more than $20 billion in benefits. The agreements we have established, such as the UK agreement, have seen a substantial boost in our agricultural exports there as well. Additionally, at the end of last year, our free trade agreement with the United Arab Emirates is an exceptional one. It will serve as a gateway to the Middle East and provide significant advantages. Thus, we comprehend the importance of diversification and desire to engage in trade with the world. We possess the finest products worldwide, many of which originate from this remarkable state of WA.

MELLET: Prime Minister, let’s briefly discuss mining. You have been reaching out to miners with the critical minerals tax incentive, which you assert is predicated on their achievements. However, the CEO of the Minerals Council of Australia has remarked that this is inaccurate. She claims that the incentive is constructed as a refundable tax credit, ensuring payments regardless of whether a company makes a profit. Could you clarify this?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, examine the comments from AMEC regarding its architecture. A production tax credit does reward achievement. It promotes investment, which is why it enjoys substantial backing across the resources sector, particularly here in WA. It was crafted by the talented West Australian Madeleine King, who has spearheaded this initiative. Should there be any feasible recommendations for enhancements to the legislation, that’s why we have a process in place. However, this has been developed through close consultation over time. It is a crucial measure that will support WA and particularly foster new industries emerging in critical minerals and rare earths, which is why so many involved in those industries are highly supportive.

MELLET: The ACCC report indicates that southern states will need to depend on Queensland for gas. Since you are present in WA today, what is your stance on the proposal to construct a pipeline from WA to address this issue?

PRIME MINISTER: We will carefully navigate all of those issues. There are, of course, various projects under consideration, including in Queensland and Northern NSW. We will explore those options. One thing we will not pursue is the construction of a nuclear facility in Collie, which is not part of any serious proposition concerning energy security. We believe that renewables combined with storage and gas are vital. Gas plays a crucial role in manufacturing, which is why we are very supportive and have announced, through Madeleine King, our Future Gas Strategy moving forward.

MELLET: Prime Minister, I realize you have to leave, but just to conclude, if you are re-elected for another term, should we expect to see more WA Ministers in the Cabinet?

PRIME MINISTER: Our goal is to increase the number of WA representatives, which will consequently lead to more WA Ministers. I recently advanced additional WA representation, which is a positive development. I can also mention that a couple of elections back, we had nearly an entirely new team due to various retirements. The individuals who were elected, including Tracey Roberts, whom I’ll meet with very soon, are all outstanding new members. We have exceptional candidates, including Trish Cook, with whom I was just yesterday at the Urgent Care Clinic where she previously worked as a nurse. There is no one better than a nurse to represent Bullwinkel, especially one who has experience in the offshore resources sector and in the Pilbara, which is Trish Cook’s background.

MELLET: Prime Minister, I understand you have a very busy schedule, and you have generously given us your time. Thank you for speaking with us.

PRIME MINISTER: Thank you very much, Geraldine.


This page was generated programmatically. To view the article in its original form, please follow the link below:
https://www.pm.gov.au/media/radio-interview-perth
and if you wish to have this article removed from our website, please contact us

fooshya

Share
Published by
fooshya

Recent Posts

£26 Million Spalding Leisure Center Set for Exciting Transformation!

This page has been generated automatically; to view the article in its original context, you…

52 seconds ago

My Must-Try Makeup Marvels: The Beauty Gems and Gadgets That Captivated Me Last Year

This page was generated automatically; to view the article at its original source, please visit…

3 minutes ago

“Men’s Hockey Charges Forward: Key Two-Game Clash at #13 Boston University Marks Crucial Stretch in Hockey East”

This page was generated automatically; to view the article in its initial location, you can…

19 minutes ago

Delhi’s Smog Crisis: Navigating the Travel Turmoil

This page was generated automatically. To view the article in its initial location, you can…

25 minutes ago

HarperCollins Holland Expands Its Horizon with Exciting Lifestyle Imprint Acquisition from Gottmer!

This page was generated algorithmically, to access the article in its original setting you can…

34 minutes ago

No. 22 Men’s Basketball Takes on Maryland: A Friday Showdown Awaits!

This page has been generated automatically; to view the article in its original source, you…

35 minutes ago