ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Good afternoon Erin, good to be with you.
ERIN MOLAN, HOST: There is so much to get through, as always. But first, I just wanted to thank you very sincerely. You were one of the first people, if not the first, to call me after dad passed away, to check in and to pass on your condolences, which meant a lot, not just to me, but to my family as well. And I think you'll be doing something special for that at Parliament House on Monday.
PRIME MINISTER: Well firstly Erin, my sincere condolences not just to yourself, but to your entire family and to the many, many friends of your dear father Jim, on his passing. He had my utmost respect. We had different politics, but we got on very well. I always was prepared to listen to him and read what his thoughts were because he always spoke with a sense of clarity, a sense of purpose and that depth that only comes from experience. And to serve in the Australian Defence Force, not just here but in PNG, in Indonesia, Timor Leste, the Solomons and of course Iraq, serving his country was an extraordinary effort. He deserves the utmost respect for that. But then to, much later in life, at a time when most people are thinking of putting their feet up, to choose to go into the Senate as a Senator from New South Wales, in order to further his public contribution shows a real depth of character. And on Monday, at two o'clock at the beginning of Question Time, I'll move a condolence motion in honour of your father. I know we've had discussions about members of the family being there present in the gallery, and I'm sure it will be a time when the Parliament comes together as one to pay tribute to a great Australian.
MOLAN: I know that will mean a lot to him and I know that will mean a lot to our family as well. Thank you so much, Prime Minister. Now there is plenty to get to, including today's National Cabinet meeting. But first, I wanted to talk to you about something that dad was very passionate about and that was national security. This week, an American four-star general said the US could be at war with China by 2025. Two days ago, Taiwan deployed forces after Chinese aircraft and ships crossed a boundary line separating the two nations. War in this region would involve us, whether we like it or not. Is Australia capable, right now, of defending its shores?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, quite clearly Australia needs to be in a stronger position in the future than we find ourselves today. That's why we're doing the Defence Strategic Review being undertaken by Angus Houston and Stephen Smith that the government will be releasing in coming months. That's why we're determined to upgrade our security with that capacity based mechanism. Not talking about just how many dollars, talking about where are our assets, are they the right assets in order to defend ourselves in 2023 and beyond. You would have already seen substantial announcements from the Commonwealth in areas such as increased missile defence capability. But we'll have more announcements arising out of the review. Of course the AUKUS arrangements are progressing and we continue to undertake cooperative discussions with the United Kingdom and the United States. We've said we want to finalise some of those arrangements by the first quarter of this year, by the end of March. But also, of course, those arrangements aren't just about nuclear subs. They're about interoperability of our defence assets. They are about making sure that we are in a position to defend the region. But we also know that defence isn't just about defence assets, it's also about relations in the region. And that's why my visit to Papua New Guinea, somewhere very familiar to your father, of course, was so important and the agreement to have an upgraded security pact there. The security agreement that we signed with Vanuatu, the return of Kiribati to the Pacific Island Forum, all of these measures and diplomatic actions, because the objective should be, of course, always to avoid war. I want peace and security in the region and that's my motivation behind not just our defence policy, but our foreign policy as well.
MOLAN: Your Defence Minister said a little while ago that he was losing sleep over the threat of war in our region. It seems to be getting worse, that situation?
PRIME MINISTER: When you hold the office of myself or my deputy, Richard Marles, who's the Defence Minister, of course you are concerned when you receive the briefings which are there about the uncertain world that we live in. We've got a land war going on in Europe. We would have thought that that sort of activity had been put behind us, that we were past that. But it's going on, the Russian invasion of Ukraine that ignores international law. That's an illegal invasion by a big nation against a sovereign, democratically elected government and nation there in Ukraine. That's why their struggle isn't just about freedom for the people of Ukraine. They're fighting for international order. They're fighting for democratic principles, which is why we continue to provide support. Again this week, an additional announcement of further support for the people of Ukraine. But I want a world in which we can all be at peace and secure with secure borders, where we don't have any disruptive activity, because the consequences of it are catastrophic for those men and women who fight for the defence of our land, but also for our economy, for our way of life. I think it is absolutely vital that, during this period, we do what we can to promote that peace and security. That means having appropriate defence forces, but it also means engaging diplomatically and that's what my government is determined to do.
MOLAN: Russian president Vladimir Putin has compared Russia's invasion of Ukraine to the fight against Nazi Germany. In the process criticising the Germans for providing Ukraine with Leopard Tanks. Is he completely deluded, in your opinion?
PRIME MINISTER: He is completely deluded. This guy has invaded a sovereign nation. Ukraine was not a threat to Russia. Ukraine was a democratically elected government under President Zelenskyy. They were going about their business of trying to improve the living standards of their population. They're a great agricultural nation. And the invasion was illegal, it was premeditated. There are all sorts of excuses he'll come up with. But the regime in the region that doesn't support democracy and supports authoritarianism is his own. If he wants to look for authoritarianism then he should look in the mirror. That's why Australia stands with Ukraine. That's why the democratic world stands with Ukraine as well.
MOLAN: Australian soldiers are helping to train Ukrainians at the moment. We've also provided tanks and other support. Ukraine understandably wants more. The US and the UK have ruled out fighter jets. Where do we as a country draw the line?
PRIME MINISTER: We've provided substantial support, and just this week the Foreign Minister and Defence Minister announced a partnership with France to supply more military support to Ukraine. We, of course, are training Ukrainian forces in the United Kingdom and that's an important contribution. Just last Friday, I was in Bendigo looking at the Bushmasters that are make such a difference on the ground in Ukraine of providing that support. We have provided a range of other military support in Ukraine. We remain open to further support, but I believe we have given substantial support. I must say, this is a bipartisan issue. The former government also provided support when they were in office before the last election, and they have supported all the measures that were put in place.
MOLAN: Back home, PM, and a report into crime and alcohol in Alice Springs is recommending, among other things, urgent alcohol bans. How quickly can these be put in place? Given this situation on the ground, can you really afford any more delays?
PRIME MINISTER: Last week, immediate restrictions were put in place. We've now just received the report. Just yesterday, I met with the Chief Minister Natasha Fyles. What we will take is a comprehensive proposal to our respective cabinets. Our cabinets are meeting early next week. What my government does is have considered decision making processes and proper decision making processes as well. It's important to remember here, Erin, that this isn't just about alcohol and an issue that's arisen in previous weeks. You don't overcome intergenerational issues in a day, and we need to look at employment, infrastructure provision, housing, service delivery on the ground, as well as the issue of access to alcohol. And that's why we're working through the proposals to make sure that the announcements which we will make are comprehensive and that actually provide a solution, not just for a day, but in the short, medium and long term, so that we don't find ourselves back in this situation.
MOLAN: Agree with you there, Prime Minister, that it is complex, but with a 55 per cent increase in presentations to the hospital there with alcohol related injuries, the fear that people are living with on the ground, does the stopping of alcohol immediately have to be a priority and one that's tackled maybe more quickly than next week?
PRIME MINISTER: The restrictions have been put in place. They were put in place last week, and then there were further recommendations that will require legislation if they are to take place by either the Northern Territory jurisdiction or the Commonwealth. So we've had National Cabinet today, Parliament hasn't met today. The NT Government we met with yesterday. They're due to resume their Parliament in just the week after next. And legislation, if it is to be implemented, does take time to be gotten right
MOLAN: The Voice, are you worried that the conversation has now gone to the extent where it's really divisive, really political? I guess what you'd envisaged early on is getting a bit lost. Are you concerned about that?
PRIME MINISTER: Today, I was a part of sign on from every Premier and Chief Minister in the country recommitting to constitutional recognition for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and for consultation with them on matters that affect them through a Voice to Parliament. This is an issue that's about two things, recognition and consultation. Recognition that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be recognised in our Constitution. And consultation, that where matters affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people they should be consulted. That's just good manners, Erin. It's just good manners. It's not about funding. It won't run programs. It won't have a right of veto. It is just, to me, a very modest and gracious proposal that should be accepted. It's a modest change. It's something that won't have any impact on the majority of Australian people. But it will have a positive impact on some. And we just spoke about some of the problems that are there in communities. For 120 years we haven't had constitutional recognition, and we haven't had the sort of processes whereby people can be consulted properly. I think this will be a step forward, it's a chance that should be a moment of national unity, as Premier Perrottet said today.
MOLAN: On the consultation, eleven Northern Territory Aboriginal Peak bodies sent a letter to Linda Burney last year in June, essentially begging your government to intervene because they saw that this would be the outcome in Alice Springs. Were they not listened to in this instance?
PRIME MINISTER: As you know, the Stronger Futures program began in 2012. It was introduced by the former Labor government. It was due to run for 10 years. The former government made a decision to not continue with that program. Parliament hadn't even sat in June of last year, we didn't commence after the election until July. We will continue to listen to communities. We've listened to communities, that's why we received this report and why governments will respond appropriately after consideration by our respective cabinets.
MOLAN: A local independent pollie in the Northern Territory has just been critical this morning of the time that you spent on the ground in Alice Springs. And I know that Warren Mundine and Jacinta Price have also said that you spent too much time at the tennis and not enough time in Alice Springs. What's your response to that?
PRIME MINISTER: I'm not going to get into a personal discussion with Warren Mundine. I've known Warren a long time, and he's got my phone number. He's had no discussions with me on this. He feels strongly about these issues. I went to Alice Springs, I met with the community based organisation. I met with the Mayor. I went with the police officials. I came back because it was Australia Day, commemorations were being held. My Minister and local Member, and local Senator remained in Alice Springs. Marion Scrymgour, the local member on the ground there. Malarndirri McCarthy, the NT Senator as well. I work each and every day. I didn't have time off over the Christmas period, that's my job. I visited communities in the last week. I've been to Perth and I've been to Bendigo and I've been to Devonport, and I've been to the northern suburbs of Melbourne. We launched our arts policy. I've been in Canberra for Cabinet, I've been to and from Perth, and we've had the National Cabinet arrangements as well as, of course, last Thursday. And Wednesday night, I had five activities related to Australia Day. So I think that the issues that have been raised, we've been listening and engaging with people on the ground. And as Prime Minister, I get around and visit as many communities as possible, including regional communities. As I said, in the last week, I have been in New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, the ACT and Western Australia.
MOLAN: The National Disability Insurance Scheme is forecast to cost $100 billion a year within a decade. The International Monetary Fund has called for a means test or some form of co-payment to be introduced to help rein in the cost. I know that there's a review underway, but we do at least consider means testing or co-payments?
PRIME MINISTER: We will consider the National Disability Insurance Scheme and ways in which we can reduce some of the pressure that's on the Budget. But we also need to remember that those people who the NDIS was designed to assist need that support. And also to remember that allowing people to fully participate in society, which is what the NDIS is about, will also produce economic benefits. It shouldn't be seen as just a cost. It should be seen as an investment in people and an investment in a good society. People should be able to participate in society, we need to make sure that every dollar that's spent presents the best value for the Commonwealth and Bill Shorten is leading that work.
MOLAN: Now, before I let you go, just something a little bit lighter. Kids all over the country went back to school this week. I'm about to talk to a parenting expert about anyone who's struggling a little bit. Do you remember your son Nathan's first day of school? And did you ever pack his school lunches?
PRIME MINISTER: I sure do. I did pack his school lunches. When he was younger, he was one of those young people who was very narrow in their food that they would want it so it was a pretty simple, same old Vegemite sandwiches most of the time. Carrots was his main go to vegetable all of the time. But it seems like a long time ago Erin. You will find yourself because it goes very quick, little ones grow up. He's now well over six foot and celebrated his 22nd birthday last December. So I would just say to those parents out there, cherish every moment that you have with your young one starting off at school. I well remember those days and I miss them indeed as well. A 22 year old, of course, gets less happy about being cuddled in front of his friends because they get embarrassed. But I'm very proud of the fine young man that my Nathan has grown into. And I know from your social media and from our personal discussions, how much you enjoy that family life as well. And I know that one of the regrets I'm sure that you have is that granddad won't be here to experience that. But it's fantastic that he did get to experience what he did.
MOLAN: Yeah, you'll make me cry again. That's something I think about a lot, actually. That she will grow up.
PRIME MINISTER: Sorry, Erin.
MOLAN: No, don't be silly. That she won't get to know him and he won't get to know her. We will talk about him to her for the rest of her life. So that's a lovely way to finish.
PRIME MINISTER: Oh, absolutely. And she will have that memory. Something that I'm very pleased about is, my mum died in 2002, so my Nathan was only 18 months old. But she got to see her grandson. And that's something that I hang on to as a memory and I'm sure you will too.
MOLAN: Beautifully said, Prime Minister. Again, so very grateful for your time. I know that you do work incredibly hard and you've had a really busy day and you've got a busy few weeks ahead. So thank you so much for making time for me today.
PRIME MINISTER: Thanks very much, Erin.