RENEE COFFEY, MEMBER FOR GRIFFITH: Welcome back here to Stones Corner in the beautiful electorate of Griffith. It's fantastic to have the Prime Minister back here. Last time we were here, I was the candidate for Griffith, and it was April, and this was a construction site, so we had our hard hats and our goggles. So it's great to be here now that we've got tenants moving in with the BHC. We know how much the issue housing is in our community, and that's why we're getting on with the business of building homes just like this beautiful development here in Stones Corner with BHC. Here, we have 82 social and affordable homes. So it's wonderful to be back to meet with some of the tenants, and also to welcome our Prime Minister back. So I'll hand over to you, Prime Minister.
ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Thanks very much, Renee, and it is fantastic to be back here, and particularly a great privilege to talk to some of the tenants who are now living in these homes, with security not just on a day-to-day basis, but for the rest of their lives going forward. We were here in April, it was a building site. Today it's a home. Making an enormous difference as part of our $43 billion Homes for Australia Plan. We met this morning, Karen, who was in private rental. She lost her home 20 years ago from a divorce, as happens. A lot of women in the retirement phase particularly face housing stress because they don't have the same superannuation, they've raised families, and they find themselves in real housing stress. And Karen now says that at the time, indeed the very day that she got the call from BHC about this opportunity, her rental that she was in was being sold. John transferred from housing where he hadn't been sleeping very well, it wasn't appropriate for the issues that he was dealing with. It now is the security that he feels since he's moved in just ten days ago. And Jan was couch surfing from house to house, relying upon friends to be able to have somewhere to stay at night. Jan now has a home here. She's walking with her new friends in this wonderful facility here and her health has lifted as well, not surprisingly. Because a roof over your head, that security is vital for your health, it's vital if you're undertaking education, it's vital if you want the opportunity to work either full or part time, but for your quality of life. It's a foundation stone, literally. And here at Stones Corner this is making an enormous difference. And I was so pleased this week when we were talking about coming to the electorate of Griffith with the new member - relatively new - Renee Coffey. Coming back to her electorate to say thank you as well to the people of Griffith who've elected a member who'll actually fight and support for increased public and affordable housing in Renee Coffey. To come here and say this is making a difference and it will as we roll out our increased housing programs right around the country. And just of course, just days after, on the 1st of October, we began the Five Per Cent Deposit Scheme as well - helping first home owners into home ownership, already seeing a massive level of support. So whether it is increased home ownership, increased private rentals, affordable and social housing such as what we have here through the Brisbane Housing Corporation. This is an important program and rolling out is absolutely critical. I want to acknowledge that there's also state government funding as part of this project as well, an example of governments working together to make a difference, including here in Brisbane. I also want to take the opportunity to announce that the Federal Government will invest $5 million towards the Boggo Road Precinct Renewable Project. Boggo Road of course has been a historic jail site. What is happening there is being turned into an educational and technology precinct creating jobs and opportunities here in Brisbane. And this is a part of our city's policy, our urban renewal support, this $5 million program and a part of just revitalising our cities and making a difference here in Brisbane. So, congratulations belatedly in person here on site to Renee Coffey. I came to the electorate of Griffith on multiple occasions. Whether it was over the Urgent Care Clinics which have been, were built here and opened, whether it be housing projects. In Renee Coffey this community has a champion who will stand up for the interests of people who need a local member who will advocate for them going forward. Happy to take some questions.
JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, the Norman Lake case has been in court this week, and there’s been some alarming evidence about his actions towards you. What is your Government planning to do to decrease these heightened levels of threats?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, one of the things we need to do is to turn down the temperature on debate. I've said that media have a role in that as well. You know obviously the issue is before the court so I'm not going to make any comments on the specifics, but you wouldn't be surprised that I'm very concerned by the revelations which are out there publicly. And, you know, we see events overseas where there is violence towards elected officials, or violence towards anyone is a bad thing to occur. And we just need to turn down the temperature, have respect for people, have respect for the capacity of us to have debates and discourse and have difference whilst having respect for each other. And that's something that I tried to bring to political discourse in this country. The security issues that I face are far more acute than ten years ago, five years ago, certainly a lot more acute than when I was first elected. And I just say that the role of social media, people being able to say things that they'd never say to your face is something I've spoken about regularly. And there's no place for violence. There's no place for violent discourse either, because we can't normalise these sort of threats being made and think that that is business as usual, because what we know is that does lead to real tragedy. And we've seen as well - I had to attend the funeral of police officers here in Brisbane with the so-called sovereign citizens issue, here, Victoria, the Cook Government in WA have taken some really strong actions as well in taking weapons off people who don't acknowledge the rule of law in this country. And I just say that, you know, I've had to adjust some of my activity. One of the great things about this country is that I could go to a shopping centre in Sunnybank during the election campaign. I can do walkthroughs right throughout South East Queensland and engage with people. We don't want to lose that. I don't want to lose that as Prime Minister. I don't want to be told I can't engage in a normal way with people and just meet people at random without preparation. I think that's a good thing. I quite like being able to have a beer even at The Caxton Hotel, wearing a Blues scarf on the way to a State of Origin game. That's a good thing about this country. Let's not lose it.
JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, on superannuation, your office or government sought a briefing from Treasury on the plan to tax unrealised capital gains on superannuation accounts after the policy received backlash from stakeholders, we were told. When did you get a sense there was a backlash towards this policy and are you considering refining it?
PRIME MINISTER: We receive briefings on policy all the time, as you expect the Prime Minister's office to do. That's what we do. There's nothing unusual about that. That's what occurs right across the full suite of policy issues.
JOURNALIST: Are you considering making changes?
PRIME MINISTER: Our policy is as it stands.
JOURNALIST: Did you step in over Jim Chalmers’ head to suggest -
PRIME MINISTER: No, there are no policy changes that we have not made. Our policy stands. There's nothing unusual about the full suite - ask me about any policy and I'll tell you I've had a briefing, including housing, including everything else.
JOURNALIST: One of the comments was that there was modelling was done as a result of this briefing. Had there not been modelling before the initial decision to bring in this tax, double the tax?
PRIME MINISTER: I'm not sure what you're asking.
JOURNALIST: Was there modelling before the initial decision to double the capital gains on otherwise?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, that's not actually what the policy is, by the way. The policy is not as you define it. It’s a complex policy. And as normally occurs, there's the normal policy processes by Treasury.
JOURNALIST: Was there modelling done on it?
PRIME MINISTER: There are the normal policy processes that Cabinet deal with.
JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, it’s been almost three years, when are you hoping those changes will pass?
PRIME MINISTER: Well I hope - the Senate, like they blocked housing policy, the Senate blocked a whole range of policies between the Greens and the Coalition. We hope that the Senate supports government policy whenever we put it up, including on this area.
JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, the US is committing 200 troops to Israel to help monitor the ceasefire. Has there been a request for Australian troops, and would you be open to sending them?
PRIME MINISTER: Look, we'll continue to work with allies on these issues. I just want to say that I very much welcome this breakthrough. We have called for some time for a ceasefire, for the release of hostages, for aid to be granted. That needs to happen. And we also need to talk about the day after, which requires a two state solution. Australia has worked constructively with people. I think President Trump deserves congratulations for the leadership that the United States has shown. We've always said that this will require US leadership and that is what we have seen here. But it's a very welcome advance.
JOURNALIST: Has Australia been asked to send troops?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, we'll work with - we'll continue to work with our allies and continue to work constructively as we have done the whole way through.
JOURNALIST: The State Energy Minister is releasing his energy plan today, [inaudible]?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, I haven't seen the plan obviously, it hasn't been released. So, look, we'll continue to engage constructively. I have a good relationship with state and territory governments. I had a good chat with Premier Crisafulli, had a chat with him last night, had an engagement with him at the footy on Sunday. I congratulate the Brisbane Broncos. I particularly congratulate my friend Adam Reynolds and of course Madge. I rang Madge last week and wished him luck. I got to know him when he was coach of my team – a South Sydney loyalist. But it was good to see a fantastic reward for what was an outstanding season by the Broncos in his first season as coach here. But it was a fantastic game and the Storm deserved big congrats as well. I thought both teams performed outstandingly, and it was terrific to talk with David Crisafulli there.
JOURNALIST: What we do know about the energy policy is that the Miles-Palaszczuk Government's plans to retire the fleet of coal fired power stations in 32-35 is now off the agenda, is going to be pushed back to at least 45, 2045. What's your response to that?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, I'll wait and see a plan before I comment on it, with respect. My government's orderly, we don't comment on speculation. What we know is that 24 out of 28 of the coal fired power stations around Australia announced their closure under the former Coalition Government. There was no plan to fill that supply gap and it's something that my Government has had to deal with. We're dealing with it constructively moving forward and we know that the cheapest form of new energy is of course renewables.
JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, do you think Donald Trump deserves a Nobel Peace Prize?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, what I'd say is that Donald Trump certainly deserves enormous congratulations for the work that he has done. We want to see US leadership in the world and what we have seen is that on this occasion.
JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, do you think it’s appropriate that you are the President of the Australian Parliament Sports Club?
PRIME MINISTER: Yeah, as Prime Minister it comes with the gig. A whole lot of things come with the gig.
JOURNALIST: Just as a follow up, Senator David Pocock has questioned whether you should be the President, given that the club is on the Federal Lobbyist Register.
PRIME MINISTER: Well, I think that's David Pocock being David Pocock, getting himself in a story. You know, this is a voluntary organisation that raises money for charity.
JOURNALIST: Sponsored by gambling – you don’t have any issue with that?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, if you think I'm spending my day-to-day time - the amount of time I have spent on the Australian Parliament Sports Club this year is zero. I have participated in zero events in terms of sports, just because I'm a bit busy. But I tell you what, things like playing football as they do with the people who sell the Big Issue and homeless people, is a good thing. A bit of fun playing State of Origin that David Pocock has participated in. You know, last time I did participate, David Pocock was participating as well. So, that's a question for Mr. Pocock.
JOURNALIST: The RBA Governor has blamed higher house prices on a lack of supply, saying it’s not the monetary policy’s responsibility. Does that mean the government hasn’t done enough to date to get enough housing supply?
PRIME MINISTER: Yeah, yeah. Over decades. Housing supply hasn't just happened. Housing supply shortfalls are a result of neglect by governments. The former government didn't bother to have a Housing Minister for half the time that they were in office. They built just over 300 houses the entire time that they were there, in terms of social housing. They neglected areas like social and affordable housing. They opposed then, having done that for a decade, they then opposed the Housing Australia Future Fund. They opposed the Build to Rent incentives. They opposed all of the measures that we tried to get through the Parliament for a long period of time, including with the member for Griffith being one of the chief blockers along with the Coalition, Michael Sukkar. Michael Sukkar and the former member here, both are no longer in the Parliament, and I think one of the reasons why they're no longer in the Parliament is because they blocked housing supply. And people rejected that. So, of course this is the issue that we have to deal with. There are other issues as well, but housing supply is front and centre, and my Government has said that from the very beginning.
JOURNALIST: Do you agree with the concept that a Greater Brisbane is going to maximise our opportunities globally for the 2032 Games?
PRIME MINISTER: I'm not sure how you define – I'm not sure the context of the question, to be frank.
JOURNALIST: Stakeholders are basically saying that we need to incorporate all of Southeast Queensland as a Greater Brisbane and brand it that way for the world stage, for 2032.
PRIME MINISTER: Look, that's above my pay grade. I think that communities, if you're suggesting that people on the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast, I assume – is that what you’re – that's a matter for local communities to determine. But there are communities that are distinct. I've got cousins on the Sunshine Coast, for example. And they're very proud Sunshine Coast residents. So, I think that there are people in different areas – you know, people in Ipswich, I think, tell you they live in Ipswich, so, don't say they live in Brisbane. And so, I think that's a matter for local communities to determine. Certainly not a matter for the national government to interfere with.
JOURNALIST: Back on superannuation. The Senate was told by Treasury officials that stakeholders have raised concerns about the initiative. Was it your government? Was it your office? Was it Treasury? And did you have concerns about –
PRIME MINISTER: Well, the Senate have given statements about policy development in the normal way. That’s nothing unusual. Nothing unusual.
JOURNALIST: They said concerns were raised with Treasury.
PRIME MINISTER: Well, you know, you're raising concerns now at a press conference. [INTERJECTIONS] People will raise policy issues from time to time. It's called public discourse in this great democracy of ours, and -
JOURNALIST: Well, can you tell us what those concerns are, as part of this public discourse?
PRIME MINISTER: It's not my job, it's your job, so I'm not going to do your job for you. You know, policy debates happen normally, transparently. Yes, people get briefings. That's how policy develops. And my Government makes no apologies for the fact that we're engaged with people. That's what we do. My Government's an inclusive government and that's why we develop policies like our Homes for Australia plan. That's why we develop policies across the board.
JOURNALIST: Question on the National Anti-Corruption Commission. Given that the NACC Chief Commissioner, Paul Brereton, has advised the Defence Force 11 times – so, the NACC itself was unaware he continued that work. How can the public have confidence in the independence of the Anti-Corruption Commission when it was investigating Defence matters whilst its head simultaneously provided confidential advice to Defence?
PRIME MINISTER: My Government followed a range of governments that promised to have a National Anti-Corruption Commission. Former governments did nothing about it. What my Government has done is tick off commitments that we've made, including the creation of the National Anti-Corruption Commission, which is independent of government and is able to do its activity at arm's length from government without day-to-day commentary from government about its activities. That's a good thing. What we've done since the election is tick off one by one the policies that we took to the election, including, this week, the introduction of legislation to freeze the beer excise for two years, making a difference as part of cost-of-living. [INTERJECTIONS] We've had the legislation, we've had the – I've answered your question. I've answered your question, which is that you won't get a running commentary about the activity of an independent body, because that's the whole point of having an independent body [INTERJECTIONS] without political interference. So, what my Government has done is to deliver right here, concrete – we're standing on it, what my Government has been able to deliver. But we delivered the legislation on cheaper medicines. Just yesterday I met with a family who was still grieving Priya, who they lost at such a very young age. And changing the parental leave laws to make sure that that is acknowledged in an appropriate way is something again that I'm really proud of. We go through, we're methodical, we're orderly, we say what we will do and then we do what we've said.
Thanks very much.