ALI MOORE, HOST: Well, America might be a friend and an ally, in fact arguably our closest. But that hasn't amounted to much when it comes to tariffs, it seems. About 19 minutes ago tariffs were imposed, 25 per cent tariffs on steel and aluminium imports from Australia. So how should we respond and what does it say about the relationship? The Prime Minister is Anthony Albanese. Prime Minister, welcome.

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Good afternoon. Good to be with you.

MOORE: Hardly the act of a friend.

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Good morning. The United States’ decision to impose tariffs on Australian steel and aluminium as part of a global decision are concerning. It has been foreshadowed that no country, regardless of its relationship with the United States, has been granted an exemption. Such a decision by the Trump Administration is entirely unjustified.

This is against the spirit of our two nations’ enduring friendship, and fundamentally at odds with the benefits that our economic partnership has delivered over more than 70 years.

The United States decision to impose tariffs on Australian steel and aluminium as part of a global decision is concerning. It has been foreshadowed that no country regardless of its relationship with the United States has been granted an exemption. Such a decision by the Trump Administration is entirely unjustified.

This is against the spirit of our two nations’ enduring friendship and fundamentally at odds with the benefits our economic partnership has delivered over more than 70 years. Australia has no tariffs on goods from the United States.

My fellow Australians.

Building Australia’s Future is about your future.

It’s about your right to a great education.

Your dream of home ownership.

Your hard work being rewarded with fair pay.

Your aspiration to build a good life for yourself and your family.

And building Australia’s future is about making Medicare stronger.

Stronger Medicare is at the heart of our Government and it will be the beating heart of our election campaign.

Because we understand Medicare is at the heart of people’s lives.

NATALIE BARR, HOST: Well, for more we're joined live on the Gold Coast by Prime Minister Anthony, Albanese. Good morning to you.

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Good morning.

BARR: Over the weekend you announced one off recovery payments for those seriously affected by this cyclone. Tell us how they're going to work.

The Albanese and Minns Governments are today announcing emergency financial assistance to help residents in the State’s north-east severely impacted by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

The jointly funded package will provide emergency financial assistance of $180 for individuals or up to $900 per family to cover essential costs such as food, clothing, medicines and emergency accommodation.

The Personal Hardship Assistance Grant for individuals and families is part of a range of support aimed at helping people recover.

JANELLE SAFFIN, STATE MEMBER FOR LISMORE: Thank you. I'd like to welcome our Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, here to Lismore on a return visit. And I can say it's really pleasing for me and the whole community to have the Prime Minister here, particularly given the things that we've gone through with this flood event. Also with the Prime Minister is the Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles. We also have Special Envoy, Tony Sheldon. We have the Minister for Emergency Management, Jenny McAllister.

The Albanese Government is activating financial support for communities directly affected by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred through the Disaster Recovery Allowance.

This allowance offers up to 13 weeks of income support for eligible workers and sole traders depending on their personal circumstances who have suffered a loss of income as a direct result of the event.

It will be available in: 

KARL STEFANOVIC, HOST: Let's bring in Prime Minister Anthony Albanese now live on the Grey Coast. PM, good morning to you. Look, Alfred certainly outstayed its welcome, hasn't it?

A short time ago there was a serious vehicle incident involving two Australian Defence Force vehicles near Lismore.

A number of ADF personnel have been injured, some seriously.

Medical assistance is on hand. We stress this is an ongoing incident.

Right now our focus is on the welfare of those involved and their families.

Our ADF heroes were on their way to help Australians in need.