Tunnel boring machines relaunch to construct Victoria’s longest road tunnels

The Australian and Victorian Governments’ North East Link project continues to forge ahead with two massive Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) relaunching from Lower Plenty Road to continue their journey towards Bulleen.

Earlier this year, TBMs Gillian and Zelda both broke through the earth into a 30 metre deep box at Lower Plenty Road, which will soon create a vital interchange point for the North East Link project.

Radio interview - ABC Melbourne

RAF EPSTEIN, HOST: The Prime Minister's been in Melbourne for many important things, including watching Hawthorn last night. Good morning.

ANTHONY ALBANSES, PRIME MINISTER: Good morning. Good to be with you, Raf.

EPSTEIN: Let's see if we get to that. Just on what is coming up, you are meeting Donald Trump soon. Are you going to loosen the rules on them on getting letting US beef into Australia?

Press conference - Melbourne

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Well, it's fantastic to be back in Victoria, and particularly good to be in the electorate of Menzies with Gabriel. The first time I’ve been back here since the 3rd of May, when I stood and handed out how to votes for what was a very successful campaign. And I do want to take the opportunity to thank Victorians for keeping their faith and trust in the government I'm proud to lead.

Radio interview - 94.5FM Perth

PETE CURULLI, HOST: A very special political edition of Yay or Nay today with the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese. Good morning to you, Sir.

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Good morning. Wonderful to be back here in beautiful Perth. I've brought the rain.

CURULLI: Thanks for that.

KYMBA CAHILL, HOST: Yeah, haven’t you.

PRIME MINISTER: Everyone's pleased with it. People are saying to me it's been too dry here.

Radio interview - 96FM Perth

LISA SHAW, HOST: Well, we haven't spoken to the big boss since he was re-elected in a landslide. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is with us now. Good morning.

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Good morning. Wonderful to be back in person. I've brought the rain.

SHAW: Oh yeah, but look, you know I for one am enjoying it. Although Barra's not because his kitchen flooded in the early hours of this morning. What brings you to town this week?

Doorstop interview - Perth

DORINDA COX, SENATOR FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA: Thank you for coming along. I'll make a short statement and then take a few questions.

Today, I'm resigning from the Australian Greens to join the Labor Party to sit as a Labor Senator as part of the Albanese Government.

It is not a decision I've taken lightly. I'd like to acknowledge my former colleagues. I've appreciated the opportunity to work beside them, particularly as the first Aboriginal woman in WA to serve in our national Parliament. But the time has come for me to pursue a new direction.

Radio interview - 6PR Perth

OLIVER PETERSON, HOST: Prime Minister, welcome back to Perth Live.

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: G'day, Oly. Good to be back in this beautiful state. And I brought a bit of rain with me yesterday, but it's fined up a bit at the moment.

PETERSON: You did. There was a bit of rain around about an hour ago or so now. It's just as you were holding the Cabinet meeting and maybe there was something across the Nullarbor from New South Wales and Victoria wanting our GST fix.

Press conference - Perth

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: It’s great to be back in Western Australia for my 35th visit as Prime Minister, my second visit since the election. We are very consciously having a Cabinet meeting here today, precisely one month since we had the honour of being re-elected to govern Australia. And to do so of course, in cooperation with the states and territories. My Government has a terrific relationship with the Cook Labor Government here in WA. Together, we've worked on the Better and Fairer Schools funding agreement.

More support for small business and primary producer flood recovery

The Albanese and Minns Governments are delivering more funding to help communities recover from the recent severe flooding across the state.

This will include damage caused by East Coast severe weather and flooding in May and damage caused by Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

This funding will provide direct support for residents, farmers, small businesses and non-profit organisations and includes help for people who have lost their homes.

Doorstop interview - Fremantle

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Well, it’s great to visit this clinic for the second time in the electorate of Fremantle. It’s one of 87 that we opened during our first term, where we promised 50, but delivered 87. All that people have needed who've attended this clinic is just their Medicare card. Making an enormous difference - getting the care they need, when they need it, and for free as a result of Medicare and our extension.