TRANSCRIPT Press conference with Senator The Hon Bridget McKenzie, Deputy Leader of The Nationals, and Senator Steve Martin Devonport, Tasmania
Subjects: Senator Steve Martin joining The Nationals; company tax cuts; regional development; Barnaby Joyce
E&OE
Steve Martin:
Alright, good afternoon everybody and thank you very much for coming out this afternoon. I’m very proud to announce that today I’m joining the National Party, and I’m really proud to be the first Nationals’ Senator for Tasmania.
Having been a community volunteer and a small business person, one of the core reasons on entering federal politics was to strengthen Tasmanian communities and businesses. In joining the Nationals and re-launching the party in Tasmania today, it certainly is a big step forward in achieving that vision.
It’s also about creating the best opportunity to gain the best outcomes for Tasmanians and our businesses. Of course what drew me towards The Nationals was there focus on key issues such as natural resources, team work, and of course, people. And I’m very proud to be here today to be the first one in 90 years to be a National in Tasmania.
Bridget McKenzie:
Hear, hear.
Michael McCormack:
Well said Bridget, and well said Senator Martin.
We are delighted, the National Party leadership, Bridget, and I, and the rest of the National Party team are delighted that Senator Steve Martin is joining us today, reinvigorating the National Party in Tasmania.
Indeed, we haven’t had a National Party representative in the Federal Parliament since 1927. The last National Party member in Parliament was William McWilliams, a former Country Party leader all the way back in 1927. So, Tasmanian tiger was last seen in 1936 so I sort of liken Steve a little bit to the Tasmanian tiger in as much as he’s going to be an absolute tiger for regional development, an absolute tiger in there fighting for the interests of Tasmanians, indeed all Australians but mainly Tasmanians. That’s what senators do. Delighted to be here with Bridget McKenzie in Devonport to help Steve make this announcement, this important and historic announcement.
And I know that Steve has done a fantastic job as a small businessperson in his news agency, as a restaurateur, but also as the mayor, the mayor of Devonport. And in seven or eight years of being the mayor of Devonport, certainly this place saw the benefits of his advocacy.
And that’s what the National Party do. They are a group of local champions coming together, Steve mentioned teamwork, that’s what we’re all about, delighted he has chosen to join the National Party. Delighted that we’ve got a representative from Tasmania. And I know that the Coalition is very much delighted that he’s come on board and joined the Liberal Nationals. Certainly the Liberal Nationals are in there fighting for the interests of Tasmanians. And delighted, again that Steve has elected to join the National Party.
Bridget.
Bridget McKenzie:
Yes. Well, thanks boss. Look, it’s absolutely fantastic to be here with my Senate colleague, Senator Martin. I remember sitting listening to your speech, Steve, and thinking: I think deep down you’re one of us.
Small business, a commitment to community, local issues and a doer, delivering. And I guess that’s sort of the mantra of the National Party.
As I arrived in Devonport early this morning, I was talking to my taxi driver on the way in and said: “you know, so what’s this Senator Martin sort of like?” And she was absolutely emphatic about your role, just as a councillor, as a local leader; your time as Mayor. That when you arrived, things started to happen, that you’re a doer and that you’re committed to delivering, and I guess that’s what we want to achieve. And we do share a love of AFL, so I think lots of our conversations around sport and the power it can bring to communities are something I’m really looking forward to working with you on. But welcome, Senator Martin, can’t wait to get you back to the party room this afternoon.
Question:
How long have you been negotiating with The Nationals to join the party?
Steve Martin:
Well, I haven’t been negotiating with the National Party, there’s no deal here. I’ve just felt drawn towards the National Party because of their representation in rural and regional Australia, and that really fits with Tasmania. And now, I think that I fit The Nationals.
Question:
So The Nationals have made no commitments in terms of you actually joining?
Steve Martin:
None whatsoever, but I would hope that I get their number one on their election paper.
Question:
You’ve just been likened to a Tasmanian tiger but the National Party doesn’t exactly have much presence here in Tasmania. Are you worried you’ll be politically extinct?
Steve Martin:
Well no, not really. I think this is a great step forward and it’s going to be an adventure. It’s going to be exciting and I feel quite privileged and humbled to be part, now, of a team that represents rural and regional Australia and Tasmania.
Question:
How do you think the Jacquie Lambie Network voters will feel about this?
Steve Martin:
Well I’m here now as a Senator, a National Senator, for Tasmania. That’s what I’ll be concentrating on, and that’s about representing Tasmanians and getting the best outcomes.
Question:
How will the Senate ticket look at the next election? Is it your anticipation to be lumped in with the Liberals?
Steve Martin:
Well, that’ll be a matter for the party organisation itself, so I don’t want to get too far ahead of myself.
Question:
What would you like to see, though? Obviously, would you like to be going up against the likes of Senator Jonathon Duniam and Richard Colbeck?
Steve Martin:
Well, I know that Richard Colbeck will be up at the next election, so we work with a Coalition so that’s what we’ll be doing leading up to that as well.
Question:
What drew you to the National Party?
Steve Martin:
Sorry?
Question:
What drew you to the National Party?
Steve Martin:
Well, I think the representation of rural and regional Australia, and just the teamwork and the care for the land, for water and for people. And I think that’s what Tasmania’s all about, and I think it’s a good thing.
Question:
You were elected basically on a recount of votes, mostly for Jacquie Lambie, and voters would have known she was mostly a thorn in the Government’s side. What do you think those voters would think now that you’re sitting with the Government?
Steve Martin:
Well, the pretence that I’ve joined the JLN was that I’m independent and I’ll cross the floor on any issue that I wish to, and the recount; well, that’s just part of life. Unfortunate for the JLN, but here I am, large as life. Very proud to be here and having scored some very important projects for Tasmania and that’s where I’m looking forward to go and working hard again.
Question:
Is today’s announcement a sign of you seeing the writing on the wall, that Jacquie Lambie’s going to contest the next Senate election and that she’ll likely get in over the top of you, and but having party support may push you over the line?
Steve Martin:
I’m here to represent Tasmania, to get the best outcomes for Tasmania. I’m putting my best foot forward. I’ve been Mayor of Devonport for the past seven years and I think I can put my record on that and the living city project, $250 million; that’s a great project to put Devonport on the map and create jobs for the future.
Question:
But given you didn’t make the last election, do you think having support of the National Party behind you will see you elected?
Steve Martin:
Support from anybody would be helpful to get elected, so I’m very pleased and proud to be the first National Senator for Tasmania.
Bridget McKenzie:
Hear, hear.
Michael McCormack:
We’re very proud to have you.
Question:
Do you know if The Nationals will be running a candidate in the Braddon by-election?
Steve Martin:
Well, that will be up to the party, and I’m here for me at the moment. So …
Question:
What can The Nationals do for Tasmania that the Liberals can’t?
Steve Martin:
Well, I think Nationals have a record of looking after regional and rural communities and looking after the people in it. They’ve certainly got background in agriculture, and with horticulture and aquaculture being very important in Tasmania, we’re certainly looking at building upon those industries and getting the best outcomes we can.
Question:
Do you know if The Nationals intend to expand their presence in Tasmania at the next federal election, or try to expand it?
Steve Martin:
Well, this is about becoming the first Nationals’ Senator today. And look, the future; who knows where that will lead, but we’re putting our best foot forward.
Question:
Do you think The Nationals actually have a strong enough presence in Tasmania? Do you think people are going to recognise The Nationals brand politically?
Steve Martin:
Look, I think Tasmanians and Tasmania itself is rural and regional, and if The Nationals’ presence in the rest of the nation is an example of what can be achieved, I think we’ll certainly get support from the people of Tasmania.
Question:
You don’t think it’ll be perceived as a mainland party?
Steve Martin:
No, I don’t think so. I think Tasmania is rural and regional; it’s been treated like that for a very long time, and recognised as that. And I think this is a great opportunity of getting their voices heard in Canberra from a Nationals’ side.
Question:
What issues do you expect to be raised in the party room meeting that you’ll be part of this afternoon?
Steve Martin:
Well, I don’t know until I get there.
Michael McCormack:
The fact that you’ve just joined us would be a good start.
Bridget McKenzie:
I think that would be a good topic.
Question:
Do you have anything you’re going to raise?
Steve Martin:
Well, no. Look, I’ve been very cautious in getting into the Senate. Certainly, I have issues that I’d like to bring up, and that was to do with my first speech. It’s about child literacy, it’s about agriculture, it’s about small business and it’s about getting the best outcomes for Tasmania, and that’s what I’m here for.
Question:
How do you feel that you’re going to be constrained by party lines now? Before, you were an independent and you could essentially say whatever you wanted.
Steve Martin:
Well, being a backbencher, I still have the opportunity to cross the floor if I’m passionate or I think the issue is important enough that I actually do that, and I’ll be standing by that. And, you know, if it does come to that, I’ll be crossing the floor.
Question:
What issues are you willing to cross the floor on?
Question:
So you’re willing to defy party policy?
Steve Martin:
No, I don’t think it’s against party policy. I think there’s a history of that, and if I’m passionate enough about an issue and I can’t convince the party, well the option is I can cross the floor.
Question:
The former Nationals’ leader who had a history of crossing the floor is allegedly going to be paid for a commercial TV interview. Do you have an opinion on that?
Steve Martin:
No.
Journalist:
Will you run for a position in the Government?
Steve Martin:
No. I’ve just been… [Laughs] become a National Senator! Let’s take baby steps first and see what the future brings. It’s a matter of working the best I can up to the next election so it’s about getting out and meeting people and talking about their issues and brining them to the party room.
Question:
And what do you think Jacqui Lambie would personally think of this?
Steve Martin:
I’m not sure what Jacqui thinks.
Question:
Why did you go with The Nationals over the Liberals?
Steve Martin:
Look, I think I’m a better fit for The Nationals. I come from a regional, rural town, and now a city. Being a mayor of that city certainly gives you a background, an appreciation of how important it is to have that representation, especially at a federal level.
Question:
Did the Liberal Party approach you? You have been a regular at Liberal Party press conferences during the Braddon campaign trail. Did you approach them or did they approach you?
Steve Martin:
No, the Liberals haven’t approached me, and whilst I was out with the Liberals, it was about announcing some wins that I actually got for Tasmania, including the shared pathway at Cradle Mountain, and of course, export for onions and seed potatoes.
Question:
So at no stage there were there any talks or discussions between yourself and the Liberal Party?
Steve Martin:
Oh look, no. Nothing positive in regards to that that you can hang your hat on. They would always say come with us and a bit of banter but nothing concrete.
Question:
Have you already told the Liberals that you’re joining the National Party?
Steve Martin:
No.
Question:
Where do you stand on the Turnbull Government’s company tax cuts?
Steve Martin:
Well, from the outset I’ve said that I support the company tax cuts.
I believe that our first thing should be, importantly enough, is to save the jobs that we already have. If we can build on that foundation and create more jobs, that’s great, but we’ve got manufacturing here that have gone offshore because we’ve been non-competitive with wages.
And now to be non-competitive with company tax internationally, I think that puts jobs at risk. So that was my stance from the beginning.
Question:
The Nationals have strongly pushed for the royal commission into the financial industry. Will you be pushing for that royal commission to be extended and the funding increased for it?
Steve Martin:
I’m not right across all the issues that The Nationals have been doing. I’ve been there as a ...
Michael McCormack:
Five minutes.
Steve Martin:
[Laughs] Yeah, five minutes!
So there’s a lot to catch up on. I was trying to learn all about the Senate but now I’ve got to learn a little bit more about what’s going on in the National Party.
Question:
Just with these tax cuts, Bill Shorten this morning said that if we didn’t have these tax cuts we could spend more on health, more on education. As your time as mayor and leading into the Senate, you pushed a lot for health funding, particularly for the Mersey. If we got rid of these tax cuts, wouldn’t that mean more money for health?
Steve Martin:
You can look at both sides of the ledger if you wish to. The thing about company tax cuts is to get people into a job, put food on the table and to get better health and wellbeing outcomes. It’s preventative, if you want to go down that line, that I’m looking at, and if we can create better choices for people and their families and their children, we’ll have better, healthier, active communities.
Question:
Mr McCormack, can we grab you for a couple of questions since you are the Leader?
Michael McCormack:
Sure.
Question:
Tasmania’s always seemed like a natural fit for The Nationals. Are you now planning to try to expand your presence, run candidates at the next federal election here?
Michael McCormack:
Senator Martin’s just made the comment that, you know, baby steps. But from little things big things grow, so we’ve always seen Tasmania, just like any State, is an opportunity for the National Party to grow our brand.
But more importantly, to represent those people who don’t have National Party representation at the moment. As Senator Martin’s just said, the National Party are in there for rural and regional Australia. That’s the sole focus. Of course, in the national interest, but representing the needs and wants and demands and expectations of rural and regional Australians – that’s what we’re about.
We’ve made a great announcement today, an historic announcement getting Senator Martin on board. He’s a good fit for the National Party. We are a good fit for him and we look forward to working with him as part of the team in the future.
Question:
The Liberals lost all their electorates in the last election. Do you think The Nationals can win those back?
Michael McCormack:
I’ve been out campaigning with Brett Whiteley this morning and certainly with Richard Colbeck as well. I think Brett Whiteley is an outstanding advocate for the seat of Braddon. I hope he wins the seat of Braddon. I’ve worked with him in the past. I look forward to working with him in the future because only Braddon can go forward with a member like Brett Whiteley – a Coalition member – who can have that influence on Ministers, on delivery, on outcomes for Braddon and for the people of Braddon.
And I’ve been out with him this morning, seeing what we can do as far as the Roads of Strategic Importance for the Bass Highway. They’re important infrastructure outcomes that the people of Braddon need, and only too happy to stand beside Brett Whiteley this morning and I’ll be only too happy to stand beside him in the future.
[Inaudible]
Michael McCormack:
I heard about three questions then at once. I’ll go with you.
Question:
Should Barnaby Joyce be accepting money to do interviews?
Michael McCormack:
That’s a personal matter for Barnaby. I’m focused on representing the needs of regional Australians. That’s what I’m doing. I’m out talking to regional Australians about what they hope for the Government to be doing. More importantly, listening to them. More importantly, listening to what they want us to do, and look, I’m delighted that the recent Budget had so many good announcements for regional Australia. So I’m out selling the Budget. I’m out here talking with people like the former Devonport mayor here. What a fantastic addition that is to the National Party.
Question:
Barnaby’s selling interviews. Do you think that’s appropriate?
Michael McCormack:
Well again, I say it’s a personal matter for Barnaby. He’s made that decision. I’m there representing the interests of regional Australians and talking to them and listening to them about the Budget and about their needs and wants.
Question:
How will the Senate ticket at the next election be formulated? Will The Nationals be competing against Liberals or will it be a unity ticket?
Michael McCormack:
That’s a matter for the party organisation.
Question:
How would you like to see it though?
Michael McCormack:
Well, that’s a matter for the party organisation.
I’m the Leader of the National Party, the leader of the parliamentary party. My main focus today is on selling the Budget, on welcoming a fantastic new Senator to the already fantastic Senate team.
We’re delighted that we’ve extended our numbers and I can’t wait to get back to the party room to hear the rousing cheer as Steve Martin walks into our party room, sits down and then starts talking about the sorts of things that are important to regional Tasmanians. It’s been a while since our party room has actually heard those sorts of messages.
Question:
Won’t the Barnaby Joyce latest antics be a distraction at that party room meeting?
Michael McCormack:
I wouldn’t think so, no.
Thanks.