TRANSCRIPT: WILLAWARRIN PRESS CONFERENCE, 24 November 2019
E&OE
WITH: MR PAT CONAGHAN MP, MEMBER FOR COWPER
Subjects: Bushfire Response, Financial Assistance, Drought Support, China-Australia matters.
PAT CONAGHAN:
All right. Well thank you, everyone, for coming here today. Firstly, I'd just like to say our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Barry Parsons, a Willawarrin man who sadly lost his life in the recent fires. And I'd also like to say our thoughts and prayers for all those people who have been affected by the fires and lost property. And just to the community generally, I'd like to say a heartfelt thank you for what you have done for the people of Willawarrin and the people of Bellbrook and the people of Kempsey and the surrounds over the past three weeks. This has been the most incredible outpouring of community generosity – volunteers stepping up. Just your ordinary people trying in some way to help a community. And I've asked Mr McCormack, the Deputy Prime Minister, to come up here today to see the devastation that's happened, to actually feel what our community is feeling. And we've been talking almost every day about what's happening up here and that the community needs to be supported.
I have to commend the Kempsey Shire Council Mayor Liz Campbell, and also the General Manager Craig Milburn, for what they have done, the organisation that they have put in, and the community spirit that they have shown as well. So I thank the Kempsey Shire Council as well. But what we needed and what we continue to need is support from the State and Federal Government; to be shown that they're leading from the front; leadership so people know that they care, that the Federal Government and the State Government care, and that is exactly what is happening.
Today, there was a great announcement for not only our farmers but our local businesses that have been struggling, not just because of the drought but because of the fires, and the announcement today of just over $48 million to help our communities get back on their feet, to help them through the next period of time, to help our economy – our local economies – restart, re-kick has just been a wonderful thing. And I'd like to ask the Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack to go through what those measures are.
Thank you, Michael.
MICHAEL MCCORMACK:
Thanks Pat.
Certainly, that package is available today. It's been announced by David Littleproud, the Minister for Emergency and Disaster Management federally, and the premier Gladys Berejiklian; just over $48 million; $18.25 million of which is a community recovery fund. There'll also be $15,000 grants available under the Rural Assistance Authority. People can go to that website: www.raa.newsouthwales.gov.au, and see about their eligibility. We want that money to be rolling out to farmers and to small businesses. People have been very, very affected by these fires. And as you've just heard from Pat Conaghan, we've seen a lot of devastation. And ordinary people doing extraordinary things. People just like Ian Sheridan, where here on his property, there's not much left. There's absolutely nothing left. But Ian was off fighting fires as part of the Willawarrin Rural Bush Fire Brigade, helping out others; saving other people's properties while his own property was being destroyed. And that's the sort of spirit from this 74-year-old bloke, a real Australian, a great fella, who despite the fact that he's lost absolutely everything, he's chipper, he's upbeat, he’s looking forward to the future, and who puts it down to: well, that's just- these things happen, and I want to help others, I want to be there for others. And it's the spirit of this person, it’s the spirit of this community that really shines through in these darkest of times, in these most troubling of times and in these most devastating of times.
And Pat's right when he commends Kempsey Shire Mayor Liz Campbell and Craig Milburn, the Chief Executive Officer, for what they've done and for getting their people out to help and do what they can. The clean-up operation is going to take months. It's going to take years to get people's lives back together. The government, both at a federal level and state level, is very much – very much – caring and helping out and doing what we can. That's why we've announced this package of measures today. We'll go back to Canberra today and we'll obviously discuss what we can further do in the last two sitting weeks of Parliament. What we can further do to help these devastating bushfires. But for those people who've lost their homes, certainly make sure you get onto your insurance companies and see absolutely what you're eligible for. Certainly take advantage of that assistance that we've provided today as a Commonwealth and as a State Government and make sure that you just don't self-assess and shrug your shoulders and think that you can battle through. See what assistance is available and take advantage of it. For those people who've lost everything, we want to be there to help you. Kempsey Shire wants to be there to help you. Your community wants you to get back on your feet, and together, we will.
JOURNALIST:
When do you hope to get that money out into the hands of those people affected by fires?
MICHAEL MCCORMACK:
Well I know, if the Prime Minister has anything to do with this, that money will be out the door as quickly as possible. I saw him in action when we had the Northern Queensland flood situation and those cattle were- half a million cattle were destroyed and people's livelihoods were washed away in those devastating floods and storm that devastated Cloncurry and other areas at the top end. And that money went out the door within that week. And I'm sure he's made a commitment here and he's a man of his word, and I'm sure in partnership with the New South Wales Government we'll get the money out the door as quick as we can.
JOURNALIST:
Is it just farmers that are eligible?
MICHAEL MCCORMACK:
Farmers and small businesses, but we want to make sure that people who have lost their properties, they've had businesses, please don't self-assess, don't think that the assistance might be for someone else. Go onto that website: raa.nsw.gov.au, and see if you are eligible. Go through the website. There is also a number that people can call, but have a look at the website and see if you're eligible.
JOURNALIST:
Does it extend to beekeepers, et cetera, that have been hit in the region? Like, what's the definition of a primary producer?
MICHAEL MCCORMACK:
Well, a primary producer is somebody who, for their tax return, claims part of that which is their business for their tax purposes. And so certainly beekeepers, apiarists, may well be eligible. Anybody who earns money from an agricultural pursuit may well be eligible.
JOURNALIST:
And places like the Willawarrin pub, where you just where, would they be eligible?
MICHAEL MCCORMACK:
They're a small business and I would imagine that, yes, they would be eligible. But I urge and encourage them: raa.nsw.gov.au.
JOURNALIST:
What about not-for-profits, as well?
MICHAEL MCCORMACK:
Oh well, not-for-profits. No, I don't think not-for-profits would be eligible. But again, if there's somebody out there from a not-for-profit have a look at the website, see what eligibility status criteria that you fit into. But for not-for-profits there will be other assistance available. That's why there's also the 18 and a quarter million-dollar component as a community recovery fund. And they may well fall under that criteria.
JOURNALIST:
So even places like the pub, for example, that didn't burn down or, you know, suffer any loss in physical terms; they're still eligible?
MICHAEL MCCORMACK:
Well like I say, go onto the raa.nsw.gov.au website. Have a look. No, they didn't burn down, but they're certainly helping those people who did. They've got eight rooms. They've provided assistance. You know. And they're doing it freely and willingly. They're not asking anything in return. It's those sorts of organisations which, you know, they're the heartbeat, they're the soul of a community. They really get in and pitch in when the times are at their worst. And we thank them. They may well be eligible some assistance. There's more than just the package announced today available. I know David Littleproud and Gladys Berejiklian stood up today and announced this package but there is also other assistance available. Have a look to see what you are eligible for.
JOURNALIST:
And what can people hope to get? Like, what would be the maximum? I’m hearing [indistinct].
MICHAEL MCCORMACK:
[Interrupts] It’s up to $15,000.
JOURNALIST:
And do you think that cuts it in terms of what you just heard at the pub in terms of fence repairs and that kind of thing?
MICHAEL MCCORMACK:
Well it's a good start, and you know, it's going to be a difficult fire season. We'll continue to monitor the situation. It’s like the drought. It's never ever enough, but it's always- at least it’s a good start. It's something that will provide money on the table in the short term as people rebuild their lives. And some people are eligible for, obviously for insurance too if they've had their properties insured. Some people are obviously going to get assistance from other groups and other organisations. Indeed, family and friends. And we encourage them to make sure they go onto that website, see what Commonwealth and State assistance is available, and certainly make use of it.
JOURNALIST:
[Indistinct] hurricane victims up in Queensland are getting $25,000, and if that's the case, why aren't New South Wales eligible for the same amount?
MICHAEL MCCORMACK:
Well it depends. It depends on the devastation, of course. It depends on- and yes, we're here at a property where somebody’s lost everything. I appreciate that. I appreciate that Ian has lost everything he owns. And Ian will rebuild. He's got a great spirit. But there are different measures of different disasters. The Federal Government always stands ready at the state's request and behest, to provide the assistance that we're called upon to do so, and that's what we've done today.
JOURNALIST:
But is Queensland getting, you know, the hurricane [indistinct].
MICHAEL MCCORMACK:
Well, I'm not going to get into a situation where: somebody is getting more and why are we getting less? I mean, let's make sure that we help these people get through the devastating times that they're experiencing at the moment. We'll certainly continue to look at the situation and continue to act upon request, as asked for by the state and indeed by local governments.
JOURNALIST:
But is it true that they are [indistinct]?
MICHAEL MCCORMACK:
I'm not quite sure what level of assistance has been available. Of course, in that situation too there were a number of cattle which needed to be buried, and there was a lot greater expense for some of those communities than what we've got here. So it does depend on the level and the amount of damage caused. And whilst I appreciate the people around here have lost everything, have lost their lives – and in some cases they'll get their livelihoods, of course, back together – but the fact is we do measure these assistance measures on what the states actually ask us to do. That's what we've done. And certainly I would urge and encourage people to make sure that, you know, if they're rebuilding their homes, rebuilding their lives, rebuilding- getting back together, they look at that website and see about the eligibility that they're entitled to.
JOURNALIST:
What's the support for AMPs not on a large property?
MICHAEL MCCORMACK:
Oh well, I don’t want to go through a case-by-case situation. I've just met Ian. I've spoken to him. I know he's somebody who's been on the Willawarrin rural fire brigade for 30 years. So he's helped out others. He may well be insured. I'm not actually right across his individual circumstances, and that's why I say to people, I encourage them, it's just like the drought: don't self-assess. Make sure you go onto that website, have a look to see what you are available for, what you are eligible for, and certainly make sure you do it in- you know, I know there are still evacuation centres and that, and if you don't obviously have a computer somebody there will be able to help you.
I commend too, Optus for getting up here so quickly when the tower went down and when there was no mobile service. And the publican told me just how prompt Optus were, and I know other companies as well, but in this particular case giving out free phones with free credit on them to help people call their loved ones, to start to ring their insurance companies – to do all that sort of thing – that's the sort of commendable spirit that we need to see. And I did tell Ita Buttrose the other day that this – and I appreciate there's NBN and other outlets here – but this is when we see the ABC at its best. Certainly making sure that they keep people up-to-date. And the coverage by the ABC, and indeed other news organisations, has in fact saved people's lives. There's no question. It's made sure that people got out of a fire area where there was a dangerous firestorm just about to take its hold and its full effect, and that sort of coverage on the radio and using other means as well, has helped to save people's lives. It's going to be a long, hot summer. We appreciate that. Again, I urge and I encourage and implore people: please take the advice of authorities, please have a plan, and have a bag of clothes, have your medication in there, and if you're asked by authorities to leave then do so. And the other thing too, I think it's absolutely incumbent on authorities to make sure that everybody, both authorities and community people, look out for those people who would seek to do others harm by way of starting fires. And if you see somebody doing that: 1800 333 000. That's Crime Stoppers. Dob them in. That's what we don't want to see. Half of these fires caused in the last few weeks have been by little lucifers. Young people in particular, who have thought that it's a good thing to start a fire. Well that's going to cost people their lives. That's going to cost people all they own this summer, if that practice continues. So what we want to do is make sure that, for parents, make sure you know where your kids are and make sure you're monitoring them. Because what we don't want to see is little lucifers going around starting fires that’s going to cause devastation this summer. And if you see somebody doing something they shouldn't, ring Crime Stoppers.
JOURNALIST:
You touched on the drought earlier. The CWA of Australia flagged that the Federal Government, in September, that their disaster fund was down. And in New South Wales alone, up to $500,000, which means it's only four weeks left of disaster relief for drought-affected farmers. What’s the Government going to do, considering this institution is obviously playing a vital role for farmers and their household expenses?
MICHAEL MCCORMACK:
The Country Women's Association, Red Cross, Rotary and a number of those organisations are, and we thank them for what they’re doing. You know, they've done a mighty power of work. They know where people need the help. They know that people need the groceries and they do it in a very delicate and dignified way. We thank them for it. We're not going to leave farmers high and dry. We will continue, as we've done right throughout this devastating drought, to provide the assistance that we've been called upon to do so. And we will continue to do that and work closely in conjunction with organisations such as the CWA to provide the assistance where and when it's needed.
JOURNALIST:
They haven't heard back from you since September – from the Federal Government since September about this. And they’re down to the last four weeks [indistinct].
MICHAEL MCCORMACK:
Well I'll make sure that somebody from the Government contacts the head of CWA this week.
JOURNALIST:
And just on another matter: Liberal MP Andrew Hastie says an alleged Chinese spy should be granted asylum in Australia. Do you agree?
MICHAEL MCCORMACK:
Well we'll work through that process as we normally do. We don't comment on individual visa applications and cases for asylum. We’ll work through that – the normal processes and protocols.
JOURNALIST:
And Chinese authorities claim the man is a convicted fraudster. Is there any possibility he could be deported back to China?
MICHAEL MCCORMACK:
Well I’ll say again, we don't comment on individual cases but we’ll work through that as we normally and usually do.
JOURNALIST:
And a former intelligence agent claims Beijing ordered assassinations in Australia. How concerned are you about that?
MICHAEL MCCORMACK:
Well, Australia's got very strong foreign influence laws; very strong and very strident. The fact is, I appreciate these allegations are very disturbing. We're working through them. We don't comment on these sorts of cases individually, case by case. We'll work through it in a normal way, as we always do.
JOURNALIST:
And how tricky will it be to navigate this, considering Australia's relationship with China is already challenging?
MICHAEL MCCORMACK:
Australia's relationship with China is also strong inasmuch as they are our biggest trading partner. We need to have a strong relationship with China. We've got a relationship with all our trading partners, which at times can be robust. But the fact is, our farmers rely on the trade with China. We work through these cases that you've referred to. Yes, they are disturbing. Yes, the allegations are concerning. But we'll work through it as we always do. We've got a very strong foreign influence laws, and we'll make sure that what we do is certainly in the right and proper way, as we always do.
JOURNALIST:
And just finally, the Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese is calling for a bushfire COAG, where state and local government leaders can firm-up Australia's natural disaster preparedness. Are you supportive of the idea.
MICHAEL MCCORMACK:
Well I'm supportive of anything that helps bushfire victims. And that's what we've done as a very responsible government. We've made sure that we've worked with the governments in New South Wales, in Queensland and elsewhere – Western Australia, South Australia last week of course. And we will continue to do that. We will continue to do what's best for those people who've lost everything. In the case here, we understand of course one man, Barry Parsons, has lost his life. And of course, that is absolutely devastating for this community. I've spoken to a couple of Barry's neighbours this morning and you can just see in their eyes how devastated they are of that loss for this community, and for the nation. We don't want to see people losing their lives. We will do everything we can as a responsible government to make sure that we provide the assistance where and when needed throughout the summer, and of course the assistance right on the ground right here now. That's why I'm here. I'm here to observe for myself and to talk to people like Ian Sheridan, to take on board what Liz Campbell, the Mayor here, and others have to say; the advice from Pat Conaghan of course. We've been in daily contact ever since these fires started. We’re going back to Canberra this week. We'll be discussing obviously with Scott Morrison and others what we can do as further assistance is required. And, but you know, our thoughts and prayers, as Pat has said, are very much with the people who've lost everything, who’ve lost loved ones in particular. We'll get through this.
Thank you.