TRANSCRIPT: O’HERNS ROAD UPGRADE DOORSTOP, 20 September 2019
E&OE
Subjects: O’Herns Road Upgrade; infrastructure projects; climate change rally; Drought Envoy; Family Law Inquiry
JACINTA ALLAN:
Okay. It’s great to be here at the intersection, the future intersection of O’Herns Road and the Hume Freeway with Acting Prime Minister Michael McCormack who’s also- is the Infrastructure and Transport Minister, to talk about [inaudible] infrastructure project, another transforming infrastructure project that the Federal and the Victorian Governments are getting on and delivering for the Victorian community. And there’s a whole range of projects underway right across Victoria right now and we’ve been working on many of those with the Federal Government, particularly since the most recent federal election. And we’ve got about a $70 billion pipeline of transport infrastructure projects underway in Victoria right now, big projects like Metro Tunnel, North East Link and West Gate Tunnel.
But also too, we’ve got a really keen eye on investment in [inaudible] … the suburban road networks, roads that people use every single day whether it’s to drop the kids to school, to get to work, to get to those- to get to jobs and those important medical appointments. We’ve got a really strong focus on supporting the suburban road network and particularly here in the north of the city, one of Australia’s fastest growing communities. We’re significantly investing in northern Melbourne suburban roads and that’s why we’re really pleased to be here today to mark the start of stage two of the O’Herns Road Upgrade Project. It’s $103 million project that’s all about getting a better connection from O’Herns Road onto the Hume Freeway, with construction of a new interchange here with on and off roads, adding lanes on the Hume Freeway as well, is all about reducing congestion, improving travel times and getting people home safer and sooner. So we’re marking here today that work is going to start on this big project that’s jointly supported by the federal and state governments. And construction will be underway over the next couple of years and the projects due to be finished in [inaudible]… It’s just one example of many the Andrews Labor Government is making in regional and suburban roads, on suburban road [indistinct]… around $4 million. Much of that is also in partnership with the Federal Government, it’s part of our determination to get on and deliver important upgrades and transport connections because we know it’s important to keep up with our growth and create jobs, and it’s also about getting people home safer and sooner.
Now happy to ask Michael to add to those comments.
MICHAEL MCCORMACK:
Well thank you acting Premier Jacinta Allan. And this project goes to show what can be done and what is being done when you’ve got a Federal Government working in close cooperation and collaboration with a State Government. And I’m very pleased to stand here beside Jacinta Allan for this important project. When it comes to interchanges, diamonds are a commuters’ best friend. This diamond interchange is going to make such a difference in the lives of those people in Epping and North Epping, and the suburbs all around. This is, as Jacinta Allan has just said, going to get the people home sooner and safer. Also get tradies to where they need to be in faster time because time is money. And when we’ve got a better road network, suburban, regional, metropolitan, it just makes good sense. It makes for more freight efficiencies and as Owen Cavanough has said, from Victorian VEC, one of the proponents and the company that’s actually delivering, going to deliver this project. He said that this is going to take a number of big trucks, big heavy haulage trucks, indeed quarry trucks, off the local road system. So that’s going to make it safer for school buses, safer for parents ferrying their kids to and from school, as Jacinta Allan has also indicated. Safer all around. We take the mix of big trucks away from smaller cars and vehicles and it just makes good sense.
This is a good project. That’s why the Federal Government is partnering with the Victorian Government, delighted to do this sort of thing with the Victorian Government. I know that the Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who’s in the United States at the moment, and Daniel Andrews, who’s also interstate at the moment, mentioned and stood beside the Monash Freeway the other day, bringing that project forward, bringing these important infrastructure projects forward. And where we can, we are very, very happy to partner with the Victorian Government to build the sort of infrastructure that Victorians need, want, expect and most of all, deserve.
JOURNALIST:
Minister, is there anything new you’re telling us today?
MICHAEL MCCORMACK:
Well, we’re announcing this project. We’re announcing the start of this important project and as Jacinta Allan has said, it’s more than $100 million. It’s going to create jobs. It’s going to create safer travel options for locals and indeed, visitors alike. This is an important announcement because it shows that once again, the Victorian and the Federal Governments, a Labor State Government, the Federal Liberal-Nationals Government, partnering up to build better infrastructure.
JOURNALIST:
It’s not an announcement though, is it? We already knew about this.
MICHAEL MCCORMACK:
Well, sure. But we’re getting on and we’re doing things and-
JOURNALIST:
[Interrupts] [Inaudible]…
MICHAEL MCCORMACK:
Well, again, we’re getting on and we’re doing things and people would expect these sorts of announcements to be made, these sorts of projects to start. Looking forward to getting- seeing shovels in the ground and excavators moving dirt around. And as we’ve heard, it’s going to be expected, weather permitting, to be finished by July 2021. Happy to stand in a hard hat and a hi-vis anywhere with Jacinta to make sure. And look, there’s another sound of approval from a very pleased truckie because that truck driver knows, he or she knows, that the Victorian and the Federal Governments are getting on and building better infrastructure.
JOURNALIST:
A lot of federal politicians appear in Melbourne, grand finals time. Are you going along to the MCG tonight?
MICHAEL MCCORMACK:
No, I’m actually going home tonight. I’m going to the Housing Industry Association Annual Awards Night in Wagga Wagga, my hometown. Very much looking forward to it. And then going to Darwin tomorrow. So I’ll be anywhere other than the footy finals this weekend. But if you’re after my tips, then I think it may well be a Richmond-Collingwood grand final and I hope that’s not putting the mocker on either clubs.
JOURNALIST:
We have a big rally in Melbourne today for climate change. State public servants are being told they [inaudible]… What’s your message to the federal public servants [indistinct] attending the rally?
MICHAEL MCCORMACK:
Well, I think these sorts of rallies should be held on a weekend and where it doesn’t actually disrupt business, it doesn’t disrupt schools, it doesn’t disrupt universities. They should hold these sorts of rallies and people are free to speak their mind, but these sorts of protests should be held on a weekend, when people are free to go there. I think it’s just a disruption.
JOURNALIST:
What’s your message to the students who say that your government isn’t doing enough?
MICHAEL MCCORMACK:
Well the Government is very much doing enough. We’ve got significant spend, just in last year- just in this year’s Budget indeed, April 2nd budget, we put a significant amount of money down towards sensible, pragmatic, practical climate solutions. We will meet and moreover beat our Paris international targets. We’re doing that in a sensible way such that we don’t deindustrialise the nation. We’re doing it in such a sensible way that we’re not going to ensure that manufacturing goes offshore. And we’re doing it in a such a sensible way that we’re going to keep jobs in Australia. The fact is we need to work practically on climate and we are.
JOURNALIST
What about- a similar question, I guess, to public servants. But when it comes to school kids, should they be staying in schools today instead coming [indistinct]?
MICHAEL MCCORMACK:
[Talks over] I believe they’d learn more at school than they would protesting.
JOURNALIST:
Minister McCormack, Barnaby Joyce [inaudible]... Was it a waste of time?
MICHAEL MCCORMACK:
Barnaby Joyce did his job as the Drought Envoy because he went out to communities, he listened to them and he provided feedback to Cabinet as he was tasked to do. Barnaby Joyce went out, told people their options, listened to their stories. Some of them very, very heart-rending stories. Of course, his own New England electorate is the epicentre of this drought. So he, along with every other drought-affected Member of Parliament, understands full well how bad this drought is and his advice was very helpful to Cabinet to form better policy to make sure that we can continue to address the drought and continue to stand side by side with not just our farmers, but also our rural communities.
JOURNALIST:
[Inaudible question]
MICHAEL MCCORMACK:
Sorry. Can you start that question again?
JOURNALIST:
Given he’s arguably more popular than you with the voters, was the job that was created to try and rally up Nats’ support in the lead up to the election?
MICHAEL MCCORMACK:
Well, I led the Nationals to a very, very comprehensive victory with the Liberals at the federal election. We retained each and every one of our 16 Lower House seats. I think that’s an endorsement of my leadership and what the Nationals have indeed to offer for rural and regional people.
JOURNALIST:
[Inaudible question]
MICHAEL MCCORMACK:
Sorry?
JOURNALIST:
Was the job just created to help people [inaudible]?
MICHAEL MCCORMACK:
No. It was made because Barnaby obviously has been a spokesperson for rural and regional policy for many, many years, both in Parliament and even before when he was an accountant at St George in Queensland. The fact is his advice was invaluable to help Cabinet form the policies and the right support for farmers at the right time. Unfortunately, the drought continues and we’ll continue to monitor the drought, to continue to provide the right support, the right measures of policies, to help farmers through. We can’t make it rain but what we can do is listen to those farmers through people such as Barnaby, through people such as Major General Stephen Day, and provide the right, necessary report- support.
JOURNALIST:
Do you think the drought-affected communities are disappointed though that they didn’t get a report after nine months?
MICHAEL MCCORMACK:
Drought communities are disappointed it’s not raining. That’s the biggest thing. I’ve spoken to farmers this morning on the way to this location, and they just need it to rain. That’s why we’re putting in place a dams infrastructure package. Indeed, we’re supporting our farmers in this way. We want to make sure we build the right infrastructure in the right catchments to ensure that we further drought-proof our nation. And that’s why we’re investing so heavily in the National Water Grid Authority. That’s why we’re heavily investing in the National Water Infrastructure Development Fund. I want to build the dams to help drought-proof our nation. And of course David Littleproud is standing by our farmers as the first dedicated Drought Minister sitting around the Cabinet table making sure that their voices are heard and making sure that the government is responding accordingly.
JOURNALIST:
Do you agree with Pauline Hanson’s theory that women are making up domestic violence complaints against their partners just to finish them?
MICHAEL MCCORMACK:
No, I don’t.
JOURNALIST:
Earlier this week you said environmental impact studies take up a lot of work. There’s a new report out today that’s saying big bird populations [indistinct]. Do you stand by those comments [indistinct]?
MICHAEL MCCORMACK:
Well what I think we should do with major projects is to make sure that once we’ve held an environmental impact statement and once everybody’s agreed on what impacts there is on a particular locality, that we then get on and put shovels in the ground and build. That’s what the community expects us to do. That’s what people want us to do. And so whether we’re building a road, whether we’re building a mine, whether we’re building a railway line, whether we’re building a port, whatever the case might be, once the EIS has been approved by the relevant local and state and federal authorities and experts, we should just get on and build it. That was the point I was making. I stand by those remarks, and that’s the sensible and practical way forward.
JOURNALIST:
Do you think it’s appropriate for Pauline Hanson as deputy chair of the inquiry [indistinct]?
MICHAEL MCCORMACK:
What I think we are doing, and what I know that we’re doing with this important inquiry is making sure that the people who have been affected for way too long- it’s been too long since we’ve had an inquiry into family law. I know that the- every picture tells [inaudible] my predecessor as Member for Riverina. That report was handed down in 2003. So it’s been 16 years since we’ve done a real deep dive into this important social issue. And of course, there are more marriage breakdowns now than what there were back in 2003. I know that Kevin Andrews is going to be a very good chair. It is- this inquiry is going to be done in a bipartisan way. Pauline Hanson has shown that she’s very committed to making sure that we get the right outcomes. We’ll of course have Liberal members, we’ll have National Party members, we’ll have cross-bench members as with Pauline Hanson, we’ll have Labor members on this inquiry. And I look forward to hearing what the recommendations are. I think it’s important that we all take a deep breath, that we don’t say things that could prejudice the inquiry in any way, and hear from the people really affected by this social- well, it’s a social disaster really. And what we want to do is make sure [audio skip] particularly for children, particularly for children, because they’re the ones most affected when there is- way too long, the courts are taking to make decisions. They’re the ones who are most affected when there is a marriage breakup, and we want to make sure that they are number one. We want to make sure that couples can work their problems out with the sort of right advice that they will get from this inquiry and its recommendations.
JOURNALIST:
But Minister McCormack, [indistinct] the question I asked, do you think it’s appropriate if she’s deputy chair of the inquiry?
MICHAEL MCCORMACK:
Yes, I do. I have every faith she’ll do a good job.
JOURNALIST:
It’s when you say take a deep breath, not [inaudible] the inquiry, is that directed …
MICHAEL MCCORMACK:
[Interrupts] I think that’s for everybody. I think that’s for politicians, I think that’s for media commentary. I think let’s see, let’s get the terms of reference for this inquiry, let’s get the full panel members and then let’s hear from those people who have something to say. Domestic violence victims, people who are experts in this field, parents who’ve suffered a breakdown. Indeed, let’s take some [audio skip] from young people who have also been affected by marriage breakdown. Let’s see how we can improve family law. Let’s see- and I know that the Attorney General Christian Porter is very committed to making sure we get the very best of outcomes. I know the Prime Minister has had a lot to say in this area and it’s something that is deeply, deeply close to him. I know he wants, as the Prime Minister of this country, to get the best outcomes from this important inquiry.
JOURNALIST:
What can you say about reports today AFP are in Afghanistan investigating war crimes?
MICHAEL MCCORMACK:
I think that’s for the AFP of course, make their determinations and make their investigations in the appropriate way. They’ve obviously investigating something that has been alleged, and until they come up with something then that is the appropriate course of action. They’re investigating, as they should and as they’ve been tasked, something that has come up and let’s see what outcome comes from that.
JOURNALIST:
My understanding is [indistinct] do you know any more information about that?
MICHAEL MCCORMACK:
Well again, everybody’s innocent until proven otherwise. But we all know that any crimes against children in this sort of manner are abhorrent. But of course, everybody’s entitled to their innocence until proven otherwise and we’ll see what comes of it.
JOURNALIST:
Minister, can we …
JACINTA ALLEN:
Hello, James, how are you?
JOURNALIST:
I’m well, thank you for stepping up.
JACINTA ALLEN:
My pleasure.
JOURNALIST:
Should state school kids be leaving school this afternoon to go to this rally?
JACINTA ALLEN:
Well look, there’s- sorry, frog in my throat. Look, there’s obviously- many people are going to be attending the rally today, and my view, I think the view of the Victorian Government that’s been made clear by the Premier is it’s up to individuals who chose to [inaudible]… protest on any given issue, and it’s up to those individuals as to whether they participate or not.
JOURNALIST:
So you wouldn’t expect schools to take some sort of action against- I mean, wagging used to get a detention way back when I was at school.
JACINTA ALLAN:
What are you revealing about yourself there, James?
JOURNALIST:
Oh, bits and pieces. [Indistinct] is there a punishment or not?
JACINTA ALLAN:
Well, I think these matters are best dealt with at the individual school level. [Inaudible]… primary school age children, they’re right now learning about the environment, about the impact of changing weather patterns and the impact on the local communities. I think it’s appropriate that the schools to be engaged in these public debates, engaged in these public conversations, and it’s up to [inaudible]… school communities and the families that the support those school communities how each school handles these issues. I think it’s entirely okay for kids to have their [inaudible]… public debate.
JOURNALIST:
[Inaudible question]
JACINTA ALLAN:
Well, they don’t have far many [inaudible]… from the relevant authorities. I think my personal views of these matters for this and these events are horrid, that’s my personal view. But in terms of any further action that the Victorian Government may or may not take [indistinct] advice from relevant authorities on that.
JOURNALIST:
[Inaudible question]
JACINTA ALLAN:
That is- in terms of [indistinct] that’s absolutely a matter for the Commonwealth. What we’d be doing in Victoria is we obviously take these matters [inaudible]… working very closely with our ally doing our parts. There’s also responsibility on all of us to, I think, speak out and speak against the sort of horrid behaviour that in terms of [inaudible]…
MICHAEL MCCORMACK:
Thank you [indistinct]. Fact is, groups, many groups, it doesn’t matter what sort of groups, if they’re white supremacists or of course if they are making threats against people’s lives, undertaking cyber activity that is contrary to national interest then, yes. ASIO gave [indistinct] organisations the will for a crackdown, as they should.
JOURNALIST:
Should that be on the terror list, [inaudible]…?
MICHAEL MCCORMACK:
Of course that is a matter to determine exactly what sort of threats they are making against society, and what sort of activities they are up to, what sort of activity their members are up to. Fact is, we do a very good and responsible thing. And as far as deterring, the Home Affairs Department does through ASIO, through its various agencies, to deter and to prevent terrorist activity in Australia. And that will continue.
JOURNALIST:
Their members have committed a massacre overseas. [Indistinct] atrocious acts of violence overseas, but they’re [indistinct] together here.
MICHAEL MCCORMACK:
Well, you know, fact is some people like to become members of groups not because they want to commit terrorist attacks, but because they want to do a Facebook status or a social media status. And provide that they haven’t shown that they are engaging in activities that are going to affect Australians in that way that you described, then, you know, we continue to monitor their activities, but again, I say it’s a matter for the various authorities. It’s a matter for the AFP, ASIO, and I know they do a power of good. I know the cyber activity funding has gone considerably up in the last budget, and I know that the Government’s first priority is always the safety of the [indistinct] Australians, here and abroad.
JOURNALIST:
[Inaudible]… just a question about regional [inaudible]… throw their support behind the green route [inaudible]… do you have any plans?
JACINTA ALLAN:
Green route?
JOURNALIST:
Yes, the green road with local councils, yeah. Does the state government have any plans to change the route?
JACINTA ALLAN:
Well look, some time ago the Victorian Government with the New South Wales Government and relevant authorities went through an extensive planning process that included consultation with the local community about the [inaudible]… bridge. Obviously it’s [inaudible]… river comprising of [inaudible]… we’ll continue to work on that process, there’s still a little bit of a way to go on that. And we’ll be talking to [indistinct] as well on the [indistinct] because he’s part of that overall investment, particularly in regional areas and we’re working on- in regional Victoria.
JOURNALIST:
[Inaudible]… pay rise next year, and is it fair?
JACINTA ALLAN:
Well, [indistinct] around state government members of Parliaments’ pay have been well ventilated this week, [indistinct] if you know the answer that the MPs’ salaries are going up over the course of this year and into next year, it’s been well published.
JOURNALIST:
But is it fair?
JACINTA ALLAN:
Well look, I can appreciate the interest of commentary around this issue. We said some time ago [indistinct] Victorian Government for some time, and indeed the Victorian Parliament, in a legislation that passed through Victorian Government that the setting of members of Parliaments’ pay here in Victoria should be taken out of the hands of politicians, and placed into a very strict, independent process. And that’s exactly what’s happened in this case. It has come back with a determination. It’s clearly [indistinct] a lot of conversation, a lot of commentary. [Inaudible]… fair enough, we should be scrutinised on these matters. And as part of that scrutiny, the Victorian Parliament is determined that it was appropriate that these matters be placed in the hands of an independent process.
JOURNALIST:
In other words, [inaudible]…
JACINTA ALLAN:
Well look, I think it’s- having an independent process provides a very [inaudible]… for me and for the rest of Parliament to run a running commentary on the outcome of that. It’s gone through an extensive process, and involved- also too invited the Victorian community to have their say as well about the setting of [indistinct] salary. [Indistinct] accept and understand it, [indistinct] scrutiny, and I want members of Parliament [inaudible]… as is also absolutely appropriate that we should all be setting our own [inaudible]…