E&OE TRANSCRIPT
Topics: Matildas’ Samantha Kerr court case; US tariffs; NSW Transport Minister Jo Haylen’s use of Ministerial driver.
KARL STEFANOVIC, HOST: Joining us to discuss today's headlines is Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie and Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth in Canberra. Big day in Parliament, back today. But Bridget, first up, that's certainly some choice language from the Matildas star. We've all been there, haven't we?
BRIDGET MCKENZIE, NATIONALS SENATOR: In jail? Disrespecting police officers? Not all of us, Karl. Obviously, Sam is going through proceedings overseas and we’ll wait to see the outcome of those proceedings. But I guess all of us in the public eye have to be aware that the camera is always on us.
KARL STEFANOVIC, HOST: Amanda, she's a remarkable athlete and an inspiration to so many young girls. An example. She's paid well. And has a responsibility. Do we cut her a break?
AMANDA RISHWORTH, MINISTER FOR SOCIAL SERVICES: I would say that Sam Kerr is a well-loved member of the Matildas and obviously this is going through court. But when you are in the public eye, you do have to be cautious. And I think everyone's got to remember whether you're a sports person, a politician, a high-profile person, you are a role model. And it's important to keep that in the back of your mind.
KARL STEFANOVIC: All right, moving on. Canberra is back in full swing this morning. I can smell the Dencorub in the air. Parliament obviously has a lot to deal with. The threat of Trump's tariffs high up on the agenda, I'm sure. Certainly, in the back corridors or at least out the front as well. Amanda, NSW Premier Chris Minns has also warned jobs are on the line with all this. Malcolm Turnbull says the only way is to stand up to Donald Trump. Ruddy got his sauce bottle ready?
AMANDA RISHWORTH: I know that not only does our Ambassador to the US, but our Prime Minister, our Foreign Minister, our Trade Minister, are putting forward our case to the American administration about what the mutually beneficial arrangements are of our free trade agreement with the US. We've been working, and we'll continue to work very hard to show why Australia is in a unique position. Of course, America benefits as well from our free trade arrangements, as does Australian exports. So, we'll keep putting that strong case forward and making sure that we're representing our national interest.
KARL STEFANOVIC: There are plenty of flow on effects regardless. So even if China is hit with big tariffs, the argument is that we'll get a whole bunch of cheaper Chinese exports lobbing on our shore. So, the flow on effects are very real. Bridget, former PM Malcolm Turnbull has urged the PM to show some courage, as I mentioned, to stand up to President Trump. But is that really going to happen?
BRIDGET MCKENZIE: Well you’d hope so, Karl. America is our third largest trading partner. They sell more to us than we do to them. But these tariff issues, particularly on aluminium and steel, are potentially going to have flow on impact for us. And it's a real test for Ambassador Rudd, for Penny Wong, for our Trade Minister, to see that they can make sure that our national interest is upheld. America is our largest investor, so this is a serious issue. I don't think the Prime Minister has a lot of faith in Ambassador Rudd. He's had to dispatch Deputy Prime Minister Marles off on a rescue mission to the US I think in coming days. So that really says a lot about where the PM thinks Ambassador Rudd, the esteem he's held in the US administration.
KARL STEFANOVIC: It may just be Richard Marles’ portfolio as well. In other news, NSW Transport Minister Jo Haylen’s job is also on the line this week after revelations of taxpayer-funded personal car trips have emerged. This includes a long lunch in the Hunter Valley and a weekend sports run for her children. Amanda, nothing drives taxpayers more nuts than this. Have you used the Comcar to pick up the kids before?
AMANDA RISHWORTH: No, I haven't. And the rules are different in NSW and in the Commonwealth. These were changed in 2017 after there was the scandal that Sussan Ley found herself in, visiting investment properties. So, the rules were changed back then. This just doesn't pass the pub test. And you know, I note she's apologised, but it does rightly so annoy people.
KARL STEFANOVIC: Should she be sacked?
AMANDA RISHWORTH: That is a matter for the Premier of NSW. I don't pretend to be the Premier of NSW for good reason. I'm a proud South Australian. But look, that's a matter for him. But it is important that we keep faith as politicians with taxpayers and use their money wisely.
KARL STEFANOVIC: Bridget, any weekend chauffeur trips for you to a winery to report?
BRIDGET MCKENZIE: Well, the rules are different and I'm not aware of the NSW rule. But the point is, when you breach Ministerial standards under the Westminster system, you should resign. It is actually about keeping faith and trust with the Australian public. And if she has breached the Ministerial Code in NSW, then she should. It's an immense privilege to serve the public as we do, and we need to take all the supports that are given to us to help us do that, to use them wisely and efficiently.
KARL STEFANOVIC: Well, I hope everyone in Canberra is a clean skin. That's all I can hope for after all that. Thanks very much, ladies.