Doorstop interview - Cottesloe Beach Foreshore

SENATOR VARUN GHOSH, SENATOR FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA: Morning! It's a beautiful morning, and in this beautiful place, I acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land where we're meeting today, the Whadjuk people of the Noongar Nation, and pay my respects to elders past, present, and emerging.

It's an exciting day for Cottesloe. It's a real pleasure for me to be here. I run on this beach most weeks, and to see the opportunity to make the things that people like about Cottesloe even better with this project is something that I'm very happy about.

I've got a few introductions. The people I'm introducing don't need introductions, but the first is Patrick Gorman, the Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister and member for Perth, Kate Chaney, the member for Curtin, and then Melissa Harkins, the Mayor of Cottesloe. And then we also have just off to the side Mark Newman, the CEO of the Town of Cottesloe, and Shaun Kan, the director of engineering, who've been so actively involved in this project. But without further ado.

PATRICK GORMAN, ASSISTANT MINISTER TO THE PRIME MINISTER: Thanks, Varun. It is truly wonderful to be here at one of Australia's best beaches, Cottesloe Beach, to announce that the Albanese Government will invest in the future of Cottesloe Beach with a $10 million investment in the redevelopment of the Cottesloe foreshore.

We know that Cottesloe is the beach that the world sees when they think of Western Australia, and this is part of our West Coast capital of the nation. And for so many Western Australians, this has been a place where people have had engagements, they've had family birthdays. Some of my fondest memories are here as a child, and I know that's true for so many Western Australians.

But what we also know is that we need investment to make sure that this keeps up for the future, and that's where the Albanese Government's Urban Precincts and Partnerships Program kicks in. Where - as we've had from the Mayor and her great advocacy - councils can put forward projects, they get independently assessed, and then we can find opportunities to invest in community infrastructure. And this is not just something for the residents of Cottesloe, and surrounds. This is something for all of Perth, and indeed all of Western Australia.

We are really proud to be a partner in this project. Cottesloe Beach is the beach that John Curtin walked on during those dark days of World War II. It is where now-King Charles had that famous kiss, and it is a place that we want to welcome more and more people down for many, many years to come. We are really proud to be investing in this, just one more example of the Albanese Government's strong investments in Western Australia.

I want to thank, as well, Catherine King, the Minister for Infrastructure, who has created this program, overseen it, that resulted in this great outcome for our community. And just to thank all the advocates who have made this happen, Mayor Melissa Harkins, and also Kate Chaney, the member for Curtin, she's been championing this project. It is great to stand with her to get this done, and it's my honour to hand over to Kate. 

KATE CHANEY MP, MEMBER FOR CURTIN: Thank you Patrick. A huge congratulations to everyone who's advocated for this project for so many years, and I'm really, really pleased to have been part of that as well, meeting with the Infrastructure Minister, writing letters of support, putting it in our pre-budget submission every year.

The thing I'm most pleased about is that this is not a pre-election pork barrelling promise. This was actually through a merits-based assessment and a grants program. That means that this project stacks up against projects all over the country, and this is how federal government money should actually be allocated - on the merits. Here in WA, we are lucky to have this incredible iconic tourist attraction, and I'm really pleased to see the federal government getting behind this, so that Cottesloe can continue being a thriving, safe, and accessible hub for locals and tourists alike.

MAYOR MELISSA HARKINS, TOWN OF COTTESLOE: Thank you. I'm very excited that Cottesloe has been successful in attaining this funding. It's an iconic coastal location, however, it is crumbling and falling apart. And we're a very small local government, and we just can't afford to do this fabulous project on our own. We do need federal government funding. We are funding part of it from the town of Cottesloe, and we are also asking for state funding to complete the project.

This is just stage one of it, but it's the hero piece that will turn car park number one into a beautiful public piazza. There will be additional trees planted, so it will green up the area, and it will enable local families, interstate families, and of course, overseas guests to our town to enjoy this fabulous environment. To sit there having a picnic on the grass, looking at the sunset over the Indian Ocean, is priceless. And we're just thrilled that we'll now have the infrastructure to match what is such a fabulous natural location, iconic location.

JOURNALIST: Most people love their parking. What is going to be done about expanding parking elsewhere in that some days it's very hard to find a park?

HARKINS: Yes, so part of the overall project is to redesign Carpark Two, which is at Napier Street, and to build a mezzanine level of parking to compensate for the parking that's lost out of Carpark One, but we do need - that's not part of this project that the federal government are assisting us with funding, that will need state help to do that. In the short term, we will look at some possible interim solutions, temporary solutions, like, for example, perhaps creating some temporary additional car parking in the Napier Street car park.

JOURNALIST: Phase one, when does work begin, and how long will it take?

HARKINS: As soon as possible to begin, and as far as how long it will take, I'm not quite sure I'll take that on notice and get back to you

JOURNALIST: Phase two, you mentioned that multi-level car park, what else is on the cards for [inaudible]?

HARKINS: Yes, so phase two, it will continue up to Eric Street, and it will widen the footpaths, enhance that boardwalk feeling. Then, when you walk between Forrest Street and all the way up to Eric Street, just continue that enhancement of the pavement, making it more pedestrian friendly, cycle friendly, so that continues up and Carpark Two is that hero piece, so looking at what we can do there, some short stay accommodations and retail restaurants, those sorts of things, so that you've got a linking the North Cottesloe and the South Cottesloe together.

JOURNALIST: How much money will you need from the state government?

HARKINS: The whole project is just over $30 million so for the state government, ideally we would like another $15 million but we will, yes, we will discuss that with the state government.

JOURNALIST: Are you feeling confident that you will be able to secure $15 million, or at least the state to come to the table in any way?

HARKINS: Well, we're very hopeful now that the federal government has assisted us. We are hoping that the state will also see the value in this location, and that really we need to enhance the infrastructure to make it as fabulous as it should be, because we're a very small local government, we can't [inaudible] on our own.

JOURNALIST: You said that Cottesloe [inaudible]  this master plan's been in place since 2019 I believe? 

HARKINS: 2018.

JOURNALIST: 2018. Is it disappointing it's taken eight years to get the funding?

HARKINS: Well, we've been trying for a long, long time. We've had the previous mayor and myself and CEO, previous CEO. We've had many meetings with the state government, so we are hoping that this will be the time.

JOURNALIST: Why do you think it's taken so long?

HARKINS: Well, obviously there's competing demands, and we understand that.

JOURNALIST: Are there any plans for the Indiana Tea House?

HARKINS: Yes, that is a separate plan. The lease on that is [inaudible] have the lease in that area, so that is a separate, and we are It we are waiting on some plans to come back from [inaudible], as far as what they would like to do, but that is completely separate project. This funding starts from really in line where I am, so in John Street, and continues up to Napier Street.

JOURNALIST: Over the course of the project, is this whole area going to be out of action for people?

HARKINS: Well, it'll be staged, hopefully, so that there will be some short-term pain, but obviously it's long-term gain, so we'll do our best to stage it. But yes, there will be some disruption. Absolutely.

JOURNALIST: There's been some controversy in the past about the idea of moving this car park on Marine Parade, and losing those parks, I guess, in mid-term, and in the short term. What would you say to maybe people in the community who are concerned that part of this project maybe makes it less accessible for people in the outer suburbs that aren't locals here?

HARKINS: Yes, the interesting thing, we have monitors, we have sensors in Carpark Two, and it is very rare that Carpark Two is full. There's three weekends a year during Sculptures by the Sea. Absolutely, it's difficult to find a park. But I came down on Christmas Day, and you can get a car park in Carpark Two. I just, people sometimes don't know it's there, and they'll come in, do the lap of Carpark number One, see there's no parking, and then go to Carpark Two. So, we would encourage them, just go straight to Carpark Two. I do that if ever I have to drive down here, just go straight to Carpark Two, and you can get a car park. So you can never build enough car parks, but obviously we're trying to attract active transport that people ride their bikes here. We're very accessible from the Cottesloe train station. There's a fabulous shared plant that's a seven minute walk from the train over the hill to Cottesloe, so we're certainly trying to encourage active transport to get to the beach.

JOURNALIST: You mentioned as well, obviously the stage two or phase two is with the Napier Street carpark. Is there any update on the proposal or the proposed development of the Indigo Oscar?

HARKINS: Yes, the Indiana is with [inaudible] so they will come to us at some point with a with what they'd like to do there, but it's nothing to do with this project.

JOURNALIST: I have a couple questions for Kate. Yes. Thank you. Kate, do you support the proposed CGT changes across the board? 

CHANEY: I've been advocating for a number of years on CGT changes in relation to property, and I'm really pleased to see that that's happened. I think applying it to all asset classes is beyond what I've been talking about for the last few years, and the government really is going to have to show how it can make sure that this doesn't have a negative impact on productivity, which is so important as well. But certainly, on the on the property side, I think it's great to finally see some long-term reform, which will make it a more level playing field for young people competing with property investors to buy their first time.

JOURNALIST: David Pocock has left the door open to Independents uniting in a party structure. Have you had any conversations about that?

CHANEY: I think there have been conversations since the day I started about the future [inaudible], and I will continue to think about what's the best way I can contribute to a healthy democracy in Australia. For me, right now, I think it is to act as an independent and be accountable to the people of Curtin, which is what I've been doing for the last four years. So that's my focus.

JOURNALIST: It's been reported in papers today that the Bondi shooters travelled to known terror hotspots, but ASIO was never informed, nor was New South Wales Police who issued their issued their gun licences. Should the AFP have notified other agencies about this?

GORMAN: When it comes to the matters that are now before the Royal Commission, I'll note that we've had the release of the interim report of the Royal Commission, and that the Albanese government have accepted all of the recommendations of that interim report.

I acknowledge that the Royal Commission is continuing to do its work, and as with hearings this week, we have this Royal Commission to get these answers. We want to make sure that all Australians, and because of the horrific Antisemitic terrorist attack that happened, particularly Jewish Australians, are safe in Australia, and we will continue to do that work.

JOURNALIST: Why was counter-terrorism funding not a priority for the federal government prior to the Bondi terrorist attack?

GORMAN: Under each of the budgets delivered by the Albanese government, funding for our national security agencies has increased year on year. We back our national security agencies to use that funding as they see best appropriate to keep Australians safe, and I would say again, funding has increased every single year.

JOURNALIST: Has the National Security Committee adopted any of the recommendations from the Bondi Royal Commission Interim Report?

GORMAN: So, the Australian government, the Prime Minister announced on the day that that report was released, that we have accepted all of the recommendations of the interim report.

Obviously, it's not appropriate for me to comment on matters that are before the National Security Committee of the Cabinet, but we have publicly stated that we accept all of the recommendations that have been given to us in the interim report, and they have been [inaudible].

JOURNALIST: As block two of the Royal Commission resumes tomorrow, what is the government hoping to learn from this?

GORMAN: The Royal Commissioner has all the powers that are needed to make sure that we get the answers that the Australian people want. What I hope is that we get the answers of how we ensure Australians are safe, how we ensure social cohesion [inaudible] antisemitism in Australia, because it is a horrific form of hate that has absolutely no place in Australia. That's what we have asked the Royal Commission to do. It is incredibly important work.

And I just also acknowledge that people who are sharing their stories, their personal experiences. Be it their experiences from that horrific day at Bondi Beach, where people were peacefully gathering at a beautiful beach, just like where we are right now. Or the other instances where we've seen people experience hate and violence purely because of their faith, that is completely unacceptable, and that's why this royal commission is so important.

And I just thank everyone who's drawing deep with courage to put forward the information we need to make sure the commission can do its job and get its report in by the 14th of December.

JOURNALIST: In regards to One Nation, Pauline Hanson has said she's coming for major parties in WA. What's your comment on this?

GORMAN: Well, it is not the first time that we have had a billionaire-backed Queenslander say they're going to win a whole bunch of seats in Western Australia. It was not that long ago we had Clive Palmer splashing the cash around. I assume Pauline Hanson is going to come in the multimillion dollar plane that she received as a donation when she comes over to Western Australia. I am up for the fight with the billionaire-backed right wing parties.

I also acknowledge that this is a fight predominantly amongst the larger coalition - the Liberal-National-One Nation coalition, that we are seeing. We saw a little bit of that coalition in Angus Taylor's budget reply. We see a bit of that coalition in a range of Liberals reaching out, saying they want to form a stronger bond with One Nation. I do not think that that is the right path for Australia. I do not think that's a path that brings Australians together. I do not think that Pauline Hanson, the senator for Queensland, will put WA first. I think people understand why I am a little bit sceptical about that.

And when it comes to the contest, I will back my Labor colleagues, people who actually deliver. Tracey Roberts has actually delivered something for Western Australia in the form of the Alkimos Pool and a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic. You can go to Tania Lawrence, part of the Labor team, has delivered the Ellenbrook rail line, real stuff, and I don't think any Western Australia can name a single thing that Pauline Hanson and One Nation have actually delivered for Western Australia, not a single thing.

JOURNALIST: What do you think the appeal is for the growing supporter base for One Nation?

GORMAN: What we have seen over a period of time is that the Liberal Party has opened the door wider and wider to One Nation. They are effectively operating as a coalition now. That has had some interesting impacts when it comes to the Farrer by-election.

But I will do what I do, which is keep standing up for mainstream Australian values of the fair go, values of handing down opportunity and values of making sure that we hand down a better, fairer kind of society to the next generation.

JOURNALIST: [Inaudible] that funding allocated to the counterterrorism community [inaudible] is that true? And would that have contributed to any inadequacy in surveillance [inaudible]?

GORMAN: So, what I could say is that the funding to all of our national security agencies has increased year on year. When it comes to the allocation within those agencies, that's a matter for agency heads, but we've given the resources that our agencies have told us they need to keep Australians safe, but equally, as I was saying, we are having a royal commission because of the horrific loss of life that we saw at Bondi Beach.

We want to make sure that we get all of the answers, and we want to make sure that wherever we need to have changes, as I said, the Royal Commission have said to us some of the things they want to see change in their interim report. We have accepted those recommendations and keep doing that work.

It is incredibly important. The safety of our fellow Australians is absolutely essential, and people, whatever their beliefs, whatever their faith, must be able to gather safely anywhere in Australia, including on beautiful beaches like this. 

JOURNALIST: Maybe one more on Cottesloe. Why should taxpayers who don't live in the area pay for a [inaudible]?

GORMAN: I want to be really clear that the investment that the Albanese government's making and working with the Town of Cottesloe will mean that a piece of work will be done, and that will be completed. Councils always have more things they want to do, and they always have the next bit of a project.

There's always another stage, but this will get stage one done, and that's a good thing. And it's a good thing, because this has been assessed as a national priority by the panel that gives advice to the minister. It is a good thing, because it means that we somewhere that we know that thousands and thousands of people come here every day. We know that this is an iconic beach that hosts Sculpture by the Sea. And we know that it can be so much more, and that's why we're proud to be investing.

We do invest in community infrastructure, we invest in a lot of roads, rail, all those things. So, it's also important to invest in community infrastructure. In my electorate, we invested in the WACA redevelopment, that was the right thing to do. And you see now everyone welcomes it. It is the right thing to do here as well, because when we invest in community, we bring people together, and that's a good thing.

And I want to make sure that not just people who live around here, but people who plan that day out, who might live in my electorate or further afield, they can come here and just enjoy the absolute best of one of our iconic beaches.

And I also want to note that this is a tourism asset. This is something that we show to the world. We want it to look its absolute best. That is the other reason we're investing in it. We know there's about 100,000 people in Western Australia who work in the tourism economy. This is one of those iconic tourism assets that we can invest in tourism and encourage people from all over the world to come to the best parts of Australia, that is basically anywhere within the Western Australian state border, then that's a good thing. One more, then we'll go show you why we need to fix this.

JOURNALIST: Is WA's GST deal safe? We know that [inaudible] but can Western Australians be confident [inaudible]?

GORMAN: Western Australia's GST deal is rock solid. I voted for it. I defend it. We have had this week alone in the great state of Western Australia, we have had the Prime Minister back in the deal, we have had the Treasurer back in the deal, and I will note that in the budget that we released just over a week ago, we had the highest ever share of GST going to Western Australia.

If you jump back a decade ago, when we had state and federal Liberal governments, Western Australia was just getting $1.9 billion of GST. Completely unacceptable, and something had to change. There was a lot of pressure put on, something changed, and now, as a result of that, we have got five times more GST coming to Western Australia, in dollar terms, than we did that decade ago.

It is good for Western Australia, because it funds our hospitals, it funds our schools, it funds community services, as does the GST in every state and territory. We want to make sure we have got a GST deal that is fair everywhere.

WA's fair share of the GST is locked in, and we have proven it every single budget that our government has handed down. I am confident that as long as I am the member for Perth, that GST deal will be there. Thanks.

ENDS