Interview with Karl Stefanovic – Channel Nine, Today Show

E&OE TRANSCRIPT
 

KARL STEFANOVIC, HOST:    After nearly three months and six days of deliberations, Erin Patterson is waking up a convicted triple murderer. The mushroom killer’s trial captivated not just Australia, but the entire world. Some of the headlines there. Joining us to discuss today’s headlines is Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Amanda Rishworth, and Liberal Senator James Paterson. Good morning guys, nice to see you. Amanda, to you first. Your reaction to that verdict.

AMANDA RISHWORTH, MINISTER FOR EMPLOYMENT AND WORKPLACE RELATIONS:    I just hope this verdict brings closure to the loved ones, and the whole community really. I think that this has been a very tragic story, but of course, it has impacted so many lives. And so, I just really do hope that this verdict brings some sort of closure. Obviously, nothing can replace the death of a loved one, but I do hope that this brings closure to loved ones, family members, and indeed the whole community.

KARL STEFANOVIC:    Well said. James, the police investigation, the detectives, just an incredible job. What captured your attention most?

JAMES PATERSON, LIBERAL SENATOR:    Well, Karl, I think the reason why this captured not just national but international attention is that people found it so difficult to understand why anybody would do such a thing to their loved ones, and why they think they would get away with such an act. And like Amanda, I hope that this brings some closure to the families and some measure of comfort that at least justice has been done for a horrible crime and the loss of three lives, and almost the loss of another one.

KARL STEFANOVIC:    Okay. Let’s rattle on. In the meantime, Amanda, the US apparently has sent letters to a number of different countries firming up trade deals ahead of 1 August, or at least trying to firm them up. Did we get a letter or are we still waiting for that one in the post?

AMANDA RISHWORTH:    Nothing has changed for Australia. When it comes to what Donald Trump is calling reciprocal tariffs, we're getting the lowest level that any other country has had. So, some of the letters that you've seen overnight are suggesting reciprocal tariffs of 25 per cent. We are already at the lowest level, but of course we will keep putting forward the case to say that we don't think any tariffs are justified and we'll take every opportunity to do that.

KARL STEFANOVIC:    The RBA is factoring in these Trump tariffs, they've joined a long queue of people who have lost complete faith in those negotiations, right?

AMANDA RISHWORTH:    The RBA is independent and will make its decision based on a whole range of economic factors. And what I think they'll be paying close attention to, as they always do, is where inflation is sitting at. We've been working hard to bring inflation down. It is now in the RBA's target band. But, of course, they are independent, and they'll make their decision today based on all the advice that's available to them. But, of course, it’ll be welcome news for homeowners if it does decrease.

KARL STEFANOVIC:    James, we have to just get used to the 10 per cent. The Government's put up the white flag.

JAMES PATERSON:    Well, Amanda's right. The only fair tariff on Australia would be 0 per cent, and I hope that's what we get. But we haven't given ourselves the best chance of securing that from the Trump administration because the Prime Minister has not even met President Trump now seven months after he was elected. In stark contrast to other world leaders, like the UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer who did secure an exemption from steel and aluminium tariffs for the UK because of the personal relationship that he formed with President Trump. I really hope the Prime Minister doesn't leave it any longer before he forms that relationship and argues for the best case possible for our country.

KARL STEFANOVIC:    Okay, very quickly, finally, look, I've been on some magnificent junkets in my time, but we're learning this morning that Aussie taxpayers spent more than $1.5 million sending 75 public servants to a UN climate change summit. Amanda, is that justified in any way, shape or form?

AMANDA RISHWORTH:    I would say that attending what is known as COP is a really important international climate change event. I mean, countries across the world attend with their officials.

KARL STEFANOVIC:    75 public servants.

AMANDA RISHWORTH:    Scott Morrison also attended with a large contingent of public servants. But we are looking to bid to host COP, actually, in Adelaide. And so this is important that we put our best foot forward. But it is not true to suggest governments of other stripes also haven't sent large numbers of public servants to COP.

KARL STEFANOVIC:    Quickly, James. Fair COP?

JAMES PATERSON:    Did we really need to send 75 public servants from seven different government departments and agencies, two ministers and their staff, at a cost of $1.6 million at a time when Australians couldn't pay their rising electricity bills and emissions under this government are actually up, not down. I mean, this is a talk fest which achieved nothing except first class, a climate junket for politicians and bureaucrats.

KARL STEFANOVIC:    Okay, you both had your say on that. We appreciate you being on bright and early for us. Thank you so much.