Interview with Karl Stefanovic - Channel Nine Today Show

KARL STEFANOVIC, HOST: In an interview with the ABC discussing ANZ’ shameful misconduct, ASIC Chair Joe Longo made what can only be described as a stunning admission.

[Excerpt]

KARL STEFANOVIC: To discuss, I'm joined by Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Amanda Rishworth and Shadow Minister for Defence, Angus Taylor. Let's get the business out of the way. Amanda, do you bank with ANZ?

AMANDA RISHWORTH, MINISTER FOR EMPLOYMENT AND WORKPLACE RELATIONS: Well, I do have a credit card with ANZ, but I bank with other credit unions as well. But, you know, this behaviour, broadly across corporate Australia it must keep within the law. I'm not going to comment on this particular case, but we've had the case of Qantas being fined for illegally sacking its workforce.

KARL STEFANOVIC: Why wouldn't you comment on this particular case?

AMANDA RISHWORTH: It's before the courts at the moment. So, what I would say is there's an obligation, whether you're a bank, whether you're an airline, to actually abide by the law. But more important than that, there's social licence here in Australia. And so there's an obligation, a moral obligation for customers and right across the board to do the right thing. And that's what these corporates whether it's a bank or whether it's Qantas, should do.

KARL STEFANOVIC: Will you cut up your card?

AMANDA RISHWORTH: Well, look, you know, there's plenty of reasons I might cut up my card. But look, you know, I'm not going to get into my banking details here. But certainly, I'm really disappointed when you hear reports of behaviour like this.

KARL STEFANOVIC: All right, Angus, you? Do you bank with them?

ANGUS TAYLOR, SHADOW MINISTER FOR DEFENCE: No, I don't, Karl. I'm very happy to comment on the case because it's a complete breach of trust with the Australian people and with their customers. Look, we've got a small number of big banks in this country. And it’s reasonable to expect them to do the right thing by their customers. And when they don’t, the greatest choice of all we have is who we bank with when it comes to banks and people can always walk with their feet and go elsewhere but this is completely unconscionable and unacceptable.

KARL STEFANOVIC: OK. Let's move along, and Amanda, Albo has packed up his Marrickville office after it was overrun by protesters. Critics this morning are saying it was a cowardly act.

AMANDA RISHWORTH: Let's get the facts right, Karl. The lease was discontinued. But I would say that in a democratic process, electorate offices are there so constituents can come in and get help, help perhaps with Centrelink, help to apply for grants, help when it comes to Medicare. I mean, it is appalling that these protesters have denied people being able to access the office. You know, there's reports of them harassing people as they use the building next door. But let's be really clear, politicians aren't standing at the front desk. It's workers at the front desk there to help people in electorate offices. And quite frankly, anyone that is denying other people that assistance that's just not right.

KARL STEFANOVIC: But aren't you just shifting the problem and you're denying those people, the very people you're talking about, access to the services that they should be able to get?

AMANDA RISHWORTH: Well, of course, as I said, the lease was discontinued. I mean, Prime Minister has said that his electorate office will open somewhere else and people are able to get that assistance in the meantime online, but you know, let’s be clear. The problem is here people denying others of being able to get access to the support they deserve.

KARL STEFANOVIC: The protest is going to shift wherever he opens a new office. They've had a win, Angus.

ANGUS TAYLOR: Well, I agree with that, Karl. But I'd say in a democracy, representatives have to be able to represent. And the people who come to your electorate office, they're often people in real need, pensioners who are struggling to get payments, others who are seeking help at desperate times. And these protesters are acting in ways which are making it impossible for people to do their job. And so, you know, I think that the behaviour of the protesters is completely unacceptable.

KARL STEFANOVIC: Yup. OK, this PNG security pact, Amanda, which will be announced today, would we go to war if Papua New Guinea's sovereignty is under attack by Indonesia?

AMANDA RISHWORTH: Look, what we have is an incredibly close relationship with Papua New Guinea. They are absolutely the closest country to us. So, obviously, strengthening our ties, our defence ties with PNG is critically important and further deepens the relationship that our country has with PNG. This is a really important relationship and one that is being further deepened.

KARL STEFANOVIC: So if they come under attack by Indonesia, some way, shape or form, that happens, would we go and support them? Would we be obligated to?

AMANDA RISHWORTH: Look, our relationship is deepening as a result of the work that the Prime Minister and the Defence Minister's done. This is a really important strategic relationship. And it is important that we have a good relationship with PNG, which is absolutely our closest neighbour.

KARL STEFANOVIC: All right, good thing we've got those subs ready, Angus.

ANGUS TAYLOR: Well, you know, and we're underfunding our defence force at a critical time. The Chinese Communist Party is seeking to extend its influence across the South Pacific. We saw it on parade only a short few days ago, Karl. And we've got a Government that's underfunding our defence force, underfunding the combination of the subs and the broader defence investments that need to be made. The objective here isn't war, it's peace, it's deterring war.

AMANDA RISHWORTH: That's just not true, Angus.

ANGUS TAYLOR: But you only achieved that through - well, you are on your own strategic plan, Amanda, about a percentage point short.

AMANDA RISHWORTH: We have the largest spend in peacetime in Australia's history.

ANGUS TAYLOR: ASPI is telling us we are at risk of a paper defence force.

KARL STEFANOVIC: Angus, we’ve got to roll. I've got Richard Wilkins standing by. He does not like his entertainment being interrupted. Andrew Hastie might be hitting the road on net zero. Is that a problem for you?

ANGUS TAYLOR: Well, Andrew committed his support to Sussan Ley in that same interview. But I'll tell you the problem. Chris Bowen is driving up the price of electricity he’s not going to reach our 2030 targets, and he needs to explain what he's seeking to do by raising these targets to 55, 60 or 65 per cent. What's it going to cost Australians?

KARL STEFANOVIC: Good to talk to you guys. Appreciate your time.