Interview with Karl Stefanovic, The Today Show, Channel Nine
KARL STEFANOVIC, HOST: Alright, despite all the colour and patriotism, there were some problems. Employment Minister Amanda Rishworth and 3AW's Shane McInnes join us now to discuss. Look, there were some shocking displays of antisemitism. Good morning, guys. Neo-Nazis declaring the Jew is our greatest enemy and pro-Palestinians chanting, globalising the intifada. Amanda, how's your crackdown working?
AMANDA RISHWORTH, MINISTER FOR EMPLOYMENT AND WORKPLACE RELATIONS: Well, first I would say that the vast majority of people came together. I'd like to give a shoutout to the Happy Valley Clubs, who served 1000 bacon and egg sandwiches. But there were a minority that behaved very badly, and it is disgraceful to have seen some of this behaviour. And there is just no place for it. So, look, I understand there are potentially charges being laid. I don't want to get into that. But certainly, there is no place. And I think everyone has just got to take a step back that was involved in these and think about what it is just to be respectful to others. The vast majority of Australians yesterday brought them together. And I think people need to reflect on that.
KARL STEFANOVIC: There was also an Aussie flag burned. How is that not illegal?
AMANDA RISHWORTH: I'm sure, like many Australians, I found that absolutely disgraceful. And once again, it comes back to respect, the basic premise of respect. I mean, there are a number of laws that exist at state jurisdictions and alike, but quite frankly, people need to be responsible and actually think about how their behaviour affects others.
KARL STEFANOVIC: Shouldn't it be illegal, though? Why isn't it?
AMANDA RISHWORTH: Well, look, there are a number of different laws that govern our flag, a number of state laws. But I think most people would just say it's unacceptable and for people to be more respectful.
KARL STEFANOVIC: Shane?
SHANE MCINNES, 3AW HOST: You can't burn it, Karl. It's as simple as that. I mean, we talk about how you have to fold the flag correctly, how when you dispose of the flag, you have to do it with dignity. Yet we're burning the flag in malls, in places around the country. I mean, it is an awful look when you think about what the flag represents. It represents us. It represents our way of life. And if you are willing to burn the symbol of Australia on the world stage, why are you here? Why do you want to be a part of that?
KARL STEFANOVIC: Agree. Meantime, Amanda, the NT Government will mandate singing the anthem at assemblies for all of our school kids. This is a great idea. Do you support it?
AMANDA RISHWORTH: Look, I definitely support Australian kids learning the Australian anthem. I go to a lot of school assemblies, and I have to say I can't think of a school assembly in my electorate that hasn't sung the national anthem. Along with that, I know Minister Clare is really looking at how we embed Australian values into our curriculum and teach history. So, you know, this is an important thing. I think it's happening a lot of places, but if it's not happening in the NT, well, that's a good thing.
KARL STEFANOVIC: Shane, it's a good thing, right? It should be rolled out nationwide.
SHANE MCINNES: I'm amazed that this isn't more commonplace. I mean, when we were kids, you'd sing the National Anthem every Monday morning.
KARL STEFANOVIC: We had God Save the Queen.
SHANE MCINNES: Well, I'm a little bit younger, Karl, just by a few years.
KARL STEFANOVIC: On recorder.
AMANDA RISHWORTH: They don't sing that anymore, Karl.
SHANE MCINNES: I'm sure it would all be good for the history of Australia. But, I mean, bringing in a bit of patriotism isn't a bad thing. Learning what it is to be an Australian isn't a bad thing. It's not jingoistic. It is being patriotic. And I think to learn about being an Aussie, growing up to be an Aussie, singing both verses of the national anthem, it can only instil what it means to be an Aussie.
KARL STEFANOVIC: We've got to the point in this country where we need to teach Australian values at school.
KARL STEFANOVIC: Anyway, one thing you don't have to worry about this this week, Amanda, is the Coalition, because it doesn't look like either Angus Taylor or Andrew Hastie have got the guts to gut their leader.
AMANDA RISHWORTH: Well Karl, I'd say it's just a matter of chaos over there. I don't know if you can even call it a Coalition anymore. There's been, obviously, a nasty divorce. But, you know, quite frankly, it's the same old from this Liberal and National Party. No new ideas, just focused on themselves. Well, we'll put them to one side and get on with the job.
KARL STEFANOVIC: Shane, it's an easy hit, isn't it, for a government that should be held to account?
SHANE MCINNES: It is, and the Liberals in Canberra need to learn from their Liberal colleagues in Victoria. Cutting and changing leadership doesn't always work. You need to show that your house is in order. It does seem as though Sussan Ley's time is on the chopping block, but they need to make a decision. Either Andrew Hastie or Angus Taylor, work together, put your hand up and unite behind one person as opposed to being divided because the electorate's smart enough to work it out.
KARL STEFANOVIC: Who's going to man up? Who is going to man up?
Amanda, just quickly before we go, how hot is it in Adelaide?
AMANDA RISHWORTH: It’s hot. Yesterday was hot and it is already, I imagine your weather people could correct me, but I reckon it's about 40 degrees already.
KARL STEFANOVIC: And it's heading your way, Shane.
SHANE MCINNES: Great day for tennis.
KARL STEFANOVIC: Thanks, guys. Have a great day. Appreciate it.