Topics: Trump Vice President pick; CFMEU
07:45AM AEST
16 July 2024
Pete Stefanovic: We’re joined now by the Shadow Foreign Minister Simon Birmingham. Simon, good to see you as always, thanks for your company. Well, some observations from afar this morning on your behalf on Donald Trump’s pick for Vice President, JD Vance.
Simon Birmingham: It is always a very important part and time in any campaign to have the official nomination occur, but of course critically that selection of a Vice Presidential candidate. Donald Trump in choosing JD Vance has now put forward somebody who it’s important that we build strong relations with because the Vice-Presidential candidate matters and if the Trump ticket is elected, not just in terms of being second in line to the presidency, should there be any unforeseen circumstances and the tragedy of the weekend showed just how close that can be. But the vice-presidential candidate also matters in terms of being a strong link into the White House. I know just how important former Vice-President Pence was for many discussions that our previous government had with the Trump administration to make sure that Australia’s interests were heard, were communicated and building those relations is a core task for Ambassador Kevin Rudd and of course for the current government to ensure that Australia is well positioned, whatever happens out of the US election.
Pete Stefanovic: Politically, Simon, I mean, it is a fascinating dilemma that the Democrats now face because Joe Biden he’s gonna have to blunt his attacks given what happened two days ago. Also, would anyone even want to lead the Democrat ticket now knowing that they’re likely to get trounced in November? I mean, I expect you to be diplomatic about this question, but are they toast?
Simon Birmingham: You could read my diplomatic thoughts across my face there Pete. I think I mean, whether it’s a US election, an Australian election, I think all of us would say there can be hugely unpredictable moments that come along that can change things…and so who knows exactly how it will play out. We of course would never have predicted the events we’ve seen of the last few weeks, when you put the things you’ve asked me about, from the debate through of course to the reprehensible assassination attempt together, what happens over the next few months? Anybody’s guess. Yes, the diplomatic response is, the Australian response is, we have to put Australia’s best interests first, be ready to work with the whoever comes through the US process and to make sure we have a US that works with Australia effectively, delivers on AUKUS and other critical partnerships and stays engaged in the leadership position around the world.
Pete Stefanovic: Okay, let’s go to a couple of issues at home now. Reports this morning in the AFR that the Prime Minister and the Victorian Premier were warned 18 months ago about the CFMEU and its threatening behaviour. What are your thoughts on where that’s at, the moment?
Simon Birmingham: Well, the response from Anthony Albanese and Tony Burke, which has been sort of quelle surprise, has been far from believable. Concerns about the CFMEU have been around for a long, long time. And they matter because Australians are paying more as a result of the CFMEU’s atrocious behaviour and illegal behaviour on building sites around the country. Now the Albanese Government chose to get rid of the watchdog; they chose to ease up in terms of scrutiny of the CFMEU and Australians and are now paying a price in higher road costs and construction costs, higher building costs for our hospitals and schools, all of that flows through to higher housing costs and what have Anthony Albanese and Tony Burke been doing? Well up to now they’ve been letting them off the hook and making life easier for them and now they’re pretending they’re surprised about this behaviour. Well, it’s time for action, fast action, strong action from the Albanese Government.
Pete Stefanovic: If you were to win, Simon, and the Resolve poll says you will this morning, do you bring back the ABCC straightaway?
Simon Birmingham: Well, we’ve been very clear that we want to see that building watchdog back on the beat as soon as possible. It shouldn’t take a change of government for it. The Albanese Government should admit their mistakes and take action in that regard. The construction industry is clear; they want to ensure that there are strong laws that are strongly enforced and that is what we should have in the construction sector. It’s too important, too crippling to our economy and to the cost that ultimately Australian taxpayers and households bear for there not to be effective regulation and strong enforcement of that regulation in the construction sector.
Pete Stefanovic: Simon Birmingham Good to have you with us as always, we’ll chat to you again soon.
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