PETER STEFANOVIC:
Live in Melbourne now, Treasurer, good to see you. Thanks for your time, as always. So the sound of the cash registers turning over in the morning, international flights are returning to Australia, we're finally connected with the world for the first time in a long time today. It must be music to your ears.
JOSH FRYDENBERG:
It certainly is, Pete. Today's a day to celebrate with the easing of restrictions for intrastate travel. People from the cities can be more easily able to go to the regions. You've got easier travel in between states. And then, of course, international travel is opening up as well. So this is really good news for the economy. Indeed, the Australian economy is ready for takeoff. And we've already seen in New South Wales and Victoria an extra $150 million a day being spent in each jurisdiction as a result of the restrictions being eased. So it's certainly good news for the economy, and if you speak to Qantas or Virgin as I have done in recent days, they are seeing bumper ticket sales. I mean, Qantas saw half a million sales in the last two weeks alone. That compares to just 20,000 sales in the two weeks over August. Likewise with Jetstar, 75,000 international tickets being sold in just 72 hours, and Virgin has also seen very strong ticket sales.
PETER STEFANOVIC:
No, it's fantastic. People have got their wallets out and they're ready to spend. There's some pent‑up frustration there no doubt. But how absurd is this reality that we are in, Treasurer, though, that you can fly overseas and return today but you still want can't fly to Queensland, you still can't fly to WA without the need to quarantine?
JOSH FRYDENBERG:
Well, Pete, you and I, I think, had this discussion a number of weeks ago when we made this very point – how absurd is it that, you know, someone can travel to Singapore but they can't travel to Cairns? That is something that, you know, obviously, the state Premiers have within their controls, because we want to see those borders open. We'll continue to put the pressure on. It's really pleasing that in New South Wales and in Victoria they've removed the need for hotel quarantine if you're double vaccinated and you're an Australian resident or an Australian citizen travelling internationally. That's a good thing. That will ease up that travel. But there's still obviously more restrictions to be eased, and hopefully that will happen over the coming weeks.
PETER STEFANOVIC:
Okay, yeah, you make that point there – it's Australian residents and citizens coming back now. When realistically will the doors so to speak be open for international students and for tourists as well without the need to quarantine? When do you want that to happen by?
JOSH FRYDENBERG:
Well, you've seen in New South Wales they'll be running these programs bringing in more than 200 students every week. And they'll obviously work to see and make that effective and then, of course, build on that program. I'm confident we'll start to see the international student market pick up quickly, so, too, with international tourists. This is what learning to live with COVID is all about Pete. With Australia's double vaccination rate hitting those very high marks and obviously breaking through the 80 per cent barrier here in Victoria as well as in New South Wales and the ACT, it does auger well for the rest of the country. As those vaccination rates go up, those borders can come down.
PETER STEFANOVIC:
Okay. Some pretty strong language from the French President overnight, Treasurer. Is Scott Morrison a liar?
JOSH FRYDENBERG:
No. And as you know, the Prime Minister has clearly refuted that claim. AUKUS was in Australia's national interests – unequivocally. It was a deal that saw Australia reach an agreement with both the UK and the United States, two important allies and friends, two countries in which we share similar values, similar history, but giving us access to the latest technologies. And it's not just about nuclear submarines; it's also about artificial intelligence, cyber security, other weapons systems. I think it does ensure Australia in a pretty tumultuous geopolitical and geostrategic environment can navigate a way forward. And by giving ourselves access to those advanced weapons systems and nuclear submarines I think is a very good thing for our country.
PETER STEFANOVIC:
Has Emanuel Macron just got to get over it?
JOSH FRYDENBERG:
Well, of course the French are disappointed, and that is understandable. This was a major defence contract which is not going to be followed through. But what is being followed through is Australia's national interests in building this new partnership with the United States and the United Kingdom.
PETER STEFANOVIC:
Yeah.
JOSH FRYDENBERG:
And I think that is what we need to focus on – what it means for Australia's national security from here.
PETER STEFANOVIC:
Just on to the events surrounding Tim Smith over the weekend, Treasurer, do you believe as a senior member of the Victorian Liberal Party, should Tim Smith stay in the Victorian Liberal Party?
JOSH FRYDENBERG:
Well, firstly, drink driving is unacceptable, it's dangerous, and I'd say that whether occurs to a friend or to a foe. What, you know, Tim's conduct has shown is a very powerful lesson to all – do not get behind the wheel if you have been drinking. And, you know, there is lessons for everyone. Tim has made a very strong statement, obviously apologising for his conduct. Thankfully in this case nobody was injured. But, of course, he will have some time now to think through the various issues. He's obviously resigned from the shadow cabinet. That was the appropriate thing to do. And I'm not going to get into a public commentary on his future today. These are matters that he will work through.
PETER STEFANOVIC:
Okay, does he still have your support?
JOSH FRYDENBERG:
Well, certainly Tim's a good friend and I have supported him. But I am also, you know, deeply disappointed in this conduct.
PETER STEFANOVIC:
Okay.
JOSH FRYDENBERG:
This conduct was unacceptable. Drink driving is dangerous, and when – you know, events such as these are not without consequence.
PETER STEFANOVIC:
Sure, but you said you have supported him, but does that support continue beyond this, beyond today?
JOSH FRYDENBERG:
Well, I continue to support his work in my local community, as it is his local community, as he was elected by the people of Kew. But Tim is the first to admit that this conduct of his was wrong and it was unacceptable and he's made a statement to that effect.
PETER STEFANOVIC:
Okay.
JOSH FRYDENBERG:
As I've said, thankfully in this case nobody was injured.
PETER STEFANOVIC:
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, on an otherwise pretty good day today for our national economy as well, appreciate your time, as always. We'll talk to you soon.