There could be a shake-up in Queensland politics. Matt Canavan is keeping us guessing today on whether he will run in Capricornia. Do you want to see him run? Could it backfire if he has to go head-to-head with Pauline Hanson?
PAUL SCARR:
Well, first, I want to acknowledge the wonderful contribution of Michelle Landry. Michelle was elected five elections ago and took what was once a safe Labor seat and turned it into a Coalition stronghold.
That’s because Michelle has worked incredibly hard for her constituents and delivered projects such as the Rockwood Weir, the Rockhampton Airport upgrade and other significant local infrastructure projects.
Congratulations to Michelle. She is a deeply respected figure in the Australian Parliament.
Matt Canavan will do what is in the best interests of the National Party, the people of Queensland and the people of Australia. I believe Matt has done exactly the right thing by acknowledging the need to respect the views of LNP members in Queensland.
I support Matt 100 per cent, whatever decision he makes, and I’d back Matt every day of the week against Pauline Hanson.
TRUDY McINTOSH:
When you speak to members of the LNP in Queensland, do they want to see Matt Canavan in the House of Representatives?
PAUL SCARR:
Look, LNP members in Queensland have a deep affection and regard for Matt Canavan. He’s always done the right thing by the party, and members will support whatever decision he reaches.
I’m sure whatever decision he makes will be a considered one that he believes is in the best interests of the National Party and the people of Queensland.
TRUDY McINTOSH:
He’s keeping us guessing. We will continue to watch that closely, Senator.
This issue of Snowy 2.0 today. Chris Bowen was on the program but was unable to guarantee that the newly announced upper cost estimate of $25 billion will be the final figure, or that there won’t be further blowouts ahead of the hoped-for completion date of 2029.
There also appears to be a split emerging within the Coalition. Michael McCormack says we need to stay the course, while your colleagues Ross Cadell and Garth Hamilton have said on this program that we should walk away from it. What’s your view?
PAUL SCARR:
My view is that you don’t make a decision until you have all the facts, data and analysis before you.
From my perspective, Australian taxpayers have already invested billions of dollars into this project. It would be a monumental decision to walk away from it at this point.
So I think everyone needs to take a deep breath. Any decision that is made must be based on the facts and the best available expert advice, particularly given the billions of dollars that have already been invested.
TRUDY McINTOSH:
And does there need to be some contrition from the Coalition as well? We heard that from Garth Hamilton earlier.
It was Malcolm Turnbull’s government that approved the project when it was expected to cost around $2 billion. Now, years later, we’re talking about closer to $25 billion.
Is some contrition needed from the Coalition too?
PAUL SCARR:
I think there’s a need to reassess how we initiate major infrastructure projects.
Whether it’s the NBN, Inland Rail or Snowy Hydro, the necessary work needs to be done upfront. That means properly scoping projects, understanding conditions on the ground and gathering the relevant data before commitments are made.
I think this is a public policy issue that needs to be carefully considered by the national parliament, as well as state and territory governments.
We’ve seen the Suburban Rail Loop in Victoria as another example. The work needs to be done before governments commit to projects of this scale.
TRUDY McINTOSH:
Senator, there was widespread shock following the attack on Helen Haines, who remains in a critical condition in hospital.
We’ve also seen confirmation today that Queensland Cabinet Minister Annika Wells has temporarily closed her electorate office following an incident on Wednesday.
Is enough being done to protect politicians and their staff?
PAUL SCARR:
That’s a very relevant question in today’s environment.
I have no doubt that the AFP, ASIO, the Department of Home Affairs and other relevant agencies are acutely aware of these issues. Members of Parliament and senators have received briefings during the week, so this is very much front of mind.
I want to offer my heartfelt thoughts and prayers to Helen and her family. I note that Helen’s family has asked Australians to donate to Save the Children in her honour, and that’s something I would encourage Australians to consider.
TRUDY McINTOSH:
I know Helen has been such a fierce champion in this parliament for transparency and integrity in politics.
She was also one of the leading critics of grants administration and pork-barrelling concerns, including questions surrounding funding in the Prime Minister’s electorate.
The government hasn’t been able to put to bed the issue of the so-called “dirt sheet”. I know you’ve been looking closely at the grants issue.
Should there simply be an apology?
PAUL SCARR:
Well, that’s ultimately a matter for the Prime Minister.
But I’d say this, Trudy: you’ve reproduced the background information that was circulated, and it speaks for itself.
To be frank, I think the Prime Minister needs to seriously consider the matter because the document, and the contents of that background sheet, speak for themselves.
TRUDY McINTOSH:
LNP Senator Paul Scarr, thank you for your time during what has been a busy and difficult week in Australian politics.
