BENSON: Penny Wong, there has been a continuing stream of reports of jobs going, and more on the way. The Government points, at the same time, to jobs being created. Net, can you say whether unemployment is going up at the moment?
WONG: What we can say is that we anticipated in the mid-year review that we would still see jobs growth; it would not be as strong as jobs growth we’ve seen to date, and obviously there have been some announcements about job losses, they are always to be regretted. What the Government has to do is to keep the right policy settings across the economy, and obviously they include things like cuts in the company tax rate, tax breaks for small business – all funded by the mining tax, which the Opposition oppose – as well as investments in skills and training to support working Australians.
BENSON: The finance sector seems to be right at the eye of the storm. You’re the Finance Minister. In fact, in banking circles it appears to be a perfect storm – interest rates going up, jobs being cut, and billions in profits being reported this week. Do the banks deserve a bit of a bashing?
WONG: What I have always said when I’ve been asked to comment on the decisions of banks is this: banks should be mindful of community perceptions. They should be mindful of how their customers perceive them. They are very large institutions which have been supported by taxpayers previously, and they operate within the Australian community. They, like any business, particularly any significant business, need to be very aware of how they are perceived by the community when it comes to the decisions they make.
BENSON: There is a new Newspoll out today. No big change in the party positions, you’re still miles behind the Coalition, but Tony Abbott’s now ahead of Julia Gillard on personal ratings; Julia Gillard going backwards. Is that a concern?
WONG: Marius, as you know, my focus is far more on how we can continue to run a strong economy, rather than day-to-day interest in the polls. I think Australians expect me as Finance Minister to be focused on my job, not on the polls and the newspapers, and I am.
BENSON: Can I turn to the Four Corners report last night? What was your assessment of the report on Four Corners that Julia Gillard’s staff were preparing a victory speech two weeks before the coup that overthrew Kevin Rudd?
WONG: These are all events which have occurred in the past. I’m sure some people wish to continue to speak about it. My view is I’m much more interested at looking at what we have to do today and tomorrow.
BENSON: But you and other Government ministers often talk of events in the past, of the Government’s handling of the GFC. This is a key political event; it saw the change of the Prime Minister. Are you concerned that there was an active role by Julia Gillard in the overthrow of Kevin Rudd at a time when she said she wasn’t involved?
WONG: Marius, I’m not going to be drawn on these events. A lot has been said, a lot has been written about this time. I’m much more focused about what we have to do, now and into the future. And as I said, I think Australians are far more interested in the Government being focused on how we support jobs and what are the right policy settings across the economy.
BENSON: Well can I ask you the key question which these latest reports renew, which is, was it a mistake to roll Kevin Rudd?
WONG: Marius, I am not going to get drawn on these issues. I have made clear my view that the Prime Minister is the right person to lead the country and the party. And the reason is she is absolutely focused on doing what she believes is right for working Australians, and for the country. And that has necessitated some very difficult decisions, and some decisions which were not popular, but which are the right thing to do for Australia in the years ahead. And that is why I have made very clear my view on these issues.
BENSON: Can I ask you then about your own knowledge of the moves against Kevin Rudd? Because that was the key issue involved in the program last night on Julia Gillard. Were you aware before the June 23 date of the coup, of the moves against him?
WONG: Marius, I have been a Minister in this portfolio for some time. I have been asked many questions about that night. It obviously was an extremely difficult evening. But it’s not one I’m going to be drawn on any further.
BENSON: Penny Wong, thanks very much.
WONG: Good to speak with you Marius.ENDS
