PM speaking after National Cabinet

On track and making progress far sooner than could have ever imagined

Three step plan proceeding
Step one done in all states
Step two in some and in most in June

Too early to make a judgment about health impacts of first step
Be a couple of weeks yet to have an assessment
Will help guide further decisions in moths ahead

Makes two points on behalf of premiers
No cases, eradication are not goal
A case or some cases doesn't affect plan

Risk remains great
Australia's success can lead some to think that risk was never there
Not true
Countries as sophisticated as ours, with health systems like ours, have death rates 100 times ours

Also agreed that working together for new 5 yr hospital agreement and all have signed on
Guarantees services
Investment
131.4 billion dollars
2020-25 reform agreement
Additional money over 8 bill of COVID response

Funding guarantee so no jurisdiction worse off due to COVID
One example
Lifesaving immunotherapies will be provided which cost half a million per treatment

Major change in how COAG will work
COAG is no more
New system focussed on success of National Cabinet
It will keep operating
Meet fortnightly during COVID and in a normal year meet monthly

Difference to COAG
Singular agenda to create jobs
Will drive reform between state and federal to create jobs
Recognise role of having healthy workforce for strong economy

Treasurers will bring agreements together
Multiple other agreements available to council to be looked at and consolidated by treasurers
Important task forces will continue
Womens safety and work on DV will remain part of national agenda
Indigenous affairs and closing the Gap

Once a year Nat Cabinet will meet with Treasurers focussed on fundamental national reform
(has a lot of power points I can't read)

One focus creating jobs and ensure Federation is focussed on that job

Prof Murphy
<20 new cases a day
may see more but aim that outbreaks small and controlled
Only 2 people still on ventilators
30000 tests a day
0.05% positivity
Want more tests done

National surveillance plan to track virus
Published on Dept website
First report back on Pandemic Intelligence Plan, basis of moving to step one
Only 2 weeks of data so too early for definitive conclusions but all on track and stable
Do need to watch data over nest 1-2 wks

Got to be sure we don't get outbreaks which are hard to control
Can't yet say for certain relaxation hasn't had deleterious effect

As we get back to normal keep practicing physical distancing and hygiene and get tested

Public transport
Recognise some may choose to wear masks and that is not unreasonable although not recommending it
If do so know they are not complete protection and be careful

Questions
Will Nat Cabinet be F2F in future and reassure works?
Groups get together lot of theatre
Having groups operate as a fair dinkum cabinet is big change
Will meet twice a year in person
Have found candour and collegiality

Will there be more political fragmentation when not operating in a crisis?
States and fund-raising
Have to just work hard on it
Politics exist as does media environment
Have to value what has been established

Financial issues will now be responsibility of treasurers
Well placed to resolve many issues so won't distract leaders agenda
Which is to create jobs
Met more in last 2 mths than in last 10 years
Want to preserve the good that has come from that

State borders?
Candid discussion today
NC never made a decision to put in place state borders
Freight and business travel has continued unimpeded regardless of borders
Borders principally relate to leisure travel
Interstate travel not until step 3 anyway, July

All working towards that whether have borders or not
Preferable to not have borders as soon as possible so tourism can benefit
Don't agree on anything
Would be weird if they did in a democracy
Working well on these issues

HK and sanctions on Chinese,?
Issued several statements on this matter with like minded countries
Set out basic law and departure from those principles of one country two systems
have large number of Australians and residents who live in HK

DFAT providing support during these times
Sanctions not currently under consideration
Have expressed view diplomatically

App 6.1million downloads
Want to see more

Murphy
Things looking for to progress beyond stage 3
Stable epidemiology with only small outbreaks
Active testing, needs to stay high
Public maintain safe activity and hygiene
early days

NZ travel bubble and state opening it up at different times?
Yes and states aware of that
If in position to introduce travel safe zone
Job creation in aviation sector won't be held up by decisions of states
Trans Tasman channel will mean jobs

Can't see it happening between too many other countries at this stage, some way off
Murphy
AHPCC understand different positions based on other states numbers
Hopeful may reconsider position as numbers fall eg in NSW

Blowing up site in Pilbara-should it have happened?
PM: haven't had detailed briefing so can't comment

JK?
Planning to ensure economy and jobs have support they need to get out of this crisis
Important to ensure we come out strongly
As time goes on more of economy gets stronger

Some sectors need support for longer
Whether that is in measures you are talking about (like JK) or others
Many supports that govt is providing

Reserve bank run out of ammo on cash rates but Federal govt has stepped in