Doorstop, Highgate

SUBJECTS: Smith St Build to Rent project; Gaza; HMAS Stirling; guinea pig eating; post and boast laws; PFAS; lights on trains; McCusker Report; e-scooter laws; Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre

ROGER COOK, WA PREMIER: Great to see you all here and thanks very much for coming along. Could I begin acknowledging (indistinct) and the representatives of the community housing sector here today. Obviously joined by Housing Minister John Kerry and Federal Minister Matt Keogh. It's terrific to be here to celebrate yet another milestone of our housing industry, powering along to make sure that we've got more options, more supply, making sure that every Western Australian has a (indistinct). Because, as you know, this is the strongest economy in the nation. It's the fastest growing population in the nation. So we have to do everything we can to make sure that we're growing our housing stock, creating options, creating opportunities for Western Australians. Today, we're announcing the Stage Two of the Smith Street build-to-rent project as underway. Obviously you've seen a demolition work taking place here. It is now making way for now the construction of 109 new apartments for a specific build to build-to-rent project. This is making sure that they've got all ranges of housing affordability and opportunity right in the deep inner suburbs of the Perth metropolitan area. With demolition now complete, the construction can begin. And we're really excited to see this development, which will provide social and affordable housing and housing options for people looking to take advantage of the lifestyles and opportunities that exist here in North Perth. The development is close to amenities. It's close to the CBD, shops, public transport as well. So we know it's an important place to continue to make sure that we're developing housing opportunities. It's a key component of my government's housing diversity pipeline, which offers sites identified to be delivered, housing stock in the short to medium term. Now the only way this is made possible is through the great partnership we have with the Albanese Labor Government. So this project has received more than $30 million in State Government funding and a $46 million contribution from the Federal Social Housing Accelerator Payment Fund. Two governments working together to make sure that everyone in Australia has the housing opportunities they need, but particularly here in Western Australia, where you see the huge growth in population. People coming here, growing their families, taking advantage of the great economic and social opportunities that comes with living in Western Australia. We love partnering the Albanese Labor Government and private industry and the community housing sector to really make sure that we're ramping up the ongoing growth of supply of housing right across Western Australia. Today is a great announcement. It's another example of our housing industry powering ahead under the guidance of Housing Minister John Kerry. And so I'm not sure if I'm heading on to you or to Minister Keogh.

MATT KEOGH, FEDERAL MINISTER FOR VETERANS AFFAIRS AND DEFENCE PERSONNEL: Well, thanks Roger and it's great to be here to see what an amazing housing construction starting to begin, and this is so very important. The Albanese Labor government fundamentally understands the difficulty that people are facing accessing housing and how for so many Australians now, it is more difficult than it was for the generation before them. And over the last decade of the previous government, we saw only $5 billion contributed to assisting to build that housing supply across the nation. Under the Albanese Labor Government, we have already contributed some $43 billion into growing that housing supply across the country. And that's clearly demonstrated in the project that we're here for today with the $46 million federal contribution to this rent-to-buy scheme to support social and affordable housing here in the inner city of Perth. Making sure that we are making affordable housing available to people who need it as part of the rent-to-buy scheme. Making sure that people are able to access that housing across the state and across the country, but importantly, in areas like this, which otherwise can be unaffordable to a whole range of people who we need to be able to live and work in our inner city to supply and provide the necessary services and support that our economy needs to grow as well. It's really great to see here in Western Australia, we're seeing not just approvals ticking up, but we're seeing housing completions ticking up as well. That's a great demonstration of how we're seeing more and more supply coming on board. The funding contribution is a great example of how we are working together with the Cook Labor Government here in Western Australia. It's a great demonstration of partnership, and something that is a great example of how we are working with state governments across the country to make sure that we are growing the opportunity to see supply of housing come on quicker. To see it grow faster, so that people are better able to access social and affordable housing, as well as just getting into their first home with additional federal government support as well. Recognising that need because of the housing affordability issues that people have been confronted with. This is a great example of the partnership that continues between the Albanese Labor Government and the Cook State Labor Government in making sure that we're making more housing available to more Western Australians and more Australians.

JOHN CAREY, WA MINISTER FOR HOUSING: Thanks, Matt. This project represents our significant renewal of the aging public housing system. In fact, speak to any locals, they will tell you this was just a big eyesore. A big vacant tower. And now we're turning it into new social, affordable and NDIS housing. And it represents our strong commitment to drive a renewal program, to deliver new social and affordable housing for Western Australians. As both the Premier and Matt have said, this is being jointly-funded by state and federal governments with a $30 million investment from our social housing and affordable fund, and $46 million from the federal government. This is a different kind of project in that it's a build-to-rent project, and ultimately the asset will be managed by a highly credible non-for-profit housing provider, which is Community Housing Limited. So the 109 apartments located here will be a ground lease model to a community housing provider. Community Housing Limited will actually manage the tenancy. And of course, it's all part of our big, bold, ambitious social and affordable housing program. We've invested, since our record investment back from 2021, $5.8 billion in social and affordable housing programs. This kind of project represents both the challenges and opportunities we face. Reinvigorating, getting rid of the old, out-of-date towers and creating new, well designed social and affordable housing, which is managed by community housing provider. I'm happy to take any questions. 

JOURNALIST: When are people moving in?

BRENT DE JONG, TETRIS CAPITAL: My name is Brent De Jong, and I represent Tetris Capital and in partnership with the Department of Housing and works, we are incredibly proud to have spearheaded the demolition of the building that once sat on this site. We've led the design and approvals of the new building and the procurement of the builder, Perkins Builders, to have this project ready to commence construction. Once standing behind us, the former Stirling Towers buildings have now being successfully demolished. They will be replaced with 109 social, affordable and disability apartments in a three and four storey configuration, providing a much better spatial and visual fit within the context of the broader Highgate landscape, while providing much needed new housing stock for the local community. And speaking of local community, this is very much a community focused design. The design is being developed with the input of the WA Government Architect in the City of Vincent. And it's not only delivering housing. It's delivering a rooftop garden with barbecue area. It's delivering a resident’s lounge. There's a communal courtyard with a kids play area. These are all things that we can build a community around. The design of the building also features the lemon-scented gum that we see over in the corner of the side of the front there, which was a tree that was identified with very high retention value. And we have made it a hero of the new design. And it will be accompanied by a street library and a garden to make it a really key feature of this site. We see this project as a really prime example of cooperation and collaboration between government and private sector to deliver great outcomes for the community. Construction has already commenced, as you can see, and is scheduled for completion towards the end of 2027. We, along with everyone else here, can't wait to see the building emerge out of the ground beneath our feet.

JOURNALIST: Governments, federal government, state government, is providing money. Perkins is building it. What does Tetris Capital do? 

DE JONG: So Tetris Capital has been a developer of this site. So for the last 18 months in collaboration with Department of Housing and Works, we've been arranging the demolition of the existing building and working through the design of the new building. And we also have an investment in the project as it goes forward. So funding from state and people government, but also some funding some (indistinct). 

JOURNALIST: So it’s a private public partnership? 

DE JONG: Essentially, yes.

JOURNALIST: What was here that you guys tore down?

DE JONG: So there was a 12 to 13 storey old building that's of the heritage around the 50s and 60s. And it's been dormant on this site for quite a while, was unfit for purpose. So being demolished and being replaced with a specially-designed fit-for-purpose new facility with more housing than was previously on this site.

JOURNALIST: Just on that point, does the government not manage these projects anymore? They push them off the private sector?

CAREY: No, so well, it's actually the community housing sector. So the way the model works is, there's different approaches. So for example, with the announcement we made last year, $443 million through Development WA, we are building those projects and then hand the keys over to a consortium. This kind of project, we went out to the market, asked for a community housing consortium to actually do the development. And so the winner was Community Housing Limited. But obviously they have their own backed investment. The whole idea is that, as a state government, we leverage and secure more funding. But this is the model that I've talked a lot about, Geoff where ultimately, for these larger style developments, it is now community housing providers that are being the manager of the sites. They will provide, they can include, greater tenancy support and services. So that's the attraction.

JOURNALIST: Stirling Towers has 79 social housing units. The split of this has 78 social housing units. So what's the difference? Is there any risk of the same social problems?

CAREY: No, I don't think so. First of all, it's about the design. So this was one large tower. So the way that we're seeing now is that we've been able to create lower stories, but two wings, there's really a greater integration. Sorry, there is really greater integration with green space, outdoor space. But of course, the other critical part is the community housing provider. And again, when you look at all our larger scale developments, whether it's here, whether it's Peer Street, and whether it's Subiaco. Where we have larger style precincts, then we are using community housing providers. And the reason is simple, is that they can have greater tenancy support and services at that large scale, and also have on site attendance support if required.

JOURNALIST: Seventy-nine units making way for 109. Does that illustrate sort of the challenge in trying to get ahead of population growth and that sort of, you know, almost as fast as you build them, you have to knock them down to update so it’s hard to actually get ahead. 

CAREY: Yeah, look, you're right. It is, it is very difficult. I mean, the reality is, we have a large, aging stock. And to do this type of renewal actually is not just a significant investment, but it takes a long time. The demolition works for this site took over a year. The planning and then, of course, ultimately, to build a new precinct or to build medium to high density apartments is more of a challenge. So it does represent what we face. We are trying to renew our housing stock, and at some point you have to make that decision. And we are with multiple sites of whether it's Court Place in Subiaco, whether it's been the Bentley Towers, or whether it's this project. This is a demonstration of the challenge that the state government faces with 44,000 social homes, but many are aging, and we have to renew them. 

JOURNALIST: (indistinct)

CAREY: Well, as we've heard, it is late 2027. And that's also part of the challenge. Building single social homes is always much easier than building medium to high density projects. But here's the rub, I need medium to high density projects because 70 pecent of my waiting list are singles and couples. So sometimes people say, well, why are you doing these types of developments? Because that's where the demand is. I need one bedroom apartments, two bedroom apartments, because that's where the demand is. So it's very easy for critics to simply say, build single homes in the outer metro areas. The reality is, I have to do everything, and I have to deliver these longer term, medium to high density projects. But I also have to look at other opportunities, like Fraser Suites, which helps to answer that demand 

JOURNALIST: You live not far from here. No NIMBY’s around? 

CAREY: Look, I've come to learn this, that there is always those people who will oppose social housing. And it's always, put it in another suburb. Everyone says they support it, that they support services for homelessness, they support services or social housing. But it's always someone else's other suburbs. We've made it very clear that we have to integrate social housing and community housing across all suburbs. And in my own electorate, I'm not a hypocrite. I have three major social and affordable projects. This project, Pearce Street and, of course, Fraser Suites. And yes, you always get a mixed reaction. But ultimately, with 22,000 people on my waiting list, I have to do everything I can to get these types of projects off the ground. 

JOURNALIST: On appointing community housing providers. You've spoken before about them being able to be a bit more selective with their tenants. The fact that you're using them for so many of these larger developments, is that an acknowledgement that the government can't run them because you need to be so selective?

CAREY: I'd say this, it does show that we need to be flexible in our approach, and so we do need community housing providers for those larger scale precincts. But we also do still manage our own complexes that can have 30 or 40 tenants. So it's about recognising that larger scale projects, you do need more flexibility to make them work. And having a community housing provider that might be on site or have more intensive support is welcome.

JOURNALIST: And why can’t the government offer that? Isn’t that the idea of having a Department of Community?

CAREY: Yes, we have a department. They also, of course, we have the Department of Communities that runs the Office of Homelessness. Because it's not just about tenant support. And I do need to make this really clear, Keenan, it's also the fact is, under the community housing model, they can leverage and access funds that we can't. So they can leverage superannuation funds. They can leverage private investment like Tetris Capital, or they can leverage federal funds. So the appeal of the community housing provider, like a project like this, is it's not just WA taxpayers footing the bill. So I want to be clear, this approach about medium to large scale density projects is not just because of the flexibility around tenancies. It's also because the community housing provider can access funds to make these projects happen.

JOURNALIST: Council of Vincent is trying to put through a plan just up here on William Street. I'm assuming you're familiar with that. It's getting a lot of community opposition. Is this the sort of NIMBY thing that you're talking about?

CAREY: Yeah, look, it is a challenge. And I understand that that relates to, in particular, residents within historic precincts who are concerned about high density adjacent to them. And I again, I understand people have concerns. But the reality is that density in that kind of location is entirely appropriate and suitable. It's on a corridor, it's close to the city, it's close amenities. So it's the right kind of location for high density. I would encourage those residents engage with the local council, engage with myself. But there is a good story here, and this is the thing. Those residents live within a character heritage precinct. The best way to protect character precincts is to ensure that you build density in other areas, in corridors in a town centre. So I think it's the right solution. They get to protect their precinct, but we also get a framework for higher density into the future. 

JOURNALIST: So you're backing Vincent Council in on this? 

CAREY: Yes, I am. 

JOURNALIST: On other issues, are you backing the shift to recognise the Palestinian state? And what conditions need to be attached to do that?

KEOGH: So the government’s been really clear and the Prime Minister, and in particular the Foreign Minister, have been very clear about what needs to happen when it comes to Gaza. Release of hostages is critical. Having a ceasefire is critical. Having a form of government that does not involve Hamas in the governance of Gaza is a critical issue. And that's been a consistent position that we've been advancing, Prime Minister has been very clear about that over some time, and discussed that over the weekend as well.

JOURNALIST: So are they conditions of the Palestinian statehood recognition? Do hostages have to be released before the state of Palestine can be recognised by Australia? 

KEOGH: The Prime Minister's outlined the position quite clearly about making sure that there's a number of things that need to happen in terms of bringing forward this process to the Middle East. And we have always been clear, and this has been a bipartisan position for over half a century here in Australia, supporting a two-state solution in the Middle East. Obviously, a number of countries have been very plain about their position, about securing recognition of Palestine as a state. The Prime Minister’s also being clear about before Australia could get to a position of considering that we need to see in terms of the state Palestine, and that's what he's outlined.

JOURNALIST: Netanyahu has described Australia's position as shameful. Is there anything that Australia finds shameful about Israel's position?

KEOGH: I think the Prime Minister, and I think most Australians, agree about the fact that what we're seeing is a massive humanitarian crisis in Gaza. It is a shameful event in humanitarian history and (indistinct).

JOURNALIST: Is Israel's push forward with their new plans to take complete control of the Gaza Strip forcing Australia and Europe to push back harder?

KEOGH: Well certainly, I think the globe is pushing back on what has been an unfolding humanitarian crisis in Gaza already. And the negative consequences of what’s being proposed there in terms of a full scale military force of Israel into Gaza is something the international community is pushing back even stronger.

JOURNALIST: The Trump Administration, Marco Rubio at least, has said that Europe's willingness to recognise Palestinian statehood, it is having the impact of encouraging Hamas. If Australia follows that lead, is Australia encouraging Hamas to pull out of ceasefire talks? Because they'll get statehood recognition if it continues? 

KEOGH: Australia will make its position based on our own. That's a sovereign decision for Australia to make, were not making it based on what other countries may be seeking to do themselves. But we've always been very clear that there has to be a release of hostages and that Hamas cannot be involved in any ongoing governance of Palestine. And so I don't see any way in which Australia's position can be seen to be encouraging of Hamas.

JOURNALIST: Sorry, can I ask you a quick one about the PFAS situation? Why is Defence walking away from its responsibility by saying we're not we will no longer pay for a particular valve that has to go in to those residents’ houses?

KEOGH: So I'm not aware of the detail of the valve. But we did undertake a national review of PFAS, which was led by Peter Vargese, and that was released last year. And we've also adopted the recommendations that came out of that report. And critically that involved setting up a national coordinating body, which we've started doing that work, engaging firstly with New South Wales, before extending it to the other three priority states. And then looking at working groups in each of those areas. Now that involves the three sites called primary concern, which are in New South Wales, Queensland and Northern Territory. There's obviously been a lot of work happening out of Bullsbrook around Pearce, both in terms of monitoring and supplying water to residents in certain parts of the area around the Air Base there. But I'm not aware of what the issue with the valve is, but I'll engage with my colleague the Assistant Minister of Defence who’s responsible for those matters.

JOURNALIST: It's a water requirement because of the PFAS that's in the soil. Defence is saying that after a period of time, 8 years, that they're going to walk away from it. And these things have to be inspected every year. So there's a hundreds of dollars in cost of the resident, and thousands if they have to have it replaced. Defence is PFAS.

KEOGH: So I'm not aware of the detail of it, but I'll certainly speak to the Assistant Minister who's responsible for monitoring and engagement of those matters. And it sounds like it’s a Water Corp engagement …

JOURNALIST: Well it's not a Water Corp issue, and Defence is aware of it. And the reply that we got was everything we knew so … 

KEOGH: I’m just not aware of it, but I will absolutely follow it up, because I know for the communities there, and I've engaged with the community about this issue, that it is something deeply felt and of great concern to them. And I'll make sure that I engage with the Assistant Minister who has responsibility for it.

JOURNALIST: The former the former commanding officer of HMAS Stirling has come out today with some concerns about the security implications of Westport for the Aukus program. Has the government considered the impact of that Westport facility on the Aukus plans? And have you requested any changes or done any risk assessments to mitigate those? 

KEOGH: So obviously I'm not going to go into the detail of security and risk assessment we undertake it our bases. But I think it's worth pointing out a few things. The first one is we have Fleet Base East in Sydney is in the middle of Sydney Harbour. And it has an interface with commercial and civilian shipping, including ferry lines, that actually use the base right there. So it's not like we're unused to having to deal with these sorts of interfaces on a very regular basis. The other thing is, Westport has been on the books for a long time. And it certainly predates Aukus. And it certainly predates our engagement with Aukus and the development of the optimum path by going forward to consider Aukus. So of course, the plans around Westport is something that have already been, and have always been, as part of the considerations that have been worked into our planning for it. 

JOURNALIST: Premier, how do you explain prisoners eating guinea pigs? 

COOK: Look, I can't. And quite frankly, I’m appalled by the revelations that potentially a pet that was at a refuge that was surrendered up for someone's meal in a prison. It sounds like a disgusting behaviour. Now, look, I'm not against eating guinea pigs. I understand in some cultures they're considered a delicacy. But it's inappropriate for prison personnel, on day release, to take advantage of an opportunity at an animal refugee. 

JOURNALIST: Does it raise any security concerns that this happens in a prison system? 

COOK: We're not necessarily security concerns, although I understand Commissioner Brad Royce has already made comments today in relation to the investigation his team will now undertake into that program. It's been suspended in the meantime, so that's a lost opportunity for those prisoners looking forward to a little bit of extra liberty as part of the day release program. So that's on them. And obviously those particular districts will be dealt with if there's any rules that's been contravened.

JOURNALIST: Premier (indistinct) on gun violence. (Indistinct).

COOK: Yeah, well, our gun laws are in the process of being implemented. They're the biggest reform of Western Australia's gun laws in over two decades. So obviously, it's a complex process that will take some time to be fully implemented. But as part of that, you saw the gunman amnesty. We saw tens upon tens up of thousands of guns taken off Western Australian streets to make Western Australian streets and Perth streets safer. There's only one group that's opposing our Was gun laws to keep people safer, and that's the Liberal and National opposition. And they should hold their heads in shame. You see the ongoing risks associated with gun violence. The only way we can get on top of that is the full implementation of our gun laws, which they oppose. They're in the Parliament today opposing our gun laws to try to have them scrapped. They represent a risk to Western Australia's community safety.

JOURNALIST: (indistinct)

COOK: And our gun laws will do two key things. Make sure that legitimate gun owners have the rights and liberties they need to continue to pursue the privileges that comes with owning a gun and a gun license. But they also provide the police with extra resources, extra powers to make sure they can get on top of gun violence. Once they're fully implemented, our gun laws will be the toughest in relation and the events over the weekend just demonstrate how important those gun laws are.

JOURNALIST: Most of those laws going for Parliament this week. Could they be used to stifle political debate and protest?

COOK: No, we don't believe they will. There's some points to be made in relation to this. Well, firstly, the post and boast laws are to stop people glorifying unlawful behaviour, such as hooning, such as kids stealing cars, getting up to mischief. That's the focus in relation to it. And it's about glorification of that activity, not simply the observation of the issue or observation of the act. It's the glorification of it. Now in relation to people necessarily becoming, I guess, subject to prosecution if they post about a lawful activity, such as a rally or something like that, that is not the case. But obviously, if you post and you demonstrate unlawful activity on social media, you're also placing yourself subject to further prosecution as a result of that unlawful behaviour in the first place. So be aware of that. But our post and post laws are about the aggravation of that unlawful behaviour by glorifying it and encouraging others to undertake that activity. So in relation to the causes that people are protesting against, no, that is absolutely not the focus in relation to these laws. And to the activity of protest, demonstration or freedom of speech, these are absolutely not the focus of these laws. It's about glorification of unlawful activity, not the causes of that activity. 

JOURNALIST: But something like the railway protest that they're using as an example. I mean, that did involve trespass, technically. And if that's then posted online, aren't they glorifying those protest? And encouraging others to take part in protest? So technically, that would fall in breach of posting and boasting about an illegal activity?

COOK: Highlighting the behaviour, or observing that behaviour is taking place, and commenting in relation to the cause that will not of itself, attract the attention of the post and boast laws. Encouraging people to break the law, glorifying that behaviour, or encouraging others to undertake that sort of behaviour is the primary focus. So it doesn't detract from issues itself. And this is a really important distinction. We want to make sure that Western Australia remains a place where you can voice your concerns, where you can protest, or you can express your freedom of speech. These laws are not about that. It's about people who glorify criminal and unlawful behaviour.

JOURNALIST: Have you got legal advice to that effect? Because they've got legal advice claiming it is a concern. 

COOK: Yes, we do. We do have advice to that effect, and that is the reason why we continuing to engage with people in the community who have these concerns.

JOURNALIST: You have a meeting with (indistinct) … 

COOK: We’re looking for two things coming out of this. We want a national approach when it comes to the importation of scooters which are excessively powerful, that can take undertake excessive speeds and which are engaging in with the public. So making sure we have a national approach to those things is obviously important. We also want to make sure that there's consistency and clarity in relation to what are considered lawful and safe behaviours when it comes to e-ridables. So I welcome the opportunity to engage with other transport ministers around the country, to share to share experiences in relation to these laws. Obviously, we're taking a hard stance in relation to this. We've got a parliamentary committee looking into the use of e-ridables at the moment. We'll continue to look at what opportunities there are to keep people on our streets and on our footpaths much safer. 

JOURNALIST: There's a campaign, another event campaigning today to put lights onto freight trains and improve the safety of them. Has the government's position on that changed at all? 

COOK: No, we continue to make sure that we do everything we can and is necessary to make sure that our rail system works in partnership with our road system. That includes removing for instance give way signs on level crossings, replacing them with stop signs. Continuing to review all those road level crossings to make sure that where we need to put in lights to regulate those crossings, that we're doing that. And we continue to make sure we look at everything we can to ensure that we keep our rail systems safe.

JOURNALIST: But why not go that step further and require lights on the trains? 

COOK: We continue to look at what is required and necessary to ensure that our rail and road systems are safe. 

JOURNALIST: (Indistinct).

COOK: Well there’s a hearing today so I won’t make comment.

JOURNALIST: On Aukus Westpoint, have you considered adding a second channel out of Cockburn Sound to mitigate some of those risks?

COOK: Well, I think that is part of the Westport design and obviously, we continue to work with all the stakeholders to ensure that Westport, the Henderson precinct, HMAS Stirling and other users of Cockburn Sound can all work together to ensure that it's safe and sustainable. As Matt has just observed, we undertake the sort of naval base and commercial shipping space activities all the time. And it's just a matter of continuing to work with all the stakeholders to ensure that we've got the appropriate program and allowances.

JOURNALIST: What day will you table the McCusker Report?

COOK: I think we said that we had table it at the very earliest opportunity. I believe that opportunity will come tomorrow. 

JOURNALIST: I appreciate your reasoning why you halved the wait period for people to join boards and be paid for, being remunerated, for boards. But why specifically didn't you announce it? If you wanted to make it, you know, a perk, and wanted to attract people, why didn't you announce it? 

COOK: Oh well, it's not a perk. It's not an opportunity to attract people.

JOURNALIST: That's exactly what you said, though. You said that it was an opportunity to attract the right people.

COOK: Well, we want to continue to make sure our boards are equipped with the best possible folk to govern the areas that they responsible for. I think it's a sensible approach. It's one that recognises the contemporary nature of political service. And it's appropriate to make sure that our boards continue to benefit from the skills and expertise that's out there in the community. 

JOURNALIST: Why didn’t you announce it then? 

COOK: Well, look, I don't know if we sort of kept these things or anything like that. I mean, these things are publicly gazetted. I can't imagine that there was any particular reason to either publicise it or keep it secret.

JOURNALIST: Did you encourage Rio Tinto to sign on to move into the PCEC redevelopment and if that project is now in limbo have you broken your word to them?

COOK: Well, let me make two observations. One, yes, we did encourage Rio Tinto to consider that as one of the sites that they're looking to take to base their Western Australian headquarters. And two, the project is not in limbo. We continue to work with the project proponents, the proposal to the state, and we'll consider it in due course.

JOURNALIST: I got distracted by the federal Minister. 

COOK: Yeah, that happens all the time. 

JOURNALIST: Indeed. Just when do you think the government would be in a position to make or announce its decision on the project?

COOK: Yeah, well, as you know, this is not a decision which will take effect for, you know, next year. 

JOURNALIST: I think it’s after 2027. 

COOK: So we'll consider the submissions. I think we've had almost 10,000 submissions from people wanting to have their views known in relation to public holidays. We'll try to make a decision by the end of this year, but we won't be rushed. Thanks very much, everybody.