Category: MIL-OSI

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Colin Brown AFSM is a dedicated and highly experienced firefighter and emergency services leader with more than 40 years of service to CFA and Fire Rescue Victoria.

His longstanding career exemplifies outstanding leadership, innovation and service in firefighting, emergency management, aviation operations and community engagement. Beyond his distinguished service in frontline firefighting, Colin has played a pivotal role in shaping strategic emergency management frameworks, mentoring future leaders, and championing inclusivity.

Colin is a current volunteer member of Warrandyte Fire Brigade, a fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) Commander at CFA District 13, and a former CFA Deputy Group Officer of Seymour Group. He is also an accredited wildfire and structural fire investigator and has mentored prospective investigators undergoing training in the past.

“As a teenager growing up in The Basin, there was little to do to occupy my time,” Colin said. 

“The local fire brigade was near my home and hearing them regularly respond to incidents prompted me to join. Once I became a member, the camaraderie within the brigade and a sense of helping the community led me to pursue a career as a firefighter.”

Across his more than four decades of service, Colin has made a significant contribution in the protection of life and property at major fires including Dandenong Ranges fires (1967, 1997), Ash Wednesday (1983), Black Saturday Fires (2009) and the Cambarville fires (2019-20).

He also managed emergency response as Incident Controller for complex fires including Dutson Downs Bombing Range (1999), Hazelwood Power Station (2000) and Maryvale Paper Mill (2001), and provided strategic leadership during the Victorian Alpine Fires (2002-03), Emu Track Fire (2003), the 2019-20 fires (in both Victoria and NSW) and numerous other large-scale emergencies. Additionally, he has been involved in multi-agency emergency operations, working alongside Victoria Police, CFA, DELWP and other emergency services.

“One of the incidents that stands out for me is the Longford gas explosion in 1998. It was my first day as a CFA Operations Officer and I was asked to lead the CFA Fire Investigation team in determining its cause,” Colin said.

“I was then privileged to be asked by ESSO Australia to support the Longford team to obtain their licence as a major hazards facility.”

Colin’s expertise and leadership during catastrophic events has led to significant advancements in township protection plans, improvements in Incident Control Centres and the creation of the highly successful Your Emergency Services (YES) program in the Yarra Ranges.

Following the Black Saturday Royal Commission, Colin worked with 21 CFA brigades across the Dandenong Ranges and surrounding areas on an EMV-led project to provide community alert sirens in emergencies through existing CFA and purpose-built sirens. This project is now in place and has been used to alert these communities to emergencies since its implementation, improving public safety outcomes.

Colin is also a champion of diversity in emergency response operations. His commitment to training, mentoring and inclusivity has led to advancements in fire aviation operations and fire investigation, including endorsing the first accredited woman CFA Air Observer and managing the development of a joint agency training manual between CFA and DELWP.

“Receiving the AFSM is very humbling, and I am privileged to be honoured by this significant award,” Colin said.

“CFA is a fantastic organisation. It allows you to challenge yourself and contribute to protecting your community. It provides you with opportunities to develop diverse skills, including leadership and teamwork, outside of your normal day-to-day life.

“I have also made many friends and acquaintances over my 45 years of service to the organisation and the community.”

Colin’s dedication, visionary leadership and commitment to safeguarding communities has enhanced firefighting and incident management in Victoria. His contributions continue to shape best practice, mentor future leaders and inspire excellence in firefighting and emergency management.

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Sharon Merritt AFSM has received the prestigious Australian Fire Service Medal in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours for her outstanding service to CFA and the community.

Sharon has been a CFA member for 28 years, initially as a volunteer firefighter and then a staff member for more than 15 years. Since 2003, Sharon has served as captain of Macclesfield Fire Brigade, showing exceptional leadership in a specialised large animal rescue brigade.  

Sharon is a qualified sector commander, strike team leader, crew leader, and Level 3 fire behaviour analyst and safety officer. She has responded to many significant incidents at the local level, interstate and overseas deployments. She was a Level 3 incident management team safety officer during the 2019-20 Victorian fires and was a strike team leader and sector commander during the 2009 fires. 

“I spent most of the 2019-20 fire season away from home,” Sharon said. “I was everywhere and saw all of Gippsland. I was surprised by the scale of the fires. They covered huge areas over a long period of time. It was incredible. 

“As a safety officer I was in the field and in incident control centres. My role was to look after the safety of firefighters, both physical and psychological. It was a challenge dealing with a wide range of safety issues. A particular challenge was making sure crews could safely get to Mallacoota on a single road that was impacted by hazardous trees.”    

She recognised the specialist response needed for large animals in distress, including during bushfires and floods, and she was integral in developing the brigade’s large animal rescue unit, one of only two in Victoria. This type of rescue needs specialist knowledge and understanding of large animals as well as considering the needs of the surrounding community.  

“Our brigade had responded to horse rescues for the past 15 years, as there are a large number of horses in our area and they can get stuck in a lot of places,” Sharon said. “The number of rescues increased over the past 10 years, but we didn’t have the correct equipment to deal with them. Luckily, equipment was donated to the brigade by riding schools.  

“Brigade members were trained in large animal rescue by overseas’ experts, we did accredited training, and it grew from there.”  

In addition to large animal rescue, Sharon has been an advocate for educating horse owners about effective management practices during bushfires. Moreover, her work has played a significant role in mitigating the risks associated with the interaction between emergency services and the equine community in the challenging and dynamic conditions of a bushfire.  

Sharon was the first woman in District 13’s Dandenong Ranges Group to become a captain. Under her leadership, the number of women firefighters in Macclesfield Fire Brigade has doubled. 

She is passionate about mentoring women in CFA, providing operational training (including one-on-one General Firefighter training) to women staff in District 13.  

Sharon led the brigade during the planning and construction of the new Macclesfield Fire Station, which was completed in 2010, and was instrumental in acquiring the land for it.  

As a qualified trainer/assessor, Sharon is endorsed to train members in General Firefighter, Suppress Wildfire, Respond to Isolated Structure Fire (Low Structure), Hazmat Awareness, and Crew Leadership.  

She is also a volunteer structural and wildfire fire investigator and was recently part of the team that investigated the significant Yering Golf Club fire.  

“I started investigating fires in 1998 and I have conducted more than 600 investigations as a volunteer. I’m fascinated by the science and determining the cause – I’m interested in why things happen. I’ve also been to court several times as a witness.” 

For 12 years, she worked as a CFA staff member as a vegetation management officer, focusing on bushfire risk management through prevention and mitigation efforts. Her expertise in developing and implementing fuel management plans across District 13 included cultural and ecological fire management. As a qualified Level 3 burns controller, she played a crucial role in community preparedness. 

“I conducted burns every year for 12 years in District 13,” Sharon said. “I remember a planned burn near Silvan Reservoir that was particularly effective. About two years after the burn there was a lightning strike on the burnt ground. Although it caused a fire, it was brought under control quickly. Also, if the area hadn’t been previously burned, the fire would have showered Monbulk with embers and caused more fires. The planned burn worked and there were no embers.”      

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Peter Langridge’s legacy is one of dedication, innovation and an unwavering commitment to protecting those who serve on the frontline.

His leadership and commitment to research have transformed CFA’s approach to firefighter health, safety and rehabilitation, and has earned him an Australian Fire Services Medal in today’s King’s Birthday Honours. 

“When I found out I was receiving an AFSM I was surprised at first and then when it sunk in, I felt honoured to have been nominated and to be receiving this award,” Peter said.  

The strong safety culture enshrined in CFA is a reflection of the important contribution volunteer and staff member Peter Langridge AFSM has made over his long and distinguished career at CFA as both a volunteer and staff member.

Peter has dedicated more than 40 years to CFA and the emergency services sector, demonstrating exceptional leadership and innovation in firefighter health, safety and wellbeing during that time.

A CFA volunteer for more than 20 years, Peter has been a member at Lilydale (1982-1985) and Mooroolbark brigades (2003-2006), and is a current member at Yellingbo. He was also a founding member of the District 13 Headquarters Brigade and its captain for seven years. The first registered headquarters brigade in CFA, its members continue to offer essential incident management and welfare support during major emergency operations. 

“I joined as a volunteer after moving to a CFA area in 1982. One of my neighbours was a CFA member and he told me about the brigade at Lilydale, so I went along to have a chat with the captain and decided to join,” Peter said.

“In hindsight, it was probably not the best year to join as I went straight into a very bad fire season being the year of the Ash Wednesday fires. But being thrown into the deep end, I learned a lot very quickly – and I did stay on as a volunteer.”

With 11 years as an Ambulance Victoria paramedic and highly regarded as an experienced health researcher and practitioner, Peter’s genuine interest in CFA volunteers and their health and safety has led to many significant changes at CFA and in the fire and emergency management space.

As CFA’s Manager, Health Monitoring and Rehabilitation, Peter has been instrumental in improving firefighter health practices, establishing health programs, leading innovative research initiatives and advocating for firefighter safety. He has also transformed CFA’s approach to health monitoring and firefighter rehabilitation through the implementation of a health monitoring program for firefighters.

In 2015 he established a network of Firefighter Rehabilitation Units across the state, setting a national standard for real-time health checks in fire and hazardous material incidents. There are now 22 CFA volunteer-led Rehab Units available for dispatch to incidents. They are making a real and tangible difference to members, with a reduction in the number of heat-related incidents. In addition to supporting CFA firefighters, the units provide health monitoring and support to our partner agencies including DEECA, FRV and Victoria Police.

Peter has led large-scale health monitoring operations during significant fires including the 2009 fires, the 2019-20 fires, Kaladbro peat fire, Somerton tip fire, Portland ship fire and Coolaroo Recycling Plant fire. He spent 45 days at the site of the Hazelwood coal mine fire (2014) to ensure the safety of members and fellow emergency services workers. More than 62,000 health tests and carbon monoxide tests were conducted on more than 7,000 firefighters and 1,600 mine staff for the duration of the firefight to ensure their levels were within safety standards.

“The Hazelwood mine fire in 2014 stands out as a key moment of my time at CFA,” Peter said.

“We learned many lessons during the 2004 and 2008 Hazelwood mine fires and each time had to modify how we managed these incidents.

“After 2008 we developed a plan for any future fires of this kind, and this helped immensely in our management of the 2014 fire. This plan is now part of EMV’s State Smoke Framework.”

In addition to managing large-scale health monitoring operations, Peter’s research into firefighter health has seen the implementation and development of new programs, equipment and training: 

• Health Program innovations: Led the development of HealthWatch,  Cardiovascular Risk Reduction Program and Medical Review Program, shaping CFA’s approach to firefighter health.
• Health research leadership: Conducted pivotal studies on firefighter physiology, leading to advancements in breathing techniques, heat stress management and cardiovascular risk reduction safety guidelines and training both in Australian and international fire agencies. 
• Health innovation: Assisted volunteer firefighter Peter Schaede to design and develop Arm Core Coolers in 2016 together to reduce firefighter core body temperature both relieving heat stress and speeding up recovery during fire-related incidents. These are often used by members prior to Rehab Units arriving on the fireground. 

Peter’s expertise, commitment and forward-thinking approach were also pivotal to CFA’s successful pandemic response, reinforcing his reputation as a leader in firefighter health and safety. Central to this was the training he developed and delivered across the sector to ensure members were kept safe whilst on the fireground. He also facilitated cross-agency training for CFA, VICSES and EMV on key COVID-19 roles to ensure firefighters and emergency responders could continue operations safely.

His work continues to shape best practice at CFA to safeguard the lives of those who protect our communities.

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CFA Wildfire Instructor and operational firefighter Anthony (Tony) Scicluna has been awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) in this year’s King’s Birthday honours for his outstanding dedication to firefighter training, safety culture and community service.

Tony’s career in fire services spans more than four decades across both volunteer and career roles. During that time, he has left a lasting mark on bushfire training in Victoria, shaping programs, training thousands of volunteers, and instilling a culture of calm, safety and awareness on the fireground.

“Receiving the AFSM is a real honour, but it’s one I share with a lot of people who worked beside me along the way,” Tony said.

Tony began his CFA journey as one of the founding members of Clonbinane Fire Brigade in the early 1980s. At the time, there was no brigade in the local area, only a community fire truck attached to the Wandong Fire Brigade. Driven by local need and collective effort, Tony joined other local residents and successfully lobbied the CFA for a new brigade, which continues to serve the region today.

From 1990, his firefighting expertise deepened during 12 years with the Department of Natural Resources and Environment, where he gained hands-on experience in bushfire behaviour, forest management and operational response. He also worked in the Fire Management Branch developing bushfire training packages and firefighting training videos. That experience became the foundation for his work developing and delivering CFA’s training curriculum.

Over the years, Tony, has played a pivotal role in the creation of several major CFA training programs, including CFA’s initial core firefighter training module, the General Firefighter program, the Chainsaw and Tree Hazard programs. He has also taught fire ecology and planned burning at TAFE level, contributed to the development of interagency training packages still in use today, all while remaining an active CFA volunteer throughout.

“I’m a big believer in the older firefighter teaching the newer firefighter,” he said.

“That’s how firefighting knowledge has always been passed on — hands-on learning, real stories, real consequences. You’ve got to engage the firefighters you train so they bring out the best in themselves. That’s my philosophy.”

Tony is also well known for his signature tree hazard safety message: “look up”, a mantra he developed through years of chainsaw and forest fire training.

 In 2009, Tony’s home community was directly impacted by the Kilmore East fire on Black Saturday, a day he describes as testing every fibre of his training and leadership.

“CFA District 12 was heavily impacted by fire. Our communities and brigades were severely affected.  That day, and the years that followed, were tough for me and for the volunteers I worked with. I learnt so much during this time.”

In the aftermath, Tony supported many of the same brigades he had helped train, as they regrouped, recovered and continued to serve their communities.

“Post Black Saturday a few firefighters told me that the training I delivered really helped them get through that terrible day. That’s the ultimate reward for a bushfire instructor.”

Reflecting on his stellar career, Tony remains humble.

“It is a privilege to work alongside our volunteers and watch their fire experience grow with every bushfire they attend. They are good people doing a very important job and I hold them all in high regard.  They’re the ones who’ll carry the training forward to our new firefighters.”

“I simply want to say thank you to the many people who have supported me over the years.” 

Source: Jobs and Skills Australia

Congratulations to David Turvey PSM!

Ebony

Mon, 2025-06-09 08:58

Source: New South Wales – News

Assistant Commissioner Ian Parrott, Superintendent Craig Wall, and Detective Senior Sergeant Rebecca Hughes are recognised for their dedication to policing and a collective 109 years of service.

The APM recognises meritorious contributions to an Australian police service and is presented by the Governor-General.

Commissioner of Police Grant Stevens APM LEM congratulated the three APM recipients on receiving this significant honour.

“These officers exemplify the values of South Australia Police and represent the commitment and professionalism in their work towards ensuring the safety and security of our community,” he said.

“Ian, Craig and Rebecca have each given decades of selfless service.

“Receiving this medal will go down as one of the highlights of their career.”

Assistant Commissioner Ian Parrott

Assistant Commissioner Ian Parrott joined SAPOL in 1987, and after serving on patrol and in the Operational Response Group, in 1994 he was promoted to Senior Constable in the Special Tasks and Rescue (STAR) Division, working as a firearms specialist in a Response Unit.

In 2000, Assistant Commissioner Parrott was promoted to Sergeant and two years later to Senior Sergeant, representing SAPOL in counter-terrorism training and development, enhancing national and local responses.

In 2005, he was appointed an Inspector, initially as Officer in Charge of Combined Operations within STAR Group and later within Human Resources Service.

In 2008, Assistant Commissioner Parrott’s leadership of frontline country policing began when he was promoted to Officer in Charge of Riverland Local Service Area (LSA), and then Murray Mallee LSA’s Superintendent. In these postings he was Forward Commander at a major domestic violence murder and siege resulting in the arrest and imprisonment of a significant violent offender; achieved excellent reductions in crime; and led his people in providing exemplary service to their communities.

He returned to Human Resources (HR) and then led metropolitan and peri-urban operations in South Coast LSA while also being integral to SAPOL’s White Ribbon Accreditation. While working in the Communications Group, he led the successful implementation of new computer systems, structures, and dispatch protocols in support of the District Policing Model.

In 2019, he was promoted to Assistant Commissioner, State Operations Service where he has driven road safety policing, regional policing, and First Nations policy and practice (including Closing the Gap initiatives) with extraordinary commitment.

Assistant Commissioner Ian Parrott

Superintendent Craig Wall

Superintendent Craig Wall joined SAPOL in 1986, graduating to patrol duties then transferring to the Operations Response Group.

In 1994, he was promoted to Senior Constable in the Special Tasks and Rescue (STAR) Division, working in a Response Unit engaged in tactical policing and rescue duties. This included the May 1994 Nuriootpa siege in which he displayed professionalism and courage under fire from a suspect.

While at STAR he was promoted to Sergeant and to Senior Sergeant, qualified as a Police Diver, and was a tactical policing first responder at numerous high-risk tasks involving considerable danger.

In April 2008, Superintendent Wall was appointed an Inspector in the Protective Security Service. Returning to STAR in 2010 as Operations Inspector, he became Police Tactical Group Capability Advisor for the ANZCTC, responsible for facilitating national police tactical training courses including special weapons, explosives and tactical command.

Superintendent Wall also managed frontline patrols in the Transit Services Branch and Public Transport Safety Branch. Between 2015 and 2020 Superintendent Wall led country and metropolitan frontline services as Officer in Charge of the Hills Fleurieu LSA), Eastern Adelaide LSA and later Eastern District.

Since 2020 he has been Officer in Charge of STAR, where he implements a clear vision for continued development and implementation of specialist policing response capability across South Australia. His confidence, clarity and judgement inspire trust in his team. Superintendent Wall holds prominent positions on national committees, councils and working groups and has contributed significantly to national practices that are interoperable and consistent.

Superintendent Craig Wall

Detective Senior Sergeant Rebecca Hughes

Detective Senior Sergeant Rebecca Hughes joined SAPOL in 1993 and was initially posted to the Elizabeth Police Station.

In 2003, she was promoted to Senior Constable and commenced in the Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB). During this time, she also worked on the Focus 21 initiative that set the strategic direction for SAPOL at the time.

As a CIB member and later a designated Detective, she continued a career balanced between criminal investigation and strategic contribution, serving on Project Compass and the Organisational Reform Unit, and coordinating an extensive program focused on enhancing customer service at the frontline.

Detective Senior Sergeant Hughes was promoted whilst in the Special Crimes Investigation Branch, and again when managing the Australian National Child Offender Register (ANCOR) Unit. At ANCOR, she has provided highly valued insight into legislative and policy matters at both state and national level, extending beyond her immediate responsibilities to drive the future of child protection. Her strategic acumen and meticulous preparation of processes and strategies have been integral to a suite of legislative and operational enhancements. These have included harmonisation of state, territory and Commonwealth child sex offender registration schemes, which has improved the tracking and management of offenders and led to more effective prevention strategies.

Detective Senior Sergeant Hughes has also significantly enhanced information sharing between jurisdictions and to ensure children at risk receive timely and appropriate protection. The measures led by Detective Senior Sergeant Hughes have collectively contributed to a safer environment for children by improving the efficiency of the child protection system and reflect Australia’s commitment to upholding the rights and safety of children as expressed in the National Framework for Protecting Australia’s Children 2021-2031.

Detective Senior Sergeant Rebecca Hughes

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Congratulations to former member Commander Daniel Bacon who has been named today as a recipient of the Australian Police Medal (APM) as part of the 2025 King’s Birthday Australian Honours List.

Commander Bacon’s distinguished 38-year career with Northern Territory Police Force spans frontline service across Alice Springs, Tennant Creek, Kulgera, Timber Creek, Katherine and Darwin. Since joining as a cadet in 1987 and graduating as a constable, he has progressed through a wide variety of operational roles, culminating in his promotion to commander in 2015.

Commander Bacon officially retired from the NT Police Force in April 2025 and throughout his tenure, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership, particularly whilst overseeing the Greater Darwin Command.

Known for his compassionate leadership style, Commander Bacon was a steadfast advocate for officer welfare, fostering open communication and supporting career development.

Commander Bacon’s service record includes a significant United Nations deployment to East Timor in 2001 and leadership in managing major emergencies and critical incidents. He also spearheaded Strike Force Lyra, targeting high-risk domestic and family violence.

This honour is a testament to Commander Bacon’s career in policing and recognises his unwavering dedication to the safety and wellbeing of the Northern Territory community.

Acting Commissioner of Police, Matthew Hollamby APM said, “We are fortunate enough to have had Mr Bacon as part of the NT Police for such an expansive time.

“He was a respected colleague by the entire agency and is a deserving member of such a prestigious award.

“I wish to personally thank Danny for his service, and his family for their support across a successful career.”

*MEDIA NOTE: Mr Bacon is currently unavailable for any media interviews as he is travelling.*

Source: Australian Attorney General’s Agencies

Andrew Clennell: Joining me live now is the Trade Minister, Don Farrell. Don Farrell, thanks for your time. Well, let’s talk about this first meeting with Donald Trump the PM is scheduled to have this week. Do you expect the meeting to occur and what do you expect to happen?

Minister for Trade: Look, we’ll see what happens this time next weekend. You’re very obviously up to date with all of the latest and it sounds like you’re going to be there Andrew, so we can watch you report on it.

Andrew Clennell: What do you think the response from the PM will be if Donald Trump echoes Pete Hegseth’s call for more defence spending?

Minister for Trade: Look, one of the most important, or perhaps the most important obligation of any Federal Government is the defence of our country and Anthony Albanese and Richard Marles and our government take those responsibilities very, very seriously. We’re committed to the AUKUS program. In fact, the weekend before last, just before I went to Europe for the trade talks, I met with the UK Defence Industries Minister in Adelaide, with the Premier, and we endorsed, and re-endorsed Australia’s support for the, for the AUKUS submarine project. So, we are committed to the defence of this country. We are committed to a significant uplift in the, in the amount of spending. As you said, that’s going to be a project worth more than $360 billion. So, I think we’ve talked the talk here, Andrew. We are committed to the defence of this country and we are committed to increasing our spending to ensure that Australia stays safe in our region.

Andrew Clennell: What did you make of the way that Pete Hegseth put that on Richard Marles at the Shangri-La dialogue and then released a statement concerning the request or the demand, putting the 3.5 per cent figure on that public statement?

Minister for Trade: Look, the Americans will do what they want to do. That’s certainly the case in a whole range of areas now. But we have an excellent Defence Minister in Richard Marles. He’s very focused on ensuring that all of our defence capabilities are as strong as they can be and as strong as they need to be. We’re focused on what Australia needs to do and we’ll make our decisions based on what is in our national interest.

Andrew Clennell: Well, on trade, the Opposition’s made a bit during the week while you’re away in Paris, we’ll get to that in a minute, but they made a bit of the fact that the UK have secured a 50 per cent reduction on steel tariffs. Why aren’t we getting the same? Or can we get the same? What do you make of that? I mean, you met Jamieson Greer, the US Trade Rep, last week. Were there any signs out of him we could get a deal on steel?

Minister for Trade: Look, I did meet Jamieson Greer. I met him twice. And that’s on top of previous conversations I’ve had with him. The position I’ve put to Jamieson Greer is that the tariffs that the United States have imposed on Australia are unjustified. America has a trade surplus with Australia. Just to put that into perspective, trade between the United States and Australia is roughly $100 billion a year. That’s $70 billion worth of product we buy from the United States and $30 billion worth of product we sell to them. Now, that’s overwhelmingly in the United States favour. So, there is no justification for the United States to impose tariffs on Australia. So, the position I’ve put to Mr Greer, and I put it twice last week, is that we want all of the tariffs removed, not just some of them. We want all of them removed. And I made it clear to USTR Greer that we’ll continue to press for the removal of all of those tariffs.

Andrew Clennell: You talk about the trade surplus, isn’t it the case that because of these tariffs, in April, it was a deficit reading here. Australia exported 2.29 billion in goods to the US while importing 3.99 billion in April?

Minister for Trade: Well, that’s my point, Andrew. We are buying more from the United States than we’re selling to them. So, it doesn’t make any sense at all to impose a tariff on Australia. So, the argument that I’ve made, and I’m sure the Prime Minister will be making every opportunity that he gets, is we want all of these tariffs removed, not just some of them. 

Andrew Clennell: How did Jamieson Greer react? Did he give any sort of hint to you that, oh, we could move on this, or was it like, this is the President’s position and tough luck.

Minister for Trade: Look, he certainly made it clear that these are ultimately decisions that the President of the United States will make, but look it was a friendly discussion. It wasn’t a difficult discussion in terms of the relationship between us. I’m certainly of the view that we have the opportunity to continue to talk with Jamieson and Commerce Secretary Lutnick to put our case across that these tariffs on Australia are simply unjustified. We don’t imply, you know, we haven’t applied tariffs to the United States. We could do that. We could have done that. We’ve chosen not to do that. In the same way you might recall when I first came to this job, Andrew, we had $20 billion worth of tariffs and impediments imposed on us by China. We didn’t retaliate on that occasion. And bit by bit, we managed to get all of those tariffs that had been applied on Australia by China removed. I’d like to do the same with the United States. It’s only by open discussion, honest discussion with our allies in the United States that I think we can do that. But I certainly haven’t given up on the prospect of getting these tariffs removed. And every opportunity I get, I’ll continue to pursue that argument with the United States. At the same time, of course, we’re looking for –

Andrew Clennell: Well, from what you’re saying, Don Farrell, about what Jamieson Greer said to you, it’s all down to Albo, if I can use his nickname. Because he’s saying to you that it’s the President’s decision, it’s his call, and our Prime Minister’s the one about to potentially to meet Donald Trump. So, it shapes as a pretty critical meeting, doesn’t it?

Minister for Trade: Look, every meeting, I think, between an Australian Prime Minister and the US President will always be a critical meeting. And I have the greatest confidence in our Prime Minister to push the Australian point of view on this issue. But look, there’s a range of ways in which we communicate with the United States. Ambassador Rudd obviously does it. All of our Ministers who make contact with their equivalents in the United States make it clear what we want out of the relationship with the United States. And of course, most importantly, as you say, is the relationship between our Prime Minister and the President of the United States.

Andrew Clennell: Are you expecting, if there isn’t a breakthrough here, further tariffs? Because there’s talk about Donald Trump making further decisions, certainly in relation to the UK at least, July 9 Liberation Day. So, perhaps rather than trying to get the 10 per cent off, it’s about the steel tariffs, but also about preventing even further action, this meeting, if it occurs, isn’t it?

Minister for Trade: Look, the main topic at our discussions at the WTO and the OECD last week were on this very topic, Andrew, ensuring that there is a way that countries don’t increase the amount of protectionism. We advocate very strongly for free and fair trade. The way in which we have achieved our prosperity in this country is through that free and fair trade. And I think there’s a mood around the world to push the case for less protectionism and more free and fair trade. I took the opportunity last week to talk with my European counterparts. I met the French Trade Minister, the German Trade Minister, and of course, the most important one in that is the European Trade Minister. We had good discussions. My officials spent a couple of days after the meeting continuing those talks. I’m hopeful that those countries around the world who do believe in free and fair trade can reach agreement to extend free trade agreements across the globe, so that irrespective of what the Americans might choose to do, we have a greater diversity of trading partners.

Andrew Clennell: What do you think’s been the effect of the Trump tariffs thus far on the Australian economy and the world economy?

Minister for Trade: Look, there’s no doubt that it’s had an impact. When you impose those sort of tariffs, it’s inevitably going to impact growth. This is one of the arguments that we make to the Americans. If you want to grow your economy, the way to do it isn’t to impose tariffs, it’s to be engaged actively in free and fair trade. And so the more you impose tariffs, the greater impact that you have on your own economy and the world economy. And what we’re seeing now, of course, is the outcome of some of these policy decisions. So, I think it’s incumbent on Australia, on the rest of the world, to say to the Americans, look, these are exactly the wrong policies to adopt. You should be adopting the opposite policies. You should be opening up your economies. What we know is if you’re an outward facing trading company in Australia, your profits are going to be higher, but more importantly, the wages of your employees are going to be higher. So, we say to the Americans, and will continue to say to the Americans, these are the exact wrong policies to adopt.

Andrew Clennell: Donald Trump has announced talks overnight between US and Chinese officials on Monday in London. Are you hoping for progress there? And how bad for Australia could this sort of US Tariffs on China situation get?

Minister for Trade: Yeah, so I, while I was in Europe, of course, the speculation was that the Chinese and the Americans would quickly meet to discuss these issues. I met with my counterpart from China, Wang Wentao, that was our 10th meeting, and he’s made it very clear that just as we have done, they want these tariffs removed. So, I think that’s a very good sign and we would welcome any development that restored the free trade arrangement between the United States and China. And we would encourage those discussions. I know from talking with my Chinese counterpart, they’re very keen to get these tariffs removed. And these tariffs do have an impact, as you say, Andrew, on Australia. It’s one thing for the Americans to impose a 10 per cent tariff on Australia. But when they’re imposing those tariffs on other countries around the world that we trade with, that we sell our resources to, well, then that also has an impact on our economy.

Andrew Clennell: Can you confirm what I’ve just reported that Australia apparently did come close to securing some kind of exemption from Donald Trump’s tariffs in April with a deal on critical minerals. And there was an indication from some sections of the US Administration to our officials that an exemption could be forthcoming, and then it all fell apart.

Minister for Trade: Well, I’m not sure it’s all falling apart, Andrew. We continue to encourage the United States –

Andrew Clennell: But Don Farrell, just on the key point here, were we close to a deal? Did people in the administration put us in a position where we were thinking a deal might be closed back then before that April announcement?

Minister for Trade: Oh, look, Andrew, I’m not going to speculate on what might or might not have occurred had the circumstances been a little bit different, but I can certainly confirm that Australia pushed very hard for an exemption. And in the process of pushing very hard for that exemption, we did offer an expanded arrangement in terms of critical minerals. Australia is the lucky country, we have either the largest or the second largest of reserves of critical minerals. We have the technology to extract those critical minerals, and we are a reliable trading partner. So, we thought that in all of those circumstances, that would be an offer that would be attractive to the United States.

Andrew Clennell: Was Kevin Rudd taking the lead in that? Was Kevin Rudd taking the lead in that as our ambassador?

Minister for Trade: Kevin Rudd, of course, was involved in all of these discussions, as he should be. And he’s doing a very good job, I might say, in his communications with the US Government. But all of us, Madeleine King, our Resources Minister, myself, we have been all encouraging the United States to take up our offer to expand our relationship on critical minerals. Other countries are doing it. We’ve got an agreement now with the European Union, the Japanese, the South Koreans are all interested. The Singaporeans are interested in our critical minerals. We think we’ve got something to offer.

Andrew Clennell: Sure.

Minister for Trade: In that regard, the quality and our ability to extract –

Andrew Clennell: How damaging to Australia in terms of this tariffs issue, do you think this Peter Navarro is? 

Minister for Trade: Look, the Americans pick their advisors and we pick ours. My job is to continue to explain to the Americans firstly that the policies that they’re adopting are exactly the wrong policies to produce prosperity in the United States. So, we’ve got to continue to argue that point. And I think as time goes by, it’ll be increasingly obvious that these policies are the wrong policies. And secondly, my job is to convince the Americans that they shouldn’t be imposing tariffs on, firstly, a good ally to the United States like Australia, and secondly, that these tariffs are unjustified given the surplus situation that we have with the United States. 

Andrew Clennell: Sure. In May, Donald Trump also threatened a 100 per cent tariff on foreign films. Is that coming, do you think?

Minister for Trade: Look, I’m not sure where that’s up to at the moment. Again, we would strongly argue that the United States not do that. One of the reasons why America has looked to Australia in the area of film production is during COVID and the post-COVID period, we were able to deliver services, great quality filmmaking, when that wasn’t possible in the United States. So, we haven’t done this simply to benefit the Australian film industry, we’ve done it to benefit the American and the world film industry because we were able to produce wonderful films using all the latest technology. And that’s been a benefit to the United States film industry. Something that couldn’t have happened without Australia being engaged in this. So, again, we would say this is the wrong policy. We have got a good film industry in Australia. It’s an expanding film industry. They produce beautiful films. In fact, last week I went to the 50th anniversary of Sunday Too Far Away and met Jack Thompson. We’ve got a wonderful history of making films in this country.

Andrew Clennell: Yeah, well, good actor. But look, I’m out of time here Don Farrell, I just want to ask one question which is pretty important I suspect, and that’s about the Paris talks with the EU on a trade deal. Are there any sticking points remaining? Are we taking off a luxury car tax in exchange for allowing our beef exports into the EU? Is there still issues of the use of the word prosciutto and parmesan? Could we be producing so called Australian made parmesan soon? And do you expect all this to be finalised for a visit by the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in July or August?

Minister for Trade: Look, all of those things you’ve just mentioned, Andrew, are still issues. We haven’t yet got an agreement, but there was a lot of goodwill in the air in Paris last week. I’m confident that if that goodwill continues, that we can secure a new free trade agreement with the European Union. You know, there’s 450 million people, trillions of dollars of GDP in Europe. We’ve got lots of things that we can sell to the Europeans. I believe now that there’s an appetite to reach an agreement on both sides. The world has changed. Those countries that believe in free and fair trade have to work together, and I’m very confident, Andrew, that with a little bit of time, a little bit of hard work on our part, because it’s not going to be easy. If it was easy, somebody else would have done it. But we can get there and we can strike an agreement.

Andrew Clennell: Trade Minister Don Farrell, thanks so much for your time.

Minister for Trade: Good to talk to you, Andrew.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

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Source: New South Wales – News

Just before 6.30pm on Sunday 8 June, police and paramedics were called to Hanson Road after a person was struck by a car.

Hanson Road is closed in both directions between Hamilton Road and Waller Street.

Motorists are asked to avoid the area.