Andrew Clennell, Journalist: Penny Wong, thanks for your time.
Penny Wong, Foreign Minister: Good to be with you.
Clennell: Now, you've given three of these addresses in Labor's time in office. Why is it important for the PM to finally make a speech here?
Foreign Minister: Well, as you've seen, this is the place where the world comes together to deal with our greatest challenges. And it is the place where many world leaders come to speak, to address the issues that they believe are important and to speak with the international community. We saw President Trump, President Macron. This is a place where world leaders do engage. I'm really pleased that the Prime Minister has the opportunity to give the statement.
Clennell: Well, you mentioned Donald Trump's speech. What did you make of it?
Foreign Minister: President Trump really articulated the same issues, the same sorts of perspective that he has been engaging with the American people about prior to the election and subsequently. So, for me, it was a speech that reiterated the issues that President Trump has campaigned on and has governed on.
Clennell: And the issues he has with Australia's direction, I guess. Ultimately, it ends up that way. When you look at climate change, what you're doing and what the Americans are doing.
Foreign Minister: Well, Andrew, we are a sovereign nation that looks at the issues that we want to act on. One of those is climate, and I think the Australian people provided a very clear mandate for that at the last election. And there's a very practical basis to this. You know, we have coal-fired power stations which, as you know, are closing down. We also know the market has not invested in new coal-fired power because the market has moved on. So, we are making a clean energy transition, a transition to renewables. The question is, are you going to give policy certainty to the market so that investment and that transition is cheaper or not? Well, we know what the Coalition have done and what they're still doing. Well, Labor has a very clear view, and we're proceeding down that path.
Clennell: You used to be Minister for Climate Change in the Rudd Government. Do you think any of the science has been exaggerated as Donald Trump thinks?
Foreign Minister: Look, we accept the science of climate change. And you know what I'd say is if you go to the Pacific, if you go to Tuvalu, if you go to Kiribati, if you go to Vanuatu, you go to these islands in the Pacific, part of our Pacific family, they don't argue about this anymore because they're already living it.
Clennell: If the US doesn't act on climate, there's no hope of arresting climate change, is there?
Foreign Minister: Look, obviously, we need every country to act in relation to climate change, and different countries will take different paths. But as Australia, what we should do is A, respond to what the science has told us. But, as importantly, look at the economics of this. We know we have an aging, coal-fired powered infrastructure, we know the market's not investing, and we know that renewables is the cheapest new form of energy.
Clennell: It's interesting you're shifting this to kind of an economic argument, though.
Foreign Minister: Well, actually, if you look at my, what I used to say when I was Climate Minister and Finance Minister, you will remember that I actually have been articulating the economic argument on climate for a long time. Because my point is we are changing. It's just a question of whether you do it at a lower cost or a higher cost.
Clennell: How are talks going in terms of getting the COP conference?
Foreign Minister: Look, it's difficult. Let's be clear. Türkiye has a view they should have it. As you know, there isn't a mechanism to resolve this. And if it's not resolved, the COP will be held in Bonn, in Germany. So, obviously, at my level and Minister Bowen's level, we are engaging with Türkiye to try and resolve this and find a way through.
Clennell: But it sounds like you're not that hopeful.
Foreign Minister: No I think it's a difficult negotiation. But the most important thing for Australia here is to make sure that we enable Pacific voices to be heard. That was the basis on which we have bid for this. That is our priority.
Clennell: What about Trump's argument that recognising Palestine is rewarding terrorists? What do you say to that?
Foreign Minister: Well look, I have been here now for some days, and I have engaged with colleagues from all over the world, and I would make this point. The world is moving to recognise Palestine, and the world is moving because the world wants a ceasefire and long-term peace. That's what the world wants –
Clennell: He says he wants peace, Donald Trump. He says he wants peace –
Foreign Minister: – and he does.
Clennell: But he says this is not the way. So, what do you say to that?
Foreign Minister: Well we have a difference of views on this issue of recognition, just as the UK and Canada and France have. But I would say this. You know, President Trump has made it clear he wants a ceasefire, the return of hostages, and he wants peace. You heard that in his statement. I know that he has met in this week with members of the Arab League, so the Arab countries of the region and members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, including countries like Indonesia, to try and resolve a way to establish peace. Ceasefire, return of hostages and long-term peace. Now, I know that Ms Ley and others don't appear to want a ceasefire. Well, the whole world is here wanting to end the war.
Clennell: How do you think this White House visit will go for the PM?
Foreign Minister: Look, we're looking forward to this visit. It's an important visit. This is our most important strategic relationship. We're really pleased that a date has been confirmed.
Clennell: Why has it taken so long to get the meeting?
Foreign Minister: We're really pleased the date has been confirmed, and we look forward to the engagement.
Clennell: Do you have a view on why it's taken so long?
Foreign Minister: I don't look at the President's diary. What I would say to you is we know that the Prime Minister has had a number of warm conversations with the President, including this week. I've had a number of meetings and engagements with Secretary Rubio, and we'll continue to engage. America is our most important ally and partner.
Clennell: Did your department advise the PM either not to go to China or to go to China for less time than he did on his recent trip prior to seeing the US President?
Foreign Minister: It's important for Australia to engage with China. We're not always going to agree. In fact, there are things on which we clearly disagree. And you've seen them and you've asked me about them, but China is a great power in the world and in our region, and it's very important economically to Australia. It's very important to the stability of the region. So, you've heard me say, cooperate where we can, disagree where we must, and engage in the national interest.
Clennell: Did your department advise either one, don't go before you see Trump, or two, if you're going, go for less than the five or six days?
Foreign Minister: First, I wouldn't comment on advice, but my point is it's perfectly proper for the Prime Minister to go to China, just as it is perfectly in Australia's national interest for the Prime Minister to engage with the President.
Clennell: Penny Wong, thanks so much for your time.
Foreign Minister: Good to speak with you.