Interview with Natalie Barr, Sunrise

Natalie Barr, Host: For more, we're joined by Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs in Adelaide. Good morning to you.

Penny Wong, Foreign Minister: Good morning, Nat. Great to be with you.

Barr: Let's talk about these tariffs on the film industry. 100 per cent on films produced outside the US, that would be huge for films made in Australia. What can you do about it?

Foreign Minister: Look, I heard President Trump made some comments overnight about talking to the industry about the effect of it. We all know how many films we see made in Australia, made between Australian and American filmmakers. We know how many Australian actors are beloved by American audiences. So, we obviously will be pressing our view about this to the US Administration. But I do welcome the fact that the President has indicated he's going to engage with the studios about it. You know, we want to be able to see films where you get both Aussie actors and American studios working together.

Barr: Yeah, because this is a $5 billion industry in Australia. We've seen pictures just yesterday of Owen Wilson, the Hollywood star, in Brisbane shooting a movie. It injects millions into this country and the flow on effect is huge. Thousands of jobs are tied to it. But he seemed pretty set on 100 per cent. That would wipe out films being made here.

Foreign Minister: And I think the issue is audiences in the US as well as in Australia like to see Australian actors. We know American films are also filmed here in Australia. You know, the Fall Guy, the Elvis film. So, the reality is that the industry is set up where we do cooperate together. So, we certainly will be engaging not just for the economic opportunity, which you point out it's a big, it's a big earner for Australia, but also because it's a good thing for us to be working together on films, and on entertainment.

Barr: Okay, well, look, keep us posted and let us know how you go with Donald Trump.

Foreign Minister: I'll do that, I’ll do that.

Barr: Thank you, Penny.