Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash
Shadow Attorney-General
Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations
Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate
Senator for Western Australia
TRANSCRIPT
The Today Show
TOPICS: Gaza ceasefire, Australia Day, council bikini ban
16 January 2024
E&OE
Sarah Abo
Thank you both so much for your time, Senator. Let’s start with you, and the end in sight after 15 months of bloodshed in Gaza and Israel.
Senator Cash
Very much welcomed by the Coalition. And I have to say, President-elect Trump does deserve some credit for this deal. He had made it very clear that if the hostages were not returned on or before his inauguration on the 20th of January, there would be all hell to pay, and that’s what we are now seeing, a cease fire and a deal that will include the return of the hostages. I would make a point, though, it’s a bit of a shame that Anthony Albanese didn’t show the same resolve as president elect Trump, because perhaps if he had 12 months ago, or now 16 months ago, we would not have seen the rise of antisemitism in this country that we have. And I certainly hope that with this deal, we now see an end to the antisemitism in Australia under Mr. Albanese’s watch.
Karl Stefanovic
Let’s hope so. Moving on, and corporate Australia is being accused of downplaying Australia Day, companies like Telstra and CommBank, by allowing staff to work the public holiday. What do you make of that? Carla?
Carla Bignasca
Look, I know that it’s all about inclusivity and making sure that people have the right to choose because they don’t recognize Australia Day. It is a contentious issue. However, I think you only have to look at the recent IPA poll to know the majority of Australians, you know, 69% of Australians, still support Australia Day. We want to recognise January 26 as Australia Day as our national holiday. And if it’s not that day, what date is it now? It does hold the significance for different groups around the country, and I respect that. And big business can do what it wants. But maybe the flip side of this is it’s a good thing for productivity, perhaps, but maybe, you know, how would you even go about not paying penalty rates, for example, on those days if they choose not to celebrate and they want to work. But do they still get those penalty rates and all the other things that are over time and all the other things that are afforded on that day if they want to work?
Sarah Abo
Senator, is the Opposition Leader out of touch with corporate Australia? What are your thoughts on this?
Senator Cash
I think corporate Australia, quite frankly, is out of touch with the Australian people, and they should have learnt that when Australians voted overwhelmingly no to Mr. Albanese, divisive Voice. I’m a proud Australian. I’ll be celebrating Australia Day on Australia Day. Recent polls showed that is what more and more Australians are doing, and I don’t think the views of woke corporates is going to change that throughout Australia.
Karl Stefanovic
I do think the writing’s on the wall with corporates entering our social lives.
Senator Cash
Yes, woke corporates.
Karl Stefanovic
Right, for those planning on hitting the beach this weekend, you might want to be careful about the swimmers you wear now, because a number of councils in New South Wales are banning skimpy bikini bottoms at public pools. I’m not going to ask you, Senator, I’ll leave that for Sarah. What do you think Carla? Is it inappropriate, or do we just need to move with the times?
Carla Bignasca
I think we just need to move on. They’re there. They’re out there. You can buy them online. You can buy them in the shops. It’s happening. I mean, you go walk the streets of Rio de Janeiro, and that’s why that we have the Brazilian and that’s why they are that way. And if you don’t want to look, don’t look. If it offends you just look another way. And also, how is it council? Like, who is not going to be like, “oh, I know council, so I really like to patrol for this.”
Karl Stefanovic
Senator, I’m going to ask you. When you’re in Broome relaxing, is that you’ve chosen?
Senator Cash
I was going to say, can I tell you, at my age, I think I’m more leaning towards the full wetsuit, but I agree with the comments that were just made. Move with the times, times have changed. I would say the little bit of personal responsibility. If you are near the kiddies’ pool perhaps don’t go parading around – but ban things no. But as I said at my age, hello before, the full wetsuit is more appropriate.
Sarah Abo
I’ll take one of those too, Michaelia.
Karl Stefanovic
Thank you so much – see you soon.
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