It is wonderful to be back here in Tasmania today, my first visit after the election held less than one month ago. And I do want to thank Tasmanians for the support that we received. But it is a critical day for Tasmania, it's one in which people will remember that they got the opportunity to walk across this magnificent piece of infrastructure. A bridge connects people and it connects communities, and this magnificent piece of infrastructure that has created over 1000 jobs, 85 per cent of them being Tasmanians, with local contractors being employed here, will make an enormous difference. Today, we opened the new Bridgewater Bridge, but it is the next step of building a better future here in Tasmania, and I'm really proud of the work that we have done. This is, of course, 80 per cent federally funded, but a great example of cooperation between the Federal Government and the Tasmanian Government and local communities, delivering for local communities. Delivering jobs in the short term. Apprentices being trained on this project while it was being built so upskilling the local workforce, which will have a long flow on effect that's very positive here in Tasmania. So to everyone associated with this great project, congratulations, particularly those workers who worked on this project can be so proud every time they drive across it, they can remember that they made a difference for the future of Tasmania.
JEREMY ROCKLIFF, PREMIER OF TASMANIA: Well, thank you very much Prime Minister, and it's fantastic to have you here. Gives me the opportunity to congratulate you on your recent election and look forward to working with you over the course of the next three years, as we continue to build Tasmania and represent and work for the people of Tasmania in a great spirit of collaboration, which we have done over the course of the last three years. And indeed, this project is symbolic of strong collaboration between State and Federal Governments, everyone working together in the best interests of moving Tasmania forward. This is an historic day, a day, a new beginning and a new era of connection, if you like, with the new Bridgewater Bridge. Can I commend all those involved. It's been a source of great pride, as I visited the site for, over the last number of years, and each time, visited and spoken to a number of people employed, 1000 people employed, over the course of the last five years. And can I say, thank you, to each and every worker that made this possible, and I know that you look back at this job with enormous pride now and into the future. Thank you very much.
JOURNALIST: Just firstly, so the US Defence Secretary has warned a Chinese invasion of Taiwan could be imminent. Would Australia join the US in fighting to defend Taiwan? And will you commit to lifting Australia's defence spending of 3 per cent of GDP, as the US is asking for?
PRIME MINISTER: What we'll do is we'll determine our defence policy, and we've invested just across the forwards, an additional $10 billion in defence. What we'll do is continue to provide for investing in our capability but also investing in our relationships in the region. Our position with regard to Taiwan is very clear, has been for a long period of time, which is a bipartisan position to support the status quo.
JOURNALIST: What is your response to Donald Trump's doubling of the steel tariff to 50 per cent?
PRIME MINISTER: This is an act of economic self harm by the United States that will increase the cost for consumers in the United States. Because it is supplied across the board, what it will do is not create any comparative advantage or disadvantage for Australia compared with other countries that export into the United States. This is something that will just increase the cost for consumers in the United States. Which is why it is an inappropriate action by the Trump Administration.
JOURNALIST: Can you confirm as your Workplace Relations Minister did this morning that you and others on the defined benefit scheme will pay the the super tax later than others under your superannuation tax plan?
PRIME MINISTER: Look it applies to us as it applies across the board, but the legislation, of course, has yet to be carried by the parliament. Thanks.
