HOST: Prime Minister, thanks so much for your time and for speaking to us. I understand you've got an announcement to make.
PM: That's right I do. I'm here in Tasmania today and I've been visiting with the Tasmanian Premier.
We've had the opportunity to be briefed by the local fire and police and I've seen some remarkable scenes of destruction and met some amazing community members as well.
But I did want to take this opportunity to confirm that if you are thinking of donating to one of the appeals that is helping people in Tasmania, please do.
Your cash makes a difference and I can announce today that that donation will be tax-deductible.
So for Australians who are thinking I really want to do something to help, please make a cash donation and come tax time you'll be able to see some benefit of doing that.
HOST: Tell us Prime Minister, how important is that? I mean, you've been touring the region. What have you seen firsthand this afternoon?
PM: Well I have had the opportunity to see here what the fires have done, and we do need to remember Wendy this fire emergency is not over yet.
Fires are still being fought, and depending on what happens with temperatures and wind conditions in the next few days, we could see fires once again destroying things in Tasmania.
So the message is please keep listening to all of the local announcements. What I've seen here is the loss of homes, the destruction of community property.
For example, where I'm standing now, this is a township that's lost its local school as well as these community tennis courts that you can see behind me.
People are all pulling together. There's heaps of donations of food and toiletries and the kind of things people need in the first few days of an emergency.
But beyond that, what does the most good is actual resources, money to do things that the community needs.
So if you've got the will to put in a little bit of money then that would be very, very welcome by the people in Tasmania so hard-hit.
HOST: Prime Minister, as you say you've heard so many stories. Is there one or two in particular that have really touched you?
PM: I've heard a lot of stories.
I met a young girl at the local school who'd just come through to have a look at the school she's been going to. She was so distressed and just wanted to know what had happened.
She hadn't been eating but whilst she's seen some devastating scenes it seems to have helped her that at least now she knows what her school looks like.
I've heard stories of people who raced for the jetty to get into a boat, to get into the water to escape the fire.
The fire here obviously burned with incredible intensity because you're seeing big bits of metal absolutely twisted and destroyed, so incredibly hot.
But you know, we've been at the local pub and there's the local publican and he's providing free food to help people out, so amazing community spirit.
HOST: Just on that point, are people getting what they need at this point?
PM: At this point there are obviously stresses and strains and people are under a lot of pressure, but people have pulled together to make resources available.
So there are emergency centres in operation where people can get assistance with food, with basic necessities like soap and a razor and all of that kind of stuff.
People can register for the emergency payments that can help them out.
There are payments coming from the Tasmanian Government and from us, particularly the Australian Government Disaster Relief Payment that puts some money in people's pockets.
But like any natural disaster, it's going to be a long way back for this community and for communities like it around Tasmania.
HOST: Which is why it is so important that we do donate. Just tell us the details, Prime Minister, again if people are just joining us at home.
PM: Well the details are if you donate to one of the appeals that is helping people in Tassie, it will be tax deductible.
The Red Cross is running one of these appeals, so get on the Red Cross website or give the Red Cross a call and they'll be able to tell you how to go about donating.
HOST: Alright Prime Minister Julia Gillard, thank you very much for joining us on Nine News now. I appreciate your time this afternoon.
PM: Thanks for the opportunity.