Prime Minister
PRIME MINISTER: It is a bit cool this morning and as chilly as it was yesterday at the War Memorial and both that reflection yesterday afternoon at the War Memorial and this morning's reflections, I think, are very important ways for our Parliament to begin. And certainly on this occasion. People coming together from across the political divide and, of course, this week, with the swearing-in of a new Governor-General, I think it is a timely reminder of all the things that make our democracy, our country, so great. There is a tremendous stability, I think, in these things that anchor our country, whether it's our Constitution, as we remembered yesterday with the Governor-General, the great sacrifice and service of those men and women who sacrificed everything for us. Today, reflecting on the deeply held faith values of our nation. And later this morning, the welcome-to-country. I think that all brings it together, and for the ceremonies that follow. And this is the right way to start a Parliament. And I look forward to continuing in that vein. This morning, there are many prayers that, I must say my prayers this morning are for Alek Sigley and his family. This is a very troubling and concerning situation and we will be continuing to use every effort that we have to locate him and hopefully to be able to bring him home safely.
JOURNALIST: Is there any update on that case?
PRIME MINISTER: No, I'm afraid there's not. I'm seeking and receiving regular updates but this morning in the absence of those, and indeed regardless of that, prayer is my response.
JOURNALIST: On the income tax cuts, where does Jacqui Lambie currently stand? And I understand you're also not negotiating with One Nation?
PRIME MINISTER: We'll continue to work these issues through the Parliament and as the week progresses I think people will see where people ultimately place their support.
JOURNALIST: Do you think you'll get it through this week?
PRIME MINISTER: That's certainly our intention.
JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, why should the owners of Cubbie Station be given more time to sell?
PRIME MINISTER: Look, that's a matter which has been dealt sensitively now under several Treasurers and myself, and Wayne Swan in fact as well. We will continue to deal with this issue consistent with the national economic interest.
JOURNALIST: Bob Katter says these tax cuts are going to give someone who earns $5 million a year, like Alan Joyce, quite a significant tax cut in the future. Are they really that right to be giving that kind of money away when we're still only just coming out of deficit?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, a strong economy always needs lower taxes. A stronger economy is not achieved by higher taxes. And the tax cuts that we're putting through the Parliament this week actually provides no additional tax cut for someone on the highest rate of tax than anyone earning between $45,000 and $200,000 in actual value terms. These are tax cuts that allow people to keep more of what they earn. And at the election, we made that point very clearly - that we want Australians to keep more of what they earn. Because when Australians keep more of what they earn, they're stronger. And when they're stronger, our economy is stronger and our country is stronger. So, tax relief is good for all Australians, and that's what they voted for, and that's what we'll be voting for. Thank you very much.