Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud - Weekend Today

WEEKEND TODAY TRANSCRIPT WITH HOST JAYNE AZZOPARDI AND RADIO COMMENTATOR GUS WORLAND; CHINESE PREMIER VISIT; PAULINE HANSON/ROBERT IRWIN VIDEO; VEGEMITE DAY.

 

JAYNE AZZOPARDI

 

Welcome back to Weekend Today. Relations with China are back on track according to the Chinese Premier who is waking up this morning in Adelaide, the first visit from such a senior party figure in seven years. Let's bring in today's talkers, Nationals Leader David Littleproud and Triple M's Gus Worland. Good morning to you both. David, there are plenty of things the Australian government will be wanting from this visit. What do you think should be top of the agenda?

 

DAVID LITTLEPROUD

 

Yeah, look, we welcome this visit. This is a good development in our relationship and dialogue is the best way to resolve any differences. I think China's made a lot of movement in terms of letting a lot of agricultural product to come back in and the current Chinese Ambassador has done an outstanding job on that and resetting the relationship and the leadership he's shown, the message he sent back to Beijing. There's a couple of meat establishments that are still suspended, one of which is actually in my own electorate. We're hoping it will be lifted as well as rock lobster.

 

And I think it's important that those will strong messages back to Australia, that our relationship is being reset and I think the government has held strong in protecting our sovereignty, the trajectory that we had. And I think they should be congratulated for that. There'll be strong messages behind closed doors around making sure there are clear lines that can't be crossed, and I think the government will continue on with that. But it is a positive step, a really positive step.

 

JAYNE AZZOPARDI

 

What do you think, Gus? I mean, it is a tricky relationship. We want to give a little bit, but we don't want to give too much. Should ordinary Australians be pleased that we've got to this point diplomatically?

 

GUS WORLAND

 

I definitely think so. The three of us have chatted about this a year or so ago, and we're worried about it being a proper partnership. So that's what I still worry about. I just don't want the big brother coming in and bullying us. So if we get to the point, like David said, that we're communicating and chatting, that's fantastic and that's what it's all about, but it needs to be a proper partnership.

 

JAYNE AZZOPARDI

 

Okay. Alright. Now next up. Well, this is the courtroom face off that none of us predicted. Robert Irwin issuing One Nation a ‘please explain’, or more accurately, probably a cease and desist over this cartoon that uses his image to criticize Queensland's state government. Gus. the Irwins claim this is defamatory. Pauline Hanson says they should lighten up. Whose side are you on here?

 

GUS WORLAND

 

I'm on Irwin's side on this one because they're absolutely using him as if he gave them the okay to do so and then coming out and saying, look, your dad used to take a joke, so you should take a joke, lighten up. I think just a little bit, not quite right. So I think you have to ask his permission when it's such an obvious who that person is and he had no clue about it. His political side of things is probably looked upon by, you know, every everyday Australian saying, oh, he just believes in whatever Pauline says. And that's Pauline taking the you know what.

 

JAYNE AZZOPARDI

 

I wonder what Bluey thinks about this too. Come to think of it, David, these cartoons have taken aim at plenty of politicians in the past. Pretty clearly a caricature, I think I've got one, that caught my eye.

 

CLIP – GRAB

 

That's my spot. Not anymore, Barnaby. I'm in charge now. I'm the new king of the country folk. Now sit down Barnaby.

 

JAYNE AZZOPARDI

 

Well, you are laughing. David, would you think of suing?

 

DAVID LITTLEPROUD

 

No, I expect that. In fact, I end up under the bus at the end of that. You didn't show that bit. But look, I get where Robert Irwin is coming from here. He doesn't want to be associated with politics. Some of the message I totally agree with, but just understand Pauline Hanson’s business model is to be controversial, to get a rise. And by us talking about it, she's getting exactly what she wants. She wants us to look at it. Apart from that, no one would've seen it. But look, I think Gus makes a point. He has built a brand on being impartial and nonpolitical and obviously he wants to protect that, but he has given her more publicity than she deserves.

And I'm still here. If you watch that one, I do get rolled over by the bus.

 

GUS WORLAND

 

Have you ever seen David so angry? That's just not who you are mate. You're a lover, not a fighter.

 

JAYNE AZZOPARDI

 

There's still time. They say a week is a long time in politics. David, good to see you’re a good sport about it though. Finally this morning. I want to wish you both a happy little vegemite day. Now Australians, you know, well, most of the world hates it. Most of us love it. But there is controversy over whether you spread it thick or just have that little thin smear with plenty of butter. I've got some. Sorry David, I didn't manage to get any all the way to you, but Gus, you can take a piece if you like.

 

GUS WORLAND

 

Oh, and that's a little bit too much vegemite for me.

 

JAYNE AZZOPARDI

 

A little bit too much for you?

 

DAVID LITTLEPROUD

 

For me it's got to be thin on a bit of a toast with a lot of butter. Beautiful. Thin.

 

GUS WORLAND

 

It is delicious. Don't really matter.

 

JAYNE AZZOPARDI

 

I'm with you guys. Thank you for your time this morning.