Television interview, Today Show

SUBJECTS: US Election; AUKUS; 2024 Defence Workforce Plan; Support for Ukraine; Passing of Fay Marles AM 

HOST, KARL STEFANOVIC: Well, Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles joins us now live from Canberra. Hey, Richard, it's great to see you, my friend. Donald Trump- tariffs- how does that go down?

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER, RICHARD MARLES: Well, look, who the American people elect over the coming 48 hours as their next President is really a matter for them. What I'm really confident about is that no matter whether we're talking about a President Harris or a President Trump, the alliance is in really good shape. And the equities in that alliance, particularly our future submarines, for example, making sure we've got very close defence relationships. All of that, I think, is secure because it's supported across the political spectrum in America, be it Democrats, Republicans, Trump-Republicans. So, I think Australians, as they watch what unfolds over the next couple of days can do so with a sense of confidence that our relationship with America is in good shape, no matter what happens.

STEFANOVIC: No, I know, but there's a whole lot of rhetoric and a whole lot of uncertainty that does surround the movements of Donald Trump, as you would know only too well. You have every faith, every faith that AUKUS will be ok.

MARLES: I do. And it's not just a guess. I mean, AUKUS has been the subject of votes within the United States Congress. And I've met with members of Congress across the political spectrum and they have all support supported it, including Trump-Republicans. And, you know, in the normal course of the activities that we do, we've obviously met with those who are involved in the Trump campaign and there genuinely is support, obviously, for the alliance for Australia, but for AUKUS as well. So, we do have a sense of confidence that, be it a President Harris, be it a President Trump, AUKUS will be fine.

STEFANOVIC: Look, you're also announcing a $600 million defence workforce plan. I know there are timelines associated with that, but you're also upping support for Ukraine. You didn't want to wait for the outcome of this election in order to do that.

MARLES: Well, look, these are pressing issues in terms of Australia's national interests. When we came to office, we had a shrinking defence force. That's what we inherited. We do need to grow our defence force. And the announcement of today's plan is really to say that a life of service in the defence force is a really fantastic decision for people to take. And we're increasing the conditions of service, continuation bonuses so that we can get more people through those middle ranks. And it is really important that we grow our defence force. In terms of Ukraine, you know, we will continue to support Ukraine for as long as it takes for Ukraine to resolve this conflict on its own terms. Today, where it's a smaller announcement, it's the provision of some rigid hull boats worth about $14 million, but it builds on the Abram tanks, the packages that we announced in the US and in Ukraine itself earlier in the year. We will continue to stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes for Ukraine to resolve this conflict on its terms because it is fighting for its country, but it's really fighting for the global rules based order. And that involves very much Australia's national interest.

STEFANOVIC: And Donald Trump has some disdain for NATO as the world knows. Are you concerned about what impact he might have on NATO if he gets into power?

MARLES: No. Again, you know, I was at the NATO conference in D.C. earlier in the year- I'm confident that American leadership will be there in, in the world, in NATO, in the Indo Pacific, no matter who wins the election over the coming two days. And again, that's, that's born out of all the conversations that we've had with people across the political spectrum. American leadership in the world is fundamentally important. America has been a champion of the global rules based order which is so much a part of Australia's national interest. And really I am, I am very confident that that is what it will look like whether we are talking about President Harris or President Trump.

STEFANOVIC: You got a preferred option?

MARLES: This is a matter for the American people. You know, this is the answer I'm going to give Karl. I'm very much going to leave it to them.

STEFANOVIC: I gotcha. I gotcha. All right, look, on a personal note, Richard, we all very saddened to hear the passing of your mum, Fay- a true champion of women's rights. Our sincere sympathies are with you. What a legacy, huh?

MARLES: Yeah, I mean its look- mum was 98, she led an incredible life. And it's obviously a very emotional and sad time. But amidst all of that, you know, I can remember Karl growing up and feeling enormously proud to be Fay Marles son. And to be honest, at this moment and over the last couple of days, I feel that same emotion very intensely right now. You know, I feel incredibly proud to be her son and I feel incredibly proud of what she achieved in her life. And my sisters and I, you know, are thinking a lot about her and a lot about that right now. And I know that wherever she is, dad passed away seven years ago- there's a beautiful photo of the two of them that you just showed there- we think about both of them today.

STEFANOVIC: Really beautifully said, Richard. And as I said, on behalf of all of our viewers, our sincere sympathies are with you during a difficult time. Thanks so much for being on the show. Appreciate it. 

ENDS