TRANSCRIPT
Henderson: Ambassador, thank you so much for joining SBS World News.
Kennedy: Thank you for having me.
Henderson: One question that a couple of Australians have certainly been scratching their heads over was the choice of that B52s for a planned appearance at the state dinner. Do you know why they were chosen?
Kennedy: So much is shrouded in mystery. And, and I don't know, it wasn't part of that part of the planning.
Henderson: It was interesting. The First Lady yesterday revealed that despite the fact they were booked to play, they decided not to go ahead with that performance because of what's happening in the Middle East. How difficult has it been to strike that tone? It feels like the state dinner, it's a celebration, but we're in the middle of a really difficult time.
Kennedy: Well, I think what has really come through is that, you know, it's important for the President for the country to stay focused on our long term allies and our interests around the world. And so while they're managing this really difficult crisis, which is you know, created a real sense of urgency, obviously, in the last couple of weeks. They're all, we are also still focused on the Indo-Pacific that is a constant. And so I think that this visit is a chance for the leaders to meet to talk about issues of the day, hopefully, at APEC there should talk for President Biden, President Xi meeting, the Prime Minister is going to China so they have a lot to talk about, other than the conflict in the Middle East, but that is certainly a subject that they discussed as well.
Henderson: Do you know what the US administration would like to see from allies in terms of assistance with trying to broker some level of peace in the Middle East? Is it financial assistance? Is it sort of rhetoric that is in line with that call for a two state solution? Can you shed any light on that?
Kennedy: Certainly right now, I think the the primary concern is for the humanitarian crisis, to ease the suffering of the people. And then also, I think, looking beyond this immediate crisis to to what comes next. So I'm sure the President, Prime Minister, you know, have some sort of more private discussions about that, but I think I'm guessing that those were two of the topics they cover.
Henderson: One of the issues that's emerging in Australia and I can see in the reporting here also in the US is members of the Muslim community feeling quite alienated, like the commentary about Hamas is affecting them. How serious do you think that is an issue for governments to have to grapple with?
Kennedy: Well, there's a tragedy and I think, as our President, Secretary of State have both said repeatedly and tried to make as clear as possible, there's no place for hate in this world and whether it's anti-Semitism or anti-Muslimphobia. So I think that that's what they're really focused on is that civilians are not suffering. And Israel has a chance to, to defend itself but that but that no innocent lives should be lost, and certainly there's tremendous suffering going on right now. So we really need all countries in the region and beyond to come up with a way of integrating the region better and, and looking towards peace. As much as possible.
Henderson: When you mentioned there, obviously, the Indo-Pacific and the importance of Australia in that process, what do you think the prime minister can do during his trip here to try and convince members of Congress to back this bill?
Kennedy: Well, as as as you have heard from senior officials, in government, both congressmen, senators, as well as the President and members of his administration, there is strong bipartisan support for this legislation, certainly for the Australia alliance for the AUKUS arrangement. So I think that things are, are on track. The Defence Department has been working incredibly hard. There's additional money being put into our defense industrial base. Australia has its own challenges, needs to address and the Prime Minister is committed to passing legislation in Australia as well as making the investments in the workforce there. So I think that things, this is hard, but everybody is committed to it. So I really am optimistic about the path forward.
Henderson: When you look at the announcement today in relation to Google, what do you see that kind of initiative as doing in terms of helping Pacific nations to be able to benefit from the technology that other nations have benefited so much from already?
Kennedy: Well, I'm personally so excited about that announcement. I've been working I think one of the most rewarding parts of being the ambassador to the Australia is working and seeing how our alliance works in partnership around the world, and certainly in the Pacific. And so I've had a chance to visit Solomon Islands a couple of times, and also to meet other ambassadors in Canberra from the Pacific Islands, and hear about what's important to them. And certainly connectivity is one of those things that we saw last year when the volcano erupted that Tonga was cut off for weeks. That's the kind of thing that you know, we take for granted in American and Australia that that's not going to happen to us. And it can really be a matter of, you know, if not life and death. It's a serious, serious issue, especially in the modern world.
So the fact that the United States and Australia are able to partner together to help the region get connected to be resilient, not to lose communication with us with each other with loved ones around the world is really a benefit to everyone and, and I'm so proud that Google has stepped, is laying this cable as part of their efforts to connect the world more broadly and I got a chance to see the cable. And it's really incredible. And I have a piece in Australia of what this looks like. And these fibre-optic cables are so so tiny, they're smaller than a hair and that they carry just the most gigantic amounts of information. So it's a really just miraculous use of technology. And I think to spread it, lay this kind of cables just for thousands of kilometres across the ocean and then have people be able to connect with each other is one of the, you know, the great achievements of the innovation age. So the US and Australia are leading that together and it's I think, and to have a real impact.
Henderson: At the same time, we also have another situation happening on the water in the Pacific and the President today was talking about the Philippines. But how serious do you think from your knowledge of this issue? How seriously should countries like Australia be taking the fact that these engagements are happening?
Kennedy: Well, you know, when I was ambassador to Japan, the decision came down that said that China's claims to this, these areas were invalid under international law, so the Philippines are resupplying their own ship in their own waters. And so it's a very destabilising provocative move to block that. So I think it's of concern I think the US, Australia, other countries are all committed to peace and stability in the South China Sea. It's an area that we worry about, and are calling upon China to not take those kinds of destabilising actions.
Henderson: He spoke about the potential for President Biden to meet directly with President Xi. Does Australia play a role in helping to smooth the path or to help join together these two leaders?
Kennedy: Well, I think Australia has its own relationships which Prime Minister Albanese is also pursuing. But I think that we have a shared destiny and an alliance and so I think that it's important to communicate ourself between ourselves as well as to have this continuing dialogue with China about our respective relationships and our collective relationships.
Henderson: And today, the President in the Oval Office, speaking to our prime minister was talking about a conversation he had with President Xi. And he said, 'we're a Pacific nation and we're going to stay that way' is the message he delivered. What should we take that to mean?
Kennedy: Well, I don't think it's anything new. The United States has, you know, a huge border on the Pacific and I think so many people, Americans have ancestors who came from the Pacific, across Asia across the Indo-Pacific. So I think that it's a region that we have always we have many currently diasporas from the Pacific in the United States making tremendous contribution. So it's it shouldn't be news to anyone that the United States is a Pacific nation. I think that's yet another aspect of the US Australia line, just as Australia, as you know, communities from across the Pacific in Australia. So these are relationships that benefit both our countries.
Henderson: Now you're going to state dinner you need to attend in a very official capacity. So if we can quickly take you to two more issues briefly, and then we will let you go and enjoy your night.
Firstly, the referendum in Australia that was defeated very recently, you went to Garma, and you heard directly from the leadership about what they wanted to see happen to have a Voice and to have more autonomy over their rights. Was it right for people like Ken Wyatt, a former liberal politician, to say the world would look darkly on Australia if the referendum was defeated?
Kennedy: Well, I've learned so much from my time at Garma. I was so grateful to the community there for welcoming me so warmly in watching this process unfold over the last year and and watching Australians debate these issues has taught me a lot not only about Australia, but also about our own history here in the United States. So I really feel like I I'm still learning and and I think that the Prime Minister has made clear that he remains committed to these issues. I know how long some of these issues take. And that kind of sustained commitment is important.
Henderson: Were you concerned to see the level of disinformation in Australia, something which our own Indigenous Australians Minister Linda Burney linked to kind of Trumpian tactics.
Kennedy: Again, I'm just, you know, I've only been there a year so I really feel like I can't really comment on that kind of internal information campaign.
Henderson: And just finally, the status of Julian Assange's case continues to be an issue of concern in Australia. You've had Australian politicians meet with you about his future. Have you relayed those messages to the President and is a plea deal something that his family should be hoping for?
Kennedy: I think that as, as you know, it's been raised at the highest levels, as the Prime Minister has said. And as you also have heard from our American officials, this is really something that's being handled by the Department of Justice. So I know Australian lawmakers came over here in I think in August, they delivered their messages. But it's really the Department of Justice that's handling this so Julian Assange, his lawyers and the Department of Justice, are the people who can really comment on this.
Henderson: Is it a sticking point in the relationship?
Kennedy: The relationship I think is is so strong, but obviously people feel strongly about this particular issue as well.
