Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud - Weekend Today

SOPHIE WALSH

Labor’s plan for a third consecutive term in the Northern Territory election has been dealt a crushing blow, with the Country Liberal Party claiming victory. Let's bring in today's talkers, The Nationals’ Party Leader, David Littleproud, and Triple M commentator, Gus Worland. Good morning, guys. Hey, David. First to you, this wasn't just a win. It was a landslide, and you'd think a clear warning sign for the PM ahead of the federal election. Wouldn't you say?

 

DAVID LITTLEPROUD

Well, I think it is, and I think it's also a big lesson. Lia Finocchiaro now has a mandate. I think what the Northern Territory people want her to do is to have the courage to do something with it. I think what all electorates are saying to politicians is you get a mandate, they give you a clear direction, just do it. Have the courage to lead your nation, to lead your territory, to lead your state.

But obviously crime is just out of control in the Northern Territory. Their economic circumstances are plummeting and the PM has been in the front and centre of that. So obviously there's some big lessons for us all. But to Lia, congratulations. I just hope she has the courage to change the Territory for the better now.

She's been given a mandate, get on and do the job.

 

SOPHIE WALSH

Gus, this was a massive swing against Labor. Do you think Queensland will go the same way in the October election?

 

GUS WORLAND

Well, I try to stay out of politics as best I can, but I've been told by everyone it's going to be the same thing in Queensland where they're going to lose their power as well. So this is a big opportunity, I suppose. Like you say, if you get given a mandate, go and give the people what they want rather than going along and doing your own stuff because people will vote.

And if they vote you out, then it's for obvious reasons. And at the moment, the Labor Party is under a bit of pressure.

 

SOPHIE WALSH

David, this ends Labor's mainland dominance. You must feel pretty buoyed by the result?

 

DAVID LITTLEPROUD 

Look, obviously, we take some solace out of it. There are federal issues at play up in the Northern Territory, and there will be in Queensland, in my home state here. Obviously, we're not taking anything for granted, but we just simply say to Australians, do they feel safe and do they feel better off after two and a half years of Anthony Albanese?

The direction that the country's going is not in the right one, but there is a clear direction if you're going to be bold enough to put forward policies. And myself and Peter Dutton are prepared to do that, whether it be nuclear, whether it be divestiture powers on supermarkets and that's just about having the courage to say, let's tackle what is our biggest challenge, cost-of-living.

 

SOPHIE WALSH

Guys, from domestic politics to the world's biggest sporting league, the NFL, could soon be headed to Australia as Sydney and Melbourne go all out to host a game as soon as next year. David, New South Wales Premier Chris Minns is already meeting with NFL officials. The MCG also exploring the possibility of hosting a game. Who do you reckon is better suited?

 

DAVID LITTLEPROUD

Look. As a Queensland, I think neither. I have got to say it is Queensland.

Look, I think I'm going to say Melbourne is the sporting capital, whichever way you look at it. And I'm a proud league, proud Bulldogs man. So don't take away, you know, shine for the Bulldogs. But whoever, wherever it goes, I think it's a great thing for Australia. I think good on them, go after it.

I think it'll showcase Australia. I don't get their game. Rugby league's a lot better to watch, but, anyway, good luck to them. I hope they come.

 

SOPHIE WALSH

Yeah. I agree. Gus, part of me feels like it's not proper footy because of the padding. Do you reckon Aussies will embrace NFL?

 

GUS WORLAND

Definitely, definitely. I mean, people obviously love their footy, but I'm a big fan of the NFL. They're incredible athletes, and a lot of our top athletes have gone across and haven't been able to make it. I've been to games in America, been to games in London where they've taken games there regularly. This would be fantastic for the state that gets it.

I think if it went to Melbourne, I'll travel and vice versa. I think it's one of those games that you would travel for and make a bit of a weekend of it.

 

SOPHIE WALSH

He's a footy lover. Hey, guys. Finally, it is an invitation clearly I certainly didn't say no to, but fresh off her Olympic campaign, Ariarne Titmus opted to ditch the Logies in favour of a footy match. David, in hindsight, a footy match would have meant comfier shoes, I guess. What would you rather?

 

DAVID LITTLEPROUD

I'm with Ariarne here. It's like giving up a lamb roast for Tom Cruise. I think she's just showing them her colours. She's a champion, all those golds. I would've gone to the footy too.

 

SOPHIE WALSH

Gus, I've got mates whose husbands have scheduled their weddings around footy finals. What big event have you ditched to watch your beloved Roosters?

 

GUS WORLAND

Yeah. Well, there's no doubt I'm a Hawks fan too when I go to the AFL, so I'm right with her as well. Look. At the end of the day, it's all about sort of balance in life, and I've worked out after 30 years of marriage, I just do whatever I'm told now, it's much easier that way.

I tried a little bit earlier in life, but best just to go with whatever the wife says.

 

SOPHIE WALSH

Hey, David. What's an event that you'd be willing to ditch your wedding for?

 

DAVID LITTLEPROUD

Oh, my wife's here, but now she's a Bulldogs fan, I think I could get her to the GF. So, Gus, I think I'm one ahead. I don’t think it’s safe to say anything on that one, but I’ll give it a try. If the Bulldogs make the grand final this year, happy to pull on the anniversary. I think I could convince her to come to the grand final, probably beat the Roosters easy mate.

 

GUS WORLAND

You're getting ahead of yourself a little bit there, brother. But I'm glad that they’re starting play some good footy. That's good. My mom's a very supportive fan. It's been a long wait.

 

DAVID LITTLEPROUD

Absolutely. It's been a long wait, brother.

 

SOPHIE WALSH

Footy boys, I don't get it. Taylor Swift concert, maybe I'd change things up a bit.

But other than that? No. Gentlemen, lovely chatting with you this morning. We'll chat to you soon.