PM and Trump discuss coronavirus, opening economies

Donald Trump and Scott Morrison spoke on the phone on Friday morning and discussed the need to safely reopen their economies.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Donald Trump have “compared notes” on managing the coronavirus crisis.

The leaders, who spoke on the phone on Friday morning, discussed the need to safely reopen their economies and reinforced their commitment to open markets and low-tax regimes.

The talks with the US President follow Mr Morrison’s reassurance that the government was providing extensive support for Victoria as it stared down stage four lockdowns.

Mr Trump has previously been accused of playing down the seriousness of the virus and instead pushing for an early reopening of the US economy, prompting widespread condemnation from health experts.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison and US President Donald Trump also discussed co-ordinating approaches to multilateral organisations during a phone call on Friday. Picture: Adam Taylor

The President also received an update on Australia’s 2020 defence strategy, including its partnership with the US.

Issues in the Indo-Pacific were also on the agenda including working more closely with Australia’s Southeast Asian partners and other key players such as Japan and India.

Mr Morrison will be on the Gold Coast on Friday where he will announce a $400 million scheme to attract Hollywood blockbusters and large-scale television to film in Australia.

The location incentive scheme, which gives tax breaks for productions to film in Australia, is expected to create 8000 jobs across the country over the next seven years.

“It is about sparkies, caterers, it is about those working on set, the production people, those that provide accommodation and motorhomes,” Mr Morrison told Sunrise.