Utopia (2013) s04e05 Episode Script
The Blame Game
My vision for this country - Roads, rail.
- Right across Australia.
- We are in the age of infrastructure.
- The dawn of a new era.
Take this country to the 21st century.
Bucketloads of bitumen and bricks.
- Building a stronger country.
- Record spending We're spending more than any government has ever spent.
- $44 billion.
- $75 billion.
- $100 billion.
- It's big money in anyone's language.
- This is a nation-building - Nation-building.
- Nation-building.
- Nation-building.
- Nation-building.
- Nation-building.
Nation-building.
- Morning.
- Ah! A new customer.
Ah, so today's the day? - So exciting.
- Oh, bet it is.
So, first step, prompt him to put in his name.
- So, just there, Tony.
- Hmm? - And remember, it's case-sensitive.
- It's case-sensitive.
And it's a little time-consuming.
You'll only need to do this once, Tony.
- Then the system remembers you.
- Courtney remembers me.
We're optimising our visitor management process.
Oh, well, let's do that.
Now who are you visiting? There's a drop-down menu there.
I'm not visiting anyone because I work here.
Ah, what have you don? I see what he's done.
You see what he's done? - He's logged in as a visitor.
- Yeah, no, go back.
- Yeah.
- Yeah, and back again.
- Yeah.
- Hit 'staff'.
- Staff.
- Your name.
- Yeah.
It's case-sensitive.
- Very good.
- And - Oh! - There you are.
- Wow! Alrighty.
OK.
OK, now, that will alert me.
Katie will log you in formally, and you can let him through.
- Great.
There you go.
- (BUZZ!) - What's he done? - Not opening.
- What have you done, Tony? - I haven't done anything.
- Alright.
- Let's just check his name.
It's case sen That's all T-O-N-Y.
Morning.
And, uh, we're doing this because? It'll give Courtney more time to do her job.
Sorry, isn't that her job? Receptionist? - No, administrative assistant.
- Ah.
It also helps us keep track of who's in the office.
- It alerts me, Brian - I don't want to be on a watch list.
Oh, I've got your travel allowance for the Japan trip.
- Ah, good.
- Five days.
So this is 4,000 yen.
1,000 2,000 - Am I backpacking? - No.
- That's about 50 bucks.
- Is it? You sure you got the decimal point in the right place? I'll check.
- (MONITOR TRILLS) - Oh! Jim's here.
Good system.
- Yeah, no, it's working.
- And just an update.
We heard from the Minister.
He won't be joining you in Japan.
- Seriously? - Something came up last minute.
- Do we know what? - The opening of trout season.
They go up to this cabin.
- It'll now be the Minister Assisting.
- OK.
Hey, I like your new system in the lobby.
We should get one of those in Finance.
- Keep the premiers out! - (LAUGHS) Jim, do you want to be in our Cup sweep? - Sure.
How much to enter? - $5.
- Oh - You can pay me later.
Let me know who I get.
Hey, you got a minute? - Sure.
- You going tomorrow? No, not really a racing man.
Barbecue at home.
You? I love it.
- Full monkey suit in the marquee.
- (CHUCKLES) Hey, uh, do you remember that light rail project? Sunshine Coast? Remind me how that started.
You came to us with a proposal and we said, "Don't do it.
" - But after we reworked the numbers - We said, "Definitely don't do it.
" - And then? - You did it.
- So, you sort of involved.
- No.
- In the early stages.
- No.
It was the usual back-and-forth and then we went full steam ahead.
Jim, we played no part in the approval of that project.
Good.
Just want to make sure I've got the time line right.
- What's this all about? - Ah.
Nothing.
Just usual scuttlebutt.
- I've heard there's been problems.
- There's always naysayers.
Blown out by up a couple of billion or something? - 3.
3.
- What? - What? - Huh? You can go through, Nat.
I'm not going through until you change that photo.
COURTNEY: What's wrong with it? I've got one eye half-closed and I look mildly psychotic.
It's from the Christmas party.
- Your point? - It's festive.
You know what? I can reboot the system.
Change it.
VOICEOVER: Wherever you're heading, Sun Link will get you there on time and in style.
So, prepare yourself to be transported.
- There.
- Where? Let me go back.
Back Back There.
- What? - Your logo.
We didn't ask for it to be added.
Well, you didn't ask for it to be removed.
- I didn't know it was there.
- Really? - And what about all those emails? - What emails? Well, let's see.
April 17 of that year.
"I'm just wanting to make sure that this rail project of ours" - Ours? - Well, credit where credit's due.
Is this the one? There you go.
Subject heading, "Light rail exciting development".
- Yeah? - You seem pretty positive.
I'm replying to you.
That's your heading.
You didn't change it.
Jim, once and for all, what is going on? - It's nothing.
Jumping at shadows.
- What shadows? Here you go, Jim.
You got Peaches Pride.
Oh! The favourite.
You know what? It's Cup Eve.
- Let's all enjoy a bit of time off.
- OK.
- I think I owe you this.
- Oh.
Thanks, Nat.
You've drawn Tucson Mist.
She's a New Zealand stayer.
- What's the form guide say? - Um "Step up in class but could surprise.
" So, no hope? That's pretty clear too.
Just a couple of meetings on Thursday.
Yep.
I'll check with Nat.
Rhonda wants to know if we're both around over the next few days.
- Did she say why? - She said just in case.
Just in case what? (SCOFFS) It's Rhonda.
You only get one question.
You're now starting with a working luncheon at the Australian consulate in Osaka.
Then there's the formal welcome dinner, followed the next morning by a business breakfast.
Anything not involving a meal? - There's a site visit.
- To? Ooh! A food market.
And then, after that, you've got your round-table meeting with Mr Hatitsu Fukiamo.
What happened to Mr Yakiamo? - Is he different? - I'd assume so.
Oh, and who's Mr Moto? - That's your horse.
- Oh.
I left some money on your desk.
I thought that was Jim's.
I need to fix my list.
- OK.
- NAT: You all set for Japan? Yeah.
Yeah.
You OK? It's funny.
Jim's acting really weird.
So is Rhonda.
Huh.
Remember when they first proposed the Sunshine Coast light-rail project? - It was a while back.
- Yeah.
Do you remember what I said? "Don't do it.
" Can I help? I'll let you know.
Thanks.
COMMENTATOR: It is a great day, isn't it? The first Tuesday of November.
Excitement is reaching fever pitch.
Just hours to go until the Melbourne Cup, which is set to be Come on! - Stupid thing.
- (TABLET BEEPS) - Tony? - Katie! Well, that was good luck.
- Yeah.
- Thank you.
And not here? No.
If they're anywhere, they'll be in here.
Right.
- What happened to your barbecue? - Oh, long story.
Hey, why why are you here? - Oh, Jim called.
- What? He needed me to find some files urgently.
Wait a second.
Not the files for the light-rail business case? - No.
- Oh.
The light-rail budget projections.
- Do you think they're connected? - JIM: How'd you go with the files? - Still looking.
- Do you need a hand? - Can I have a word? - Yeah, sure.
- Now? - Yeah.
Jim, you're not being straight with me.
(SIGHS) Well, there's been a blow-out! Yeah, you told me.
$3.
3 billion.
Yeah, well, that blow-out blew out.
Let's call it five.
Five billion?! - You reckon that's a lot? - Oh! Brian and Scotty have just arrived.
Brian will open the vault and Scotty will find the originals.
On a public holiday? What's going on? I got a whisper from the bloke in the marquee that there might be an unfavourable review about to drop.
- What? - I said 'might'.
Yeah, but you used the I'm just trying to get ahead of the curve.
- What sort of review? - Not a review, an assessment.
What does the Auditor-General call it? The Auditor-General?! Are you kidding me?! Look, there's no need to panic.
Right.
I got here as soon as I could.
Where are we at? - SCOTT: That's the original costings.
- Great.
- The business case.
- Yep.
Then you got the revised business case.
- Thank you.
- And the updated recommendations.
- COURTNEY: Here you go, Rhonda.
- Ah, thanks, darling.
Must've been too much sun.
And here are your winnings from the sweep, Jim.
- I took out the $5.
- Door? Yep.
- (CLOSES DOOR) - An Auditor-General's report? That's what I've been told.
- When? - Any day now.
Could be early next week, and from what I'm told, it's not good for us.
Us?! - Well, you had a bit to do with it.
- Of course you did.
I had a bit to do with trying to block it.
- So, you were involved.
- Up to his ears.
- No.
- Exciting developments.
- Jim - Feasibility study.
- You said it was 50/50.
- No.
- 60/40? - No.
- 70/20? - Doesn't even add up.
No, I said it involves extreme risks, low-to-negligible benefits and high costs.
- That's not a no.
- It was! Oh, would you mind keeping it down? Look, no-one's accusing you of anything.
- Good.
- Officially.
What? We just need to keep a watch on this thing over the next few days.
- Jim, I'm due in Osaka in 48 hours.
- Yeah, I don't think so As if we can let you skip the country while we're left dealing with your mess.
My mess? I can't just not turn up.
- Rhonda has a backup plan.
- But I'm already booked to attend.
(KNOCKS ON DOOR) - What's Nat doing here? - I'll be right with you.
Just But I've never led a trade delegation.
I told you, it's a crisis.
I thought you said it wasn't a crisis.
That was half an hour ago.
This is a chance for you to really step up.
We've organised a briefing from DFAT.
A high-level overseas mission? It's fine.
You'll have Ash.
- Absolutely.
- So, you two need to get busy.
KATE: Here's your money, Nat.
- Oh, is that our travel allowance? - No, her horse came in third.
- Hey, sorry to dump you into this.
- No, it's fine.
- Is everything OK? - We'll see.
Jim thinks it might turn out to be nothing.
(KNOCKS) Where's the shredder? ALL: That room.
I'm just getting a heads-up on some of the report's conclusions.
Sorry, what was that? "Lack of accountability" And that's for the tendering process or the budget? Oh, both.
OK.
Yep, yep, yep.
Can you just hang on a sec? Is that how you spell 'maladministration'? - No hyphen.
- OK.
And this is all for the business case? Oh, the lack of a business case.
Yeah.
OK.
Yep.
Great.
And if you hear a drop date Much appreciated.
What did they say? - We're gonna have to get serious.
- Do we wake Rhonda? Not yet.
(SIGHS) Jesus, how did we get ourselves into this mess? We got ourselves into this mess by ignoring advice.
You should've blocked it.
We ranked it lowest possible priority.
- Why did you give it a priority? - Lowest! But why didn't you block it? Because you spent two weeks in my office pleading.
Really? Jim, you shut the door, leant in and whispered, "I need a favour.
" - I wouldn't have done that.
- You did.
I remember.
Right there.
You shut that door.
You leant in and you said, "Tony.
I need a favour.
" Alright.
I really need a favour.
- Seriously? - I changed it.
It's from the same party.
You look happy.
I look demented.
Change it.
So, nothing from the party? KATIE: Jim's on his way up.
- And there's a man waiting for him.
- Sure.
Oh, Tony, the Sun Link train.
You wanted me to look at my diary notes.
- Yes.
- I checked.
It was three years ago.
You and Scott did a cost-benefit analysis and advised not to proceed.
We sent a formal letter to the Minister.
Then, on the 20th of September, you had a meeting with Jim.
- And what did he say? - I don't know.
He shut the door.
- Got it.
- But it was definitely the 20th.
- OK.
- Tony? Yeah.
- You're here.
- Yeah.
- You can't be.
- I am.
According to the e-greet system, you're not supposed to be here.
- Well, I am.
- Tony, what are you doing here? I think I know the problem.
When you left last night, did you log out? - Why would I log out? I left.
- He didn't log out.
- No wonder it's locked up.
- Guys, I'm under the pump Is there any chance I could get you to come back through to reception? - What for? - So you can come back in.
- I'm already in.
- Well, not according to the system.
- I'm here! - (PHONE RINGS) Oh, God.
Minister.
(OVER PHONE) Ah, Tony! Can you hear me alright? Yeah.
Just tip the phone down a little.
It's just pointing Oh, yeah, right.
How's that? Fine.
Yeah.
I heard we're having some issues with our light-rail project.
"Our"? I believe so.
I just wanted to let you know we're all on the same page.
- We're all in this together, OK? - Yeah.
Have you spoken with Jim? I know you've probably got this all under control, yeah, as lead agency, but if you need anything, just don't hesitate to call.
Well, actually, Minister, um There's a Oh! Oh, oh! Oh, I've gotta go.
I've gotta go now.
OK.
Bye.
- Who is he again? - Marcus from Summit Solutions.
- He's a crisis manager.
- Oh, of course he is.
Ah! Sorry to keep you waiting.
Tony Woodford.
- Marcus Patrick.
- Marcus.
- Scott Byrnes.
- Marcus Patrick.
How are you, Scott? - Sorry, everyone.
- Rhonda, this is Marcus Ah, you godsend.
- Thank you for coming.
- Lovely to see you.
- Obviously met before.
- Feel better already.
Now, before we go any further, I guess it's worth saying that this meeting never took place.
For all intents and purposes, I am not here.
OK.
Great.
Thank you.
Cheers.
Folks, we are dealing with a major crisis.
- When did it become major? - About three hours ago.
No more OK.
Phase one of crisis management.
Reaction.
How you react when you find out is critical.
- We have found out.
- Not officially.
So, let me get this straight.
The moment we find out - Say, tomorrow.
- .
.
we will react by Being shocked.
Surprised.
Dismayed.
- Which brings us to phase two.
- Mm-hm.
Once we find out - Tomorrow.
- Yeah.
.
.
we'll need to adopt an absolutely clear and decisive position.
Understood.
We apologise.
Take full responsibility and accept the consequences.
Right.
Or we deny, dispute and delay.
Sorry, I don't follow you.
- Which bit? - The clear position bit.
- He just told you.
- Just then! It's alright.
He's a newbie.
It doesn't matter what we say as long as we keep saying it.
Hmm? - Same page? - OK.
Phase three, identify who's to blame.
Well, I've spoken to a few people at the PMO, and they suggest the following phrases.
- "Unforeseen factors".
- Uh-huh.
- "Unseasonal weather events".
- Yep.
- "Inflexible workplace agreements".
- Nice.
You're gonna blame the unions?! Someone has to take responsibility.
God.
The Aussie dollar, commodity prices, onerous environmental restrictions.
- These are all good.
- Sorry, sorry.
We're trying to spin our way out of it.
We should take this opportunity to look at the process that led to this problem.
- No, I preferred the first idea.
- Now's not the time, Tony OK.
- (TABLET BEEPS) - Put your name there Yeah.
And log in.
Great.
Hi, Nat.
I've got Melanie Hain and Dee Fat here from Claire Laundry.
No, it's Melanie Hain and Claire Laudry from DFAT.
And that's not actually how you spell it.
So Dee's not coming? - So nice to see you again.
- And you! You've moved! - Yes, I'm at DFAT now.
- Bit of a promotion.
- You remember Claire? - Of course.
- She's assisting me.
- Fantastic.
So, Japan! Very exciting.
And this is your first trade delegation? - Pretty much.
- OK.
Well, a bit to get through.
- Did you get the? - Briefing documents.
- Yes, right here.
- OK.
- They're old.
- Onto it.
- We'll get rid of those.
- Wow.
- That's a lot of stuff.
- Oh, don't be overwhelmed.
- We'll start with the blue book.
- Which one's that? The red folder.
It's your travel delegation book.
It has everything you need.
History.
Culture.
Helpful facts.
There are also topics to avoid.
- World War II.
- Whaling.
The number of buttons on their toilets.
I think be careful with humour.
Any initial questions? Uh, well, in a nutshell, what is the aim of this trip? Great question.
We are signing a bilateral infrastructure trade memorandum of understanding.
- And which one is that? - Oh.
That's, uh You know what? We need to get a copy of that.
Onto it.
In the meantime, why don't we go through business card protocol? Yep.
Phase four.
I think we need to personalise this.
Let me put it this way.
If you were cutting the ribbon on this train thingy right now Uh-uh.
It's been delayed another year.
.
.
who'd be holding the scissors? Well, him, the PM, the Minister for Infrastructure, the consultants that fudged the figures But who was there right from the very beginning? I mean, someone must have let this thing get away.
Why are you looking at me? From my brief chat with Jim, it's obvious that warnings were ignored.
Budget uncertainties glossed over.
Yeah, you're still looking at me.
Yet despite this, the project went ahead, and now we're facing this blow-out.
- I'm not sure I'd call it a blow-out.
- What would you call it? A "revised figure" or a "budgetary recalibration".
- They're both good.
- SCOTT: Shall I show them this? Good idea.
Scotty has put together a timeline of the project from our end.
And it shows on repeated occasions Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa! Hold it there, Tony.
- What are you doing?! - Jesus, Tony! - Problem.
- Where? - Here.
- There! - This.
- He's got a death wish.
From now on, nothing new written down.
Oh.
Existing documents retained, of course.
- (SHREDDER SOUND EFFECT ON PHONE) - Sorry.
That was unrelated.
- But nothing on paper.
- Oh.
Can you shred this for me? OK, well, if we're gonna do it verbally, well, we'll need a little bit of time to sort of, like, summarise.
- (SHREDDER SOUND EFFECT ON PHONE) - Unrelated.
- MELANIE: And then a slight bow - Bow.
- Yep.
- .
.
and release.
It's polite for the recipient to now read the job title.
Boost Juice loyal customer.
We'll get you some proper cards printed.
- Revised copy of the itinerary.
- Oh, thanks.
OK.
Looks like we'll have you at the consulate by 1300 hours.
There's your diplomatic security passes.
- Where did you get that photo? - Girl at the front desk.
Upon arrival, you will receive an update on our current trade relations status.
I have a copy right here.
- Shall I take one? - No, no, no.
You need to receive it there.
- But surely - Bit to get through.
Oh.
There's been a slight adjustment to the schedule.
The official welcoming ceremony has been moved.
- To? - Tuesday.
- When? - 2:30pm.
So, we'll now be welcomed two days after we arrive? All going to plan.
We're going to need to adjust those opening remarks.
- What's next? - The memorandum? - Hmm? - That we're signing? I'm going to jump on that.
- Let me do it.
- Alrighty.
We can keep our skates on.
So, the Sunshine Coast light-rail project first landed on our desk about three and a half years ago.
We considered it and gave it an unfavourable recommendation.
It was referred back to us for a more formal cost-benefit analysis, which led us to reject the idea.
- And who did that go to? - Oh, let's see.
It went to Jim, the Minister's office and the department.
Keep going.
The Minister's office sought further clarification - From who? - From us.
The NBA.
.
.
which led us to reconfirm our negative recommendation.
- Yep.
- And then in August? - Uhm yep, correct, August.
- .
.
August of that year, they asked the NBA to review a recommissioned business case.
- You know all I'm hearing here - NBA.
- What? - JIM: I forgot how involved you were.
- It's hard to ignore.
- Jim Hey! We've got your back.
If you think you're gonna blame me for this Nobody's blaming anyone.
But if we're going to work our way through this whole NBA-gate affair - What? - .
.
I think we need to agree on Hey, I don't care how you spin this.
I don't care what phase we're up to.
I'm not gonna be the fall guy for this cock-up! Tony, Tony How about the two of us have a quick chat? Mano a mano.
- Is this phase five? - Yeah.
Alright.
OK.
Seriously, mate, I want you to know I've got your back.
- We all do.
- Uh-huh.
- And I feel for you.
- In what way? There you are, you're just trying to do your job.
- You make one slip-up - I didn't slip up.
I'm talking appearances.
Before you know it, the chickens are home to roost.
- Not my chickens, Marcus.
- Hey.
We're all in this together.
So why am I the only one with chickens? Tone, Tone.
- You've got to help me to help you.
- Huh.
At the moment, all I've got is this "he said, she said" mess.
Then why don't I make it really simple? Three years ago, the Minister came to us with a light-rail proposal.
We said it was a terrible idea.
Next thing, in the middle of a by-election he approved the project.
OK, OK.
I get it.
- So, you're saying it was the Minister - Yes.
- .
.
who was let down.
- No! - You're getting frazzled.
OK? It's - Well It's not uncommon.
Hey.
Let me make some calls.
- OK.
- OK.
OK, you both now bow Perfect.
And present your counterparts with the assigned gift.
Uh, scarf or boomerang.
Or Akubra for senior officials.
OK, let's quickly run through the official welcome.
Once the Japanese Consul-General has spoken, you'll be called on to respond.
- Just a few off-the-cuff remarks.
- English and Japanese.
You're looking forward to deepening relationships, strengthening ties, ongoing opportunities.
So, it's all quite structured? There'll be plenty of opportunity for informal exchanges, - which we have here.
- OK.
But what if I want to speak directly with some of the Japanese delegates? - About? - Infrastructure.
- I'd advise against it.
- Definitely.
You'd advise against discussing infrastructure at an infrastructure forum? - I wouldn't be going off-piste.
- Not a good idea.
(PHONE CHIMES) Oh Oh.
Do you have your diplomatic passports? - No.
- Shit.
OK, let's take a quick break and we will organise something.
- And the actual memorandum? - Yeah.
We need to fast-track those passports.
OK, thanks.
Alright.
- Just had a word with the Minister.
- And? - He's pretty rattled.
- JIM: Really? Pretty down.
Cone of silence.
- He's thinking about resignation.
- Oh.
- Oh, shit.
Really? - Well, yeah.
But his question is who should go? What? - Well, it's not gonna be him.
- Why? Oh.
Would you at least try to keep up? Oh, I'm keeping up.
He wants someone else to take the fall.
- But who might that be? - Might be you, Tony.
Look, I'll be honest.
- Your name came up.
- Oh, for flip's sake.
You don't have to actually resign.
Just accept a rebuke.
A dressing down.
A kick in the pants with full confidence moving forward.
We all lose some bark but come out still standing.
- I'm liking the sound of this.
- For the final time, no.
I will not accept responsibility for this debacle! Just a tick Should we organise some hair and make-up? I think I'm fine.
Is one eyelid a little lower than Here's a copy of the latest schedule.
Is it any different to the one you gave me half an hour ago? I'd assume so.
Better safe than sorry.
- And the memorandum? - The? The thing we're signing.
You were gonna get me a copy.
Oh, yes! Coming.
OK.
Good to go.
Just looking straight ahead, nice and neutral.
Sorry.
Nat - You're frowning.
- I'm not frowning.
- You are now.
- Only because she said I was.
(CAMERA CLICKS) Sure she doesn't want hair and make-up? Frowning, Nat! (TABLET BEEPS) No.
My name's still not coming up.
Did you come in earlier this morning? No.
How about I log you in with a temporary ID? - OK.
- Yeah? OK, done.
And do I have to log out as John Citizen? - Yes, John.
- OK.
- Lowercase! - Yep.
"Sumimasen.
Mou ichido onegaishimasu.
" See, no matter how you say it, it still sounds racist.
That's just making it worse.
Guys, will either of you be requiring vaccinations for hep A, typhoid, yellow fever, diphtheria or malaria? We're going to Japan.
So, not malaria? - Not any of them.
- OK.
Ooh.
And I've got the travel allowance for the trip.
So, that's 500,000 yen, one million Katie, Katie - 1.
5 million yen is about $20,000.
- Oh I've done the decimal point in the wrong place again.
No wonder he looked at me funny.
- Arigato! - Stop it.
Seriously?! Well, after you ruined my Cup Day, yes.
And I think Marcus has a solution for us going forward.
MARCUS: OK.
Current plan of attack.
Depending on when the report drops, the Minister releases a statement expressing shock at systemic failures in the approval process, and while all parties concluded the project a worthwhile endeavour - We didn't.
- You've made it a priority! - A low priority.
- Yeah, low priority.
Gentlemen! I'm due in a marquee in half an hour.
Do you mind? MARCUS: "Mistakes were made, "and I'll be flying home to personally handle the issue.
" - Home from where? - Doesn't matter.
He then fronts a press conference the following day at an infrastructure project which is on time and on budget, like Uh - Like? - We'll get back to you on that one.
- I think it sends the right message.
- Yeah.
- So, where do we send him? - Where is he now? In a hut on the Eucumbene River.
Perfect.
Cut short his holiday.
Better if he comes home from somewhere work-related Canberra? Oh, hang on.
The We were just The Japanese thing.
Oh, yeah.
What is that thing? The business investment infrastructure trade mission? - That thing.
- It's perfect.
The Minister is over there, signing new deals, opening up important new opportunities.
Then in the middle of this vital - Trade mission.
- .
.
thing, he receives news he's been let down at home, gives an emergency doorstop, then cuts short his trip to selflessly fly back home and find out who's to blame.
I'll make some calls.
Guys, if the NBA gets mentioned once Tone.
Tone.
We've got your back.
- Gotta rush.
- Once.
Not once.
Seriously, I don't know where that attache is.
It's fine.
We can push our own bags.
Yeah.
Uh-huh.
And that's been confirmed? And the memorandum? - I really do need to see - Oh, they emailed it.
We can print a copy out for you at the consulate.
OK.
Small change of plans.
The Minister is now coming.
- The Minister Assisting - No, the Minister.
He's on a direct flight as we speak.
So, he'll be joining us? Uh, actually, big change of plans.
You guys are no longer required, so you can relax.
There'll be a flight back to Australia in - Seven hours.
- Perfect.
Ah! There's our bags.
OK, well, safe travels, and we'll let everyone know that you're on your way.
Bye! Let me say right off the bat, I have complete faith in the NBA.
Yes, there have been some shortcomings, but I won't let our government's vital agenda be derailed by any one single act of incompetence, which is why I'm heading home immediately to personally take charge of this regrettable situation.
That's good, isn't it, Tony? He's got complete faith in us.
(CHUCKLES) It's great.
Sorry, the e-gate system is not recognising your photo.
Can you just? It's me.
And you were in Japan for seven hours? - Yep.
- Reason for visit? I have no idea.
- Did you see Mount Fuji? - No.
Did you see any cherry blossoms? We didn't get any further than the airport.
- Oh.
- Nat? This just arrived for you.
Some sort of memorandum.
You think we should change the photo? Yeah.
- Alright.
I'll reboot the system.
- Thanks, Brian.
- Right across Australia.
- We are in the age of infrastructure.
- The dawn of a new era.
Take this country to the 21st century.
Bucketloads of bitumen and bricks.
- Building a stronger country.
- Record spending We're spending more than any government has ever spent.
- $44 billion.
- $75 billion.
- $100 billion.
- It's big money in anyone's language.
- This is a nation-building - Nation-building.
- Nation-building.
- Nation-building.
- Nation-building.
- Nation-building.
Nation-building.
- Morning.
- Ah! A new customer.
Ah, so today's the day? - So exciting.
- Oh, bet it is.
So, first step, prompt him to put in his name.
- So, just there, Tony.
- Hmm? - And remember, it's case-sensitive.
- It's case-sensitive.
And it's a little time-consuming.
You'll only need to do this once, Tony.
- Then the system remembers you.
- Courtney remembers me.
We're optimising our visitor management process.
Oh, well, let's do that.
Now who are you visiting? There's a drop-down menu there.
I'm not visiting anyone because I work here.
Ah, what have you don? I see what he's done.
You see what he's done? - He's logged in as a visitor.
- Yeah, no, go back.
- Yeah.
- Yeah, and back again.
- Yeah.
- Hit 'staff'.
- Staff.
- Your name.
- Yeah.
It's case-sensitive.
- Very good.
- And - Oh! - There you are.
- Wow! Alrighty.
OK.
OK, now, that will alert me.
Katie will log you in formally, and you can let him through.
- Great.
There you go.
- (BUZZ!) - What's he done? - Not opening.
- What have you done, Tony? - I haven't done anything.
- Alright.
- Let's just check his name.
It's case sen That's all T-O-N-Y.
Morning.
And, uh, we're doing this because? It'll give Courtney more time to do her job.
Sorry, isn't that her job? Receptionist? - No, administrative assistant.
- Ah.
It also helps us keep track of who's in the office.
- It alerts me, Brian - I don't want to be on a watch list.
Oh, I've got your travel allowance for the Japan trip.
- Ah, good.
- Five days.
So this is 4,000 yen.
1,000 2,000 - Am I backpacking? - No.
- That's about 50 bucks.
- Is it? You sure you got the decimal point in the right place? I'll check.
- (MONITOR TRILLS) - Oh! Jim's here.
Good system.
- Yeah, no, it's working.
- And just an update.
We heard from the Minister.
He won't be joining you in Japan.
- Seriously? - Something came up last minute.
- Do we know what? - The opening of trout season.
They go up to this cabin.
- It'll now be the Minister Assisting.
- OK.
Hey, I like your new system in the lobby.
We should get one of those in Finance.
- Keep the premiers out! - (LAUGHS) Jim, do you want to be in our Cup sweep? - Sure.
How much to enter? - $5.
- Oh - You can pay me later.
Let me know who I get.
Hey, you got a minute? - Sure.
- You going tomorrow? No, not really a racing man.
Barbecue at home.
You? I love it.
- Full monkey suit in the marquee.
- (CHUCKLES) Hey, uh, do you remember that light rail project? Sunshine Coast? Remind me how that started.
You came to us with a proposal and we said, "Don't do it.
" - But after we reworked the numbers - We said, "Definitely don't do it.
" - And then? - You did it.
- So, you sort of involved.
- No.
- In the early stages.
- No.
It was the usual back-and-forth and then we went full steam ahead.
Jim, we played no part in the approval of that project.
Good.
Just want to make sure I've got the time line right.
- What's this all about? - Ah.
Nothing.
Just usual scuttlebutt.
- I've heard there's been problems.
- There's always naysayers.
Blown out by up a couple of billion or something? - 3.
3.
- What? - What? - Huh? You can go through, Nat.
I'm not going through until you change that photo.
COURTNEY: What's wrong with it? I've got one eye half-closed and I look mildly psychotic.
It's from the Christmas party.
- Your point? - It's festive.
You know what? I can reboot the system.
Change it.
VOICEOVER: Wherever you're heading, Sun Link will get you there on time and in style.
So, prepare yourself to be transported.
- There.
- Where? Let me go back.
Back Back There.
- What? - Your logo.
We didn't ask for it to be added.
Well, you didn't ask for it to be removed.
- I didn't know it was there.
- Really? - And what about all those emails? - What emails? Well, let's see.
April 17 of that year.
"I'm just wanting to make sure that this rail project of ours" - Ours? - Well, credit where credit's due.
Is this the one? There you go.
Subject heading, "Light rail exciting development".
- Yeah? - You seem pretty positive.
I'm replying to you.
That's your heading.
You didn't change it.
Jim, once and for all, what is going on? - It's nothing.
Jumping at shadows.
- What shadows? Here you go, Jim.
You got Peaches Pride.
Oh! The favourite.
You know what? It's Cup Eve.
- Let's all enjoy a bit of time off.
- OK.
- I think I owe you this.
- Oh.
Thanks, Nat.
You've drawn Tucson Mist.
She's a New Zealand stayer.
- What's the form guide say? - Um "Step up in class but could surprise.
" So, no hope? That's pretty clear too.
Just a couple of meetings on Thursday.
Yep.
I'll check with Nat.
Rhonda wants to know if we're both around over the next few days.
- Did she say why? - She said just in case.
Just in case what? (SCOFFS) It's Rhonda.
You only get one question.
You're now starting with a working luncheon at the Australian consulate in Osaka.
Then there's the formal welcome dinner, followed the next morning by a business breakfast.
Anything not involving a meal? - There's a site visit.
- To? Ooh! A food market.
And then, after that, you've got your round-table meeting with Mr Hatitsu Fukiamo.
What happened to Mr Yakiamo? - Is he different? - I'd assume so.
Oh, and who's Mr Moto? - That's your horse.
- Oh.
I left some money on your desk.
I thought that was Jim's.
I need to fix my list.
- OK.
- NAT: You all set for Japan? Yeah.
Yeah.
You OK? It's funny.
Jim's acting really weird.
So is Rhonda.
Huh.
Remember when they first proposed the Sunshine Coast light-rail project? - It was a while back.
- Yeah.
Do you remember what I said? "Don't do it.
" Can I help? I'll let you know.
Thanks.
COMMENTATOR: It is a great day, isn't it? The first Tuesday of November.
Excitement is reaching fever pitch.
Just hours to go until the Melbourne Cup, which is set to be Come on! - Stupid thing.
- (TABLET BEEPS) - Tony? - Katie! Well, that was good luck.
- Yeah.
- Thank you.
And not here? No.
If they're anywhere, they'll be in here.
Right.
- What happened to your barbecue? - Oh, long story.
Hey, why why are you here? - Oh, Jim called.
- What? He needed me to find some files urgently.
Wait a second.
Not the files for the light-rail business case? - No.
- Oh.
The light-rail budget projections.
- Do you think they're connected? - JIM: How'd you go with the files? - Still looking.
- Do you need a hand? - Can I have a word? - Yeah, sure.
- Now? - Yeah.
Jim, you're not being straight with me.
(SIGHS) Well, there's been a blow-out! Yeah, you told me.
$3.
3 billion.
Yeah, well, that blow-out blew out.
Let's call it five.
Five billion?! - You reckon that's a lot? - Oh! Brian and Scotty have just arrived.
Brian will open the vault and Scotty will find the originals.
On a public holiday? What's going on? I got a whisper from the bloke in the marquee that there might be an unfavourable review about to drop.
- What? - I said 'might'.
Yeah, but you used the I'm just trying to get ahead of the curve.
- What sort of review? - Not a review, an assessment.
What does the Auditor-General call it? The Auditor-General?! Are you kidding me?! Look, there's no need to panic.
Right.
I got here as soon as I could.
Where are we at? - SCOTT: That's the original costings.
- Great.
- The business case.
- Yep.
Then you got the revised business case.
- Thank you.
- And the updated recommendations.
- COURTNEY: Here you go, Rhonda.
- Ah, thanks, darling.
Must've been too much sun.
And here are your winnings from the sweep, Jim.
- I took out the $5.
- Door? Yep.
- (CLOSES DOOR) - An Auditor-General's report? That's what I've been told.
- When? - Any day now.
Could be early next week, and from what I'm told, it's not good for us.
Us?! - Well, you had a bit to do with it.
- Of course you did.
I had a bit to do with trying to block it.
- So, you were involved.
- Up to his ears.
- No.
- Exciting developments.
- Jim - Feasibility study.
- You said it was 50/50.
- No.
- 60/40? - No.
- 70/20? - Doesn't even add up.
No, I said it involves extreme risks, low-to-negligible benefits and high costs.
- That's not a no.
- It was! Oh, would you mind keeping it down? Look, no-one's accusing you of anything.
- Good.
- Officially.
What? We just need to keep a watch on this thing over the next few days.
- Jim, I'm due in Osaka in 48 hours.
- Yeah, I don't think so As if we can let you skip the country while we're left dealing with your mess.
My mess? I can't just not turn up.
- Rhonda has a backup plan.
- But I'm already booked to attend.
(KNOCKS ON DOOR) - What's Nat doing here? - I'll be right with you.
Just But I've never led a trade delegation.
I told you, it's a crisis.
I thought you said it wasn't a crisis.
That was half an hour ago.
This is a chance for you to really step up.
We've organised a briefing from DFAT.
A high-level overseas mission? It's fine.
You'll have Ash.
- Absolutely.
- So, you two need to get busy.
KATE: Here's your money, Nat.
- Oh, is that our travel allowance? - No, her horse came in third.
- Hey, sorry to dump you into this.
- No, it's fine.
- Is everything OK? - We'll see.
Jim thinks it might turn out to be nothing.
(KNOCKS) Where's the shredder? ALL: That room.
I'm just getting a heads-up on some of the report's conclusions.
Sorry, what was that? "Lack of accountability" And that's for the tendering process or the budget? Oh, both.
OK.
Yep, yep, yep.
Can you just hang on a sec? Is that how you spell 'maladministration'? - No hyphen.
- OK.
And this is all for the business case? Oh, the lack of a business case.
Yeah.
OK.
Yep.
Great.
And if you hear a drop date Much appreciated.
What did they say? - We're gonna have to get serious.
- Do we wake Rhonda? Not yet.
(SIGHS) Jesus, how did we get ourselves into this mess? We got ourselves into this mess by ignoring advice.
You should've blocked it.
We ranked it lowest possible priority.
- Why did you give it a priority? - Lowest! But why didn't you block it? Because you spent two weeks in my office pleading.
Really? Jim, you shut the door, leant in and whispered, "I need a favour.
" - I wouldn't have done that.
- You did.
I remember.
Right there.
You shut that door.
You leant in and you said, "Tony.
I need a favour.
" Alright.
I really need a favour.
- Seriously? - I changed it.
It's from the same party.
You look happy.
I look demented.
Change it.
So, nothing from the party? KATIE: Jim's on his way up.
- And there's a man waiting for him.
- Sure.
Oh, Tony, the Sun Link train.
You wanted me to look at my diary notes.
- Yes.
- I checked.
It was three years ago.
You and Scott did a cost-benefit analysis and advised not to proceed.
We sent a formal letter to the Minister.
Then, on the 20th of September, you had a meeting with Jim.
- And what did he say? - I don't know.
He shut the door.
- Got it.
- But it was definitely the 20th.
- OK.
- Tony? Yeah.
- You're here.
- Yeah.
- You can't be.
- I am.
According to the e-greet system, you're not supposed to be here.
- Well, I am.
- Tony, what are you doing here? I think I know the problem.
When you left last night, did you log out? - Why would I log out? I left.
- He didn't log out.
- No wonder it's locked up.
- Guys, I'm under the pump Is there any chance I could get you to come back through to reception? - What for? - So you can come back in.
- I'm already in.
- Well, not according to the system.
- I'm here! - (PHONE RINGS) Oh, God.
Minister.
(OVER PHONE) Ah, Tony! Can you hear me alright? Yeah.
Just tip the phone down a little.
It's just pointing Oh, yeah, right.
How's that? Fine.
Yeah.
I heard we're having some issues with our light-rail project.
"Our"? I believe so.
I just wanted to let you know we're all on the same page.
- We're all in this together, OK? - Yeah.
Have you spoken with Jim? I know you've probably got this all under control, yeah, as lead agency, but if you need anything, just don't hesitate to call.
Well, actually, Minister, um There's a Oh! Oh, oh! Oh, I've gotta go.
I've gotta go now.
OK.
Bye.
- Who is he again? - Marcus from Summit Solutions.
- He's a crisis manager.
- Oh, of course he is.
Ah! Sorry to keep you waiting.
Tony Woodford.
- Marcus Patrick.
- Marcus.
- Scott Byrnes.
- Marcus Patrick.
How are you, Scott? - Sorry, everyone.
- Rhonda, this is Marcus Ah, you godsend.
- Thank you for coming.
- Lovely to see you.
- Obviously met before.
- Feel better already.
Now, before we go any further, I guess it's worth saying that this meeting never took place.
For all intents and purposes, I am not here.
OK.
Great.
Thank you.
Cheers.
Folks, we are dealing with a major crisis.
- When did it become major? - About three hours ago.
No more OK.
Phase one of crisis management.
Reaction.
How you react when you find out is critical.
- We have found out.
- Not officially.
So, let me get this straight.
The moment we find out - Say, tomorrow.
- .
.
we will react by Being shocked.
Surprised.
Dismayed.
- Which brings us to phase two.
- Mm-hm.
Once we find out - Tomorrow.
- Yeah.
.
.
we'll need to adopt an absolutely clear and decisive position.
Understood.
We apologise.
Take full responsibility and accept the consequences.
Right.
Or we deny, dispute and delay.
Sorry, I don't follow you.
- Which bit? - The clear position bit.
- He just told you.
- Just then! It's alright.
He's a newbie.
It doesn't matter what we say as long as we keep saying it.
Hmm? - Same page? - OK.
Phase three, identify who's to blame.
Well, I've spoken to a few people at the PMO, and they suggest the following phrases.
- "Unforeseen factors".
- Uh-huh.
- "Unseasonal weather events".
- Yep.
- "Inflexible workplace agreements".
- Nice.
You're gonna blame the unions?! Someone has to take responsibility.
God.
The Aussie dollar, commodity prices, onerous environmental restrictions.
- These are all good.
- Sorry, sorry.
We're trying to spin our way out of it.
We should take this opportunity to look at the process that led to this problem.
- No, I preferred the first idea.
- Now's not the time, Tony OK.
- (TABLET BEEPS) - Put your name there Yeah.
And log in.
Great.
Hi, Nat.
I've got Melanie Hain and Dee Fat here from Claire Laundry.
No, it's Melanie Hain and Claire Laudry from DFAT.
And that's not actually how you spell it.
So Dee's not coming? - So nice to see you again.
- And you! You've moved! - Yes, I'm at DFAT now.
- Bit of a promotion.
- You remember Claire? - Of course.
- She's assisting me.
- Fantastic.
So, Japan! Very exciting.
And this is your first trade delegation? - Pretty much.
- OK.
Well, a bit to get through.
- Did you get the? - Briefing documents.
- Yes, right here.
- OK.
- They're old.
- Onto it.
- We'll get rid of those.
- Wow.
- That's a lot of stuff.
- Oh, don't be overwhelmed.
- We'll start with the blue book.
- Which one's that? The red folder.
It's your travel delegation book.
It has everything you need.
History.
Culture.
Helpful facts.
There are also topics to avoid.
- World War II.
- Whaling.
The number of buttons on their toilets.
I think be careful with humour.
Any initial questions? Uh, well, in a nutshell, what is the aim of this trip? Great question.
We are signing a bilateral infrastructure trade memorandum of understanding.
- And which one is that? - Oh.
That's, uh You know what? We need to get a copy of that.
Onto it.
In the meantime, why don't we go through business card protocol? Yep.
Phase four.
I think we need to personalise this.
Let me put it this way.
If you were cutting the ribbon on this train thingy right now Uh-uh.
It's been delayed another year.
.
.
who'd be holding the scissors? Well, him, the PM, the Minister for Infrastructure, the consultants that fudged the figures But who was there right from the very beginning? I mean, someone must have let this thing get away.
Why are you looking at me? From my brief chat with Jim, it's obvious that warnings were ignored.
Budget uncertainties glossed over.
Yeah, you're still looking at me.
Yet despite this, the project went ahead, and now we're facing this blow-out.
- I'm not sure I'd call it a blow-out.
- What would you call it? A "revised figure" or a "budgetary recalibration".
- They're both good.
- SCOTT: Shall I show them this? Good idea.
Scotty has put together a timeline of the project from our end.
And it shows on repeated occasions Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa! Hold it there, Tony.
- What are you doing?! - Jesus, Tony! - Problem.
- Where? - Here.
- There! - This.
- He's got a death wish.
From now on, nothing new written down.
Oh.
Existing documents retained, of course.
- (SHREDDER SOUND EFFECT ON PHONE) - Sorry.
That was unrelated.
- But nothing on paper.
- Oh.
Can you shred this for me? OK, well, if we're gonna do it verbally, well, we'll need a little bit of time to sort of, like, summarise.
- (SHREDDER SOUND EFFECT ON PHONE) - Unrelated.
- MELANIE: And then a slight bow - Bow.
- Yep.
- .
.
and release.
It's polite for the recipient to now read the job title.
Boost Juice loyal customer.
We'll get you some proper cards printed.
- Revised copy of the itinerary.
- Oh, thanks.
OK.
Looks like we'll have you at the consulate by 1300 hours.
There's your diplomatic security passes.
- Where did you get that photo? - Girl at the front desk.
Upon arrival, you will receive an update on our current trade relations status.
I have a copy right here.
- Shall I take one? - No, no, no.
You need to receive it there.
- But surely - Bit to get through.
Oh.
There's been a slight adjustment to the schedule.
The official welcoming ceremony has been moved.
- To? - Tuesday.
- When? - 2:30pm.
So, we'll now be welcomed two days after we arrive? All going to plan.
We're going to need to adjust those opening remarks.
- What's next? - The memorandum? - Hmm? - That we're signing? I'm going to jump on that.
- Let me do it.
- Alrighty.
We can keep our skates on.
So, the Sunshine Coast light-rail project first landed on our desk about three and a half years ago.
We considered it and gave it an unfavourable recommendation.
It was referred back to us for a more formal cost-benefit analysis, which led us to reject the idea.
- And who did that go to? - Oh, let's see.
It went to Jim, the Minister's office and the department.
Keep going.
The Minister's office sought further clarification - From who? - From us.
The NBA.
.
.
which led us to reconfirm our negative recommendation.
- Yep.
- And then in August? - Uhm yep, correct, August.
- .
.
August of that year, they asked the NBA to review a recommissioned business case.
- You know all I'm hearing here - NBA.
- What? - JIM: I forgot how involved you were.
- It's hard to ignore.
- Jim Hey! We've got your back.
If you think you're gonna blame me for this Nobody's blaming anyone.
But if we're going to work our way through this whole NBA-gate affair - What? - .
.
I think we need to agree on Hey, I don't care how you spin this.
I don't care what phase we're up to.
I'm not gonna be the fall guy for this cock-up! Tony, Tony How about the two of us have a quick chat? Mano a mano.
- Is this phase five? - Yeah.
Alright.
OK.
Seriously, mate, I want you to know I've got your back.
- We all do.
- Uh-huh.
- And I feel for you.
- In what way? There you are, you're just trying to do your job.
- You make one slip-up - I didn't slip up.
I'm talking appearances.
Before you know it, the chickens are home to roost.
- Not my chickens, Marcus.
- Hey.
We're all in this together.
So why am I the only one with chickens? Tone, Tone.
- You've got to help me to help you.
- Huh.
At the moment, all I've got is this "he said, she said" mess.
Then why don't I make it really simple? Three years ago, the Minister came to us with a light-rail proposal.
We said it was a terrible idea.
Next thing, in the middle of a by-election he approved the project.
OK, OK.
I get it.
- So, you're saying it was the Minister - Yes.
- .
.
who was let down.
- No! - You're getting frazzled.
OK? It's - Well It's not uncommon.
Hey.
Let me make some calls.
- OK.
- OK.
OK, you both now bow Perfect.
And present your counterparts with the assigned gift.
Uh, scarf or boomerang.
Or Akubra for senior officials.
OK, let's quickly run through the official welcome.
Once the Japanese Consul-General has spoken, you'll be called on to respond.
- Just a few off-the-cuff remarks.
- English and Japanese.
You're looking forward to deepening relationships, strengthening ties, ongoing opportunities.
So, it's all quite structured? There'll be plenty of opportunity for informal exchanges, - which we have here.
- OK.
But what if I want to speak directly with some of the Japanese delegates? - About? - Infrastructure.
- I'd advise against it.
- Definitely.
You'd advise against discussing infrastructure at an infrastructure forum? - I wouldn't be going off-piste.
- Not a good idea.
(PHONE CHIMES) Oh Oh.
Do you have your diplomatic passports? - No.
- Shit.
OK, let's take a quick break and we will organise something.
- And the actual memorandum? - Yeah.
We need to fast-track those passports.
OK, thanks.
Alright.
- Just had a word with the Minister.
- And? - He's pretty rattled.
- JIM: Really? Pretty down.
Cone of silence.
- He's thinking about resignation.
- Oh.
- Oh, shit.
Really? - Well, yeah.
But his question is who should go? What? - Well, it's not gonna be him.
- Why? Oh.
Would you at least try to keep up? Oh, I'm keeping up.
He wants someone else to take the fall.
- But who might that be? - Might be you, Tony.
Look, I'll be honest.
- Your name came up.
- Oh, for flip's sake.
You don't have to actually resign.
Just accept a rebuke.
A dressing down.
A kick in the pants with full confidence moving forward.
We all lose some bark but come out still standing.
- I'm liking the sound of this.
- For the final time, no.
I will not accept responsibility for this debacle! Just a tick Should we organise some hair and make-up? I think I'm fine.
Is one eyelid a little lower than Here's a copy of the latest schedule.
Is it any different to the one you gave me half an hour ago? I'd assume so.
Better safe than sorry.
- And the memorandum? - The? The thing we're signing.
You were gonna get me a copy.
Oh, yes! Coming.
OK.
Good to go.
Just looking straight ahead, nice and neutral.
Sorry.
Nat - You're frowning.
- I'm not frowning.
- You are now.
- Only because she said I was.
(CAMERA CLICKS) Sure she doesn't want hair and make-up? Frowning, Nat! (TABLET BEEPS) No.
My name's still not coming up.
Did you come in earlier this morning? No.
How about I log you in with a temporary ID? - OK.
- Yeah? OK, done.
And do I have to log out as John Citizen? - Yes, John.
- OK.
- Lowercase! - Yep.
"Sumimasen.
Mou ichido onegaishimasu.
" See, no matter how you say it, it still sounds racist.
That's just making it worse.
Guys, will either of you be requiring vaccinations for hep A, typhoid, yellow fever, diphtheria or malaria? We're going to Japan.
So, not malaria? - Not any of them.
- OK.
Ooh.
And I've got the travel allowance for the trip.
So, that's 500,000 yen, one million Katie, Katie - 1.
5 million yen is about $20,000.
- Oh I've done the decimal point in the wrong place again.
No wonder he looked at me funny.
- Arigato! - Stop it.
Seriously?! Well, after you ruined my Cup Day, yes.
And I think Marcus has a solution for us going forward.
MARCUS: OK.
Current plan of attack.
Depending on when the report drops, the Minister releases a statement expressing shock at systemic failures in the approval process, and while all parties concluded the project a worthwhile endeavour - We didn't.
- You've made it a priority! - A low priority.
- Yeah, low priority.
Gentlemen! I'm due in a marquee in half an hour.
Do you mind? MARCUS: "Mistakes were made, "and I'll be flying home to personally handle the issue.
" - Home from where? - Doesn't matter.
He then fronts a press conference the following day at an infrastructure project which is on time and on budget, like Uh - Like? - We'll get back to you on that one.
- I think it sends the right message.
- Yeah.
- So, where do we send him? - Where is he now? In a hut on the Eucumbene River.
Perfect.
Cut short his holiday.
Better if he comes home from somewhere work-related Canberra? Oh, hang on.
The We were just The Japanese thing.
Oh, yeah.
What is that thing? The business investment infrastructure trade mission? - That thing.
- It's perfect.
The Minister is over there, signing new deals, opening up important new opportunities.
Then in the middle of this vital - Trade mission.
- .
.
thing, he receives news he's been let down at home, gives an emergency doorstop, then cuts short his trip to selflessly fly back home and find out who's to blame.
I'll make some calls.
Guys, if the NBA gets mentioned once Tone.
Tone.
We've got your back.
- Gotta rush.
- Once.
Not once.
Seriously, I don't know where that attache is.
It's fine.
We can push our own bags.
Yeah.
Uh-huh.
And that's been confirmed? And the memorandum? - I really do need to see - Oh, they emailed it.
We can print a copy out for you at the consulate.
OK.
Small change of plans.
The Minister is now coming.
- The Minister Assisting - No, the Minister.
He's on a direct flight as we speak.
So, he'll be joining us? Uh, actually, big change of plans.
You guys are no longer required, so you can relax.
There'll be a flight back to Australia in - Seven hours.
- Perfect.
Ah! There's our bags.
OK, well, safe travels, and we'll let everyone know that you're on your way.
Bye! Let me say right off the bat, I have complete faith in the NBA.
Yes, there have been some shortcomings, but I won't let our government's vital agenda be derailed by any one single act of incompetence, which is why I'm heading home immediately to personally take charge of this regrettable situation.
That's good, isn't it, Tony? He's got complete faith in us.
(CHUCKLES) It's great.
Sorry, the e-gate system is not recognising your photo.
Can you just? It's me.
And you were in Japan for seven hours? - Yep.
- Reason for visit? I have no idea.
- Did you see Mount Fuji? - No.
Did you see any cherry blossoms? We didn't get any further than the airport.
- Oh.
- Nat? This just arrived for you.
Some sort of memorandum.
You think we should change the photo? Yeah.
- Alright.
I'll reboot the system.
- Thanks, Brian.