Category: Australian News

The Greens have today announced a plan for a National Repairability Star Rating label system to overhaul the vicious cycle of production and waste that’s straining our planet’s resources and overwhelming its waste management capabilities. 

To ensure products with embedded batteries – such as smartphones, scooters, children’s toys, portable chargers, vacuums and electric toothbrushes – are safely recycled when they reach their end of life, the Greens are also pushing for a national deposit scheme to cut the growing risk of battery-related fires across Australia’s recycling streams. 

Greens spokesperson for waste and recycling, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson: 

“The current vicious cycle of production and waste is straining our planet’s resources and overwhelming its waste management capabilities.

“It is a toxic triumph of capitalism that companies profit off selling cheaply-made products, such as household appliances, that are designed to be replaced rather than repaired. 

“We can’t recycle our way out of this crisis. The best way to reduce waste is to stop it being created in the first place. This means extending the lifecycle of products through reuse and repair initiatives and creating secondary markets for recycled materials, in addition to banning hard-to-recycle materials. 

“In a circular economy, everything is built for its end-of-life purpose, and everything has value – but in order to achieve this governments need to encourage, incentivise and enshrine the right to repair the things we own. 

“A National Repairability Star Rating label system will help inform and empower consumer product knowledge and choice – but we need more Greens in parliament to make it possible, and to fight major parties’ obsession with corporate profit at the expense of the planet.”

Greens spokesperson for the environment, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young:

“Much of what is currently considered ‘waste’ is actually a valuable resource disposed of incorrectly, and anything else is a design flaw – but this problem has a political solution. 

“Governments must hold big corporations to account to build a true circular economy where waste no longer exists because all necessary production has value and stays in a closed-loop system. A National Repairability Star Rating label system will go a long way to achieve this. 

“South Australia has been at the forefront of tackling Australia’s waste and recycling crisis – our Container Deposit Scheme has led the way for 45 years and is recognised as one of the most effective in the world.

“In addition to being the first Australian state to introduce a 10-cent deposit on beverage containers; in 2009 we were the first to ban single-use shopping bags; and in 2021 became the first to ban plastic straws. South Australia would be the perfect place for an e-waste deposit scheme trial because people here get it.”

Greens candidate for Sturt, Katie McCusker: 

“Incorrectly disposed e-waste items are wreaking havoc on the recycling and resource recovery sector, with years of government inaction now threatening the entire sector’s daily operations.

“E-waste should never be disposed of in kerbside bins due to the growing risk of battery-related fires. Australia’s waste and recycling sector suffers up to 12,000 battery-related fires a year because accessible and safe disposal options for products with embedded batteries currently don’t exist.

“These avoidable fires are causing insurance premiums for the recycling sector to skyrocket, putting industry workers and the environment at immense risk, and increasing business costs by over $400,000 per business. 

“We can’t continue to allow big corporations that put these products onto the market to pass off financial losses and exclusively privatise profits. For a national deposit scheme to work, governments must force companies to take responsibility for the products they make — and this must include helping to fund safe disposal and processing of e-waste products.

“Change is possible, but in order to see it people need to vote for it.”

he Australian Government has launched a landmark new Humanitarian Policy to set the long-term direction and focus for Australia’s humanitarian action to ensure it saves lives, alleviates human suffering, and builds resilient communities.

Right now, there is more conflict than any time since the Second World War and the worsening impacts of climate change mean Australia’s humanitarian action must be fit for our times and the future.

The Policy outlines the role Australia will play when need is outstripping the world’s capacity to respond, and disregard for international humanitarian law is increasing.

The new Humanitarian Policy focuses on three priorities:

• Building readiness and preparedness to anticipate shocks before they occur and working with our international partners to lessen their impact;
• Responding to crises and disasters by delivering support that meets the needs of crisis-affected populations and protects the most vulnerable immediately and in the long-term; and
• Reinforcing the international humanitarian system and taking principled and practical steps to strengthen adherence to international humanitarian law.

The Policy maintains Australia’s focus on the Indo-Pacific, where Australia can make the greatest impact, drawing on our strengths and deep relationships.

Australia will also provide $5 million to support a newly-established Asia-Pacific Regional Humanitarian Fund to rapidly respond to escalation in humanitarian needs in complex crises and disasters in our region.

The launch of the Policy complements the Albanese Government’s global initiative to drive action to protect aid workers in conflict zones, announced at the United Nations last month.

Australia brought together ministers from Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, Japan, Jordan, Sierra Leone, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom who agreed to pursue a new Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel.

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong:

“Australia has a proud history of supporting those in need during conflict and crises, but a changing world requires a new approach.

“The new Humanitarian Policy is not just about saving lives and meeting humanitarian needs. It is also about protecting the peace, stability and prosperity that we want for Australia, our region and the world.

“It is ultimately about shaping a world where humanitarian assistance is needed far less often.”

Minister for International Development and the Pacific and Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery, the Hon Pat Conroy MP:

“When Australia’s friends and neighbours need help, we respond – just as they have consistently helped Australia in our own times of need.

“Our new Humanitarian Policy builds on the relationships and partnerships we have forged over time, enabling even stronger support when disaster strikes.

“It continues our tradition of leadership and principled humanitarian action as a partner of choice, while better positioning us for the challenges of the future.”

The Albanese Labor Government is entering into negotiations with the Mongolian Government on a bilateral social security agreement.

An agreement would enhance access to certain Australian and Mongolian social security benefits for eligible people who have lived and/or worked in both countries.

Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said an agreement would not only help strengthen ties with Mongolia, but would also offer greater freedom and choice for eligible people on how and where they spend their retirement.

“Generally, agreements allow people to maximise their income by helping them claim payments from both Australia and other countries, where they have spent part of their life making a living for themselves,” Minister Rishworth said.

“An agreement also has the potential to benefit businesses as well as individuals in both countries.

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong, said the commencement of negotiations is an important step in growing the Australia-Mongolia relationship.

“Australia and Mongolia are working together to deepen our cooperation across a range of areas including our people-to-people ties, economic and education linkages.

“This agreement to commence negotiations will benefit both Mongolians and Australians and encourage trade and investment between our two countries.”

An agreement between Australia and Mongolia would build on Australia’s existing portfolio of 32 international social security agreements, following the recent commencement of the Social Security Agreement between Australia and Serbia. 

Mongolian Ambassador, Davaasuren Damdinsuren said he values the agreement as an essential milestone for strengthening the relationship between Mongolia and Australia. 

“It demonstrates both Governments’ commitment to protect and ensure the rights and interests of its citizens residing overseas,” Ambassador Davaasuren said.

Ambassador Davaasuren acknowledges the importance of the agreement for strengthening bilateral relations in people-to-people ties and to encourage trade and investments between two countries. 

“This agreement will enormously benefit to the peoples of both countries residing each other’s territory.”

In addition to improving bilateral relations, international social security agreements:

• assist eligible people who have moved between Australia and an agreement country to access pensions from both countries they may not otherwise be able to access, 
• provide increased flexibility and choice to eligible individuals upon retirement, and
• reduce business costs, promote bilateral trade and investment opportunities.

More information on Australia’s current international social security agreements and what they do is available on the Department of Social Services website.

Australia and Palau are pleased to announce Qantas has been selected to operate the Palau Paradise Express, a direct flight service connecting Brisbane, Australia and Koror, Palau.

This service, which commenced in May this year, is supported by the Government of Australia and the Government of Palau and is expected to operate through to at least November 2025.

The Palau Paradise Express boosts air connectivity in the Pacific promoting tourism, trade and stronger people to people links.

This announcement comes as Australia and Palau celebrate 30 years of diplomatic relations, demonstrating the warmth and strength of our relationship.

President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. President of the Republic of Palau:

“We appreciate Australia for partnering with us to promote economic activity between our two nations. The flight makes it easier for tourists and businesspeople to travel between our two nations and encourages trade and commerce.

“It also provides opportunities to work together, building people to people relationships, supporting education, and work force training that is already taking place. We look forward to welcoming more Australians to Palau and trust that this continued partnership in aviation will further extend our already broad and warm relationship with Australia.”

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong:

“Australia and Palau have partnered to expand connectivity in the Pacific, and increase tourism, trade and business opportunities.

“The Palau Paradise Express is a demonstration of the closeness of our partnership with Palau.

“Australia is working with the Pacific, and investing in a resilient and sustainable aviation sector which supports a more connected and prosperous region.”

The Albanese Government is taking action to stop businesses ripping off Australians by banning unfair trading practices under the Australian Consumer Law.

This is about easing the cost of living and getting a fair go for consumers and suppliers.

From concert tickets to hotel rooms and gym memberships, Australians are fed up with businesses using tricky tactics that make it difficult to end subscriptions or add hidden fees to purchases.

These practices can distort purchasing decisions, or result in additional costs, putting more pressure on the cost of living.

The Government’s actions will address a wide range of practices, including:

• ‘Subscription traps’ that use arduous and confusing steps to make cancelling a subscription difficult.
• ‘Drip pricing’ practices where fees are hidden or added throughout the stages of a purchase.
• Deceptive and manipulative online practices that aim to confuse or overwhelm consumers, omit or hide material information, or create a false sense of urgency or scarcity – this can include warnings that a customer only has limited time to purchase a product.
• Dynamic pricing where a product’s price changes during the transaction process.
• Requiring consumers to set up an account and provide unnecessary information to make an online purchase.
• Where a business makes it difficult for a consumer to contact them when they have a problem with their product or service.

Treasury will consult on the design before the Government legislates a general prohibition on unfair trading practices. This will include specific prohibitions of a range of dodgy practices.

Today the Albanese Government has also released a consultation paper on reforms to strengthen protections for consumers and small businesses under the Consumer Guarantees and Supplier Indemnification provisions of the Australian Consumer Law.

The Government welcomes stakeholder feedback on the proposed reforms, which include introducing penalties for suppliers that refuse to provide consumers with a remedy such as a repair, replacement or refund when required under law.

Currently, it can be difficult for consumers to obtain a remedy, especially when engaging in the digital economy.

These reforms will empower the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and state and territory consumer protection agencies to issue infringement notices or pursue penalties for breaches of the Consumer Guarantee and Supplier Indemnification provisions of the Australian Consumer Law.

Following consultation, the Government will work with states and territories to settle a final reform proposal in the first half of 2025.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“We’re taking strong action to stop businesses from engaging in dodgy practices that rip consumers off.

“Today’s announcement puts businesses engaging in unfair trading practices on notice.

“Hidden fees and traps are putting even more pressure on the cost of living and it needs to stop.”

Treasurer Jim Chalmers:

“We’re taking important steps to ban unfair trading practices and ease the cost of living for Australians.

“Whether it’s traps that make it difficult or confusing to cancel a subscription, hidden fees and charges at different stages of a purchase, deceptive or manipulative practices online or making it difficult for people to report problems with their products or services, we’re going to change the rules.

“Most businesses do the right thing by Australians and they’ve got nothing to worry about.

“This is all about cracking down on dodgy deals to save Australians money if we can, and where we can.”

Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services Stephen Jones:

“Consumer protections shouldn’t stop at the internet. Whether you are shopping online or at a brick and mortar store, the Albanese Government is protecting Australian consumers.

“This is all about ending the rip offs so people don’t fall into subscription traps or added fees when they purchase things like airline or concert tickets.”

The Albanese Government will establish a consolidated Commonwealth-owned Defence Precinct at Western Australia’s Henderson shipyard to underpin tens of billions of dollars of investment in defence capabilities in the West over the next two decades and support in the order of 10,000 well-paid, high-skilled local jobs.

The establishment of a consolidated Defence Precinct at Henderson is the critical next step in delivering continuous naval shipbuilding in Western Australia.

This builds on the Albanese Government’s announcement last year of a strategic partnership between Defence and Austal Limited at Henderson.

It also represents a major milestone on the AUKUS pathway as Australia develops the capability to safely and securely own, operate and sustain conventionally‑armed, nuclear‑powered submarines.

The Defence Precinct will support the build of new landing craft for the Australian Army and new general purpose frigates for the Navy announced by the Albanese Government, with requisite large vessel infrastructure to form part of the Precinct.

These capabilities are vital to transforming our Defence Force’s ability to meet Australia’s complex strategic circumstances.

The Albanese Government has also determined that the Defence Precinct at Henderson will be the home of depot-level maintenance and contingency docking for Australia’s future conventionally‑armed, nuclear-powered submarines.

These vital maintenance capabilities will be established at Henderson in accordance with domestic processes and regulatory requirements, and consistent with Australia’s international obligations to maintaining the highest standards for nuclear safety, security and safeguards.

Contingency and depot-level maintenance alone will create around 3,000 jobs in Western Australia.

This is in addition to the thousands of jobs that will be supported through construction of the Defence Precinct, delivery of continuous naval shipbuilding in the West, and the establishment and operation of Submarine Rotational Force-West at HMAS Stirling.

Coupled with the $8 billion the Albanese Government has already committed to expand HMAS Stirling, these investments and capability programs in Western Australia will be worth tens of billions of dollars over the next two decades.

Cooperation Agreement

To deliver this ambitious long-term program, the Albanese and Cook Governments have today signed a Cooperation Agreement, which provides a foundation for collaboration to deliver the Defence Precinct and related activities. This will include:

• Developing a dedicated joint forum to deliver the skilled workforce required to deliver and sustain critical Defence capabilities.
• Establishing the necessary infrastructure, including common user facilities, to support industry across the Defence Precinct at Henderson.
• Ensuring effective engagement across Federal, State and Local governments and communities.

The Albanese Government will make an initial investment of $127 million over three years to progress planning, consultations, preliminary design and feasibility studies as well as enabling works for the Defence Precinct at Henderson.

This work will inform future decisions on delivery options and models for the Defence Precinct at Henderson.

The Albanese Government is committed to working with the Cook Government to deliver the infrastructure, industry, workforce and training for a defence future made in Western Australia.

A copy of the agreement will be available here: Cooperation agreement between the Commonwealth of Australia and the State of Western Australia to deliver and sustain Australia’s future Defence capabilities | Defence Ministers

Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese:

“The Albanese Government’s commitment to the Defence Precinct at Henderson is a game changer for WA industry – it will create thousands of jobs for West Australians and underpin billions of dollars of investment in defence capability in the West.

“Henderson already plays a critical role in the delivery and sustainment of Australian Defence Force capabilities and this will see the important role of WA industry grow further.”

Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles:

“The Albanese Government’s commitments represent the most consequential defence investment in Western Australia in nearly four decades, since the commissioning of HMAS Stirling in 1978 and its expanded role as Australia’s Indian Ocean fleet base under the 1987 two-oceans navy policy.

“The Defence Precinct at Henderson will optimise Australia’s shipbuilding and sustainment industry while supporting continuous naval shipbuilding in Western Australia and Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine pathway.

“The Albanese Government is committed to investing in the growth of a productive and resilient defence industry and workforce to keep our nation safe and deliver a future made in Australia – which is exactly what the Defence Precinct will deliver.”

Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery, Pat Conroy:

“Successful consolidation of the Henderson precinct will secure decades of continuous shipbuilding in Western Australia, providing generational benefits for locals who play a vital role in keeping Australia safe.

“This investment by the Albanese Government will not only create thousands of high-skilled and well paid jobs in Western Australia but also ensures a future made in Australia.”

the Premier of Western Australia, Roger Cook:

“This is a momentous announcement for Western Australia – one that will set up our State for an exciting future and puts us at the centre of the nation’s defence capability.

“The new Defence Precinct at Henderson will deliver tens of billions of dollars in investment and thousands of local jobs.

“This massive investment delivers on my Government’s mission to develop and diversify our State’s economy by providing another economic pathway for our State for decades to follow.

“It is a win-win for Western Australia and the nation.”

Western Australian Minister for Defence Industry, Paul Papalia: 

“The investment of tens of billions of dollars will turn Western Australia into a defence powerhouse.”

“The Defence Precinct at Henderson will be the home of depot-level maintenance for nuclear-powered submarines as part of AUKUS. It will also be the maintenance hub for Australia’s nuclear submarines.”

“This historic agreement will result in generations of jobs and diversify the economy like never before.”

The Albanese Government has secured Hobart’s future as the home port of Australia’s icebreaker, RSV Nuyina, and the long-term future of the Australian Antarctic Program in Tasmania.

An agreement between the Federal and Tasmanian Government for a new, fit-for-purpose Macquarie Wharf 6 has been reached, locking in Tasmania as Australia’s Antarctic and Southern Ocean Gateway.

The Albanese Government will contribute $188 million over four years to construct a new Macquarie Wharf 6 in the Port of Hobart.

The Tasmanian Government will provide priority access to Macquarie Wharf 6 as the home port for RSV Nuyina for the next 30 years, continued access to existing portside facilities during the construction period, access to shoreside power, and a refuelling solution for RSV Nuyina in the Port of Hobart.

RSV Nuyina is the main lifeline to Australia’s Antarctic and sub-Antarctic research stations and the central platform of Australia’s Antarctic and Southern Ocean scientific research. It’s essential that it’s able to dock in Hobart.

Wharf construction will be managed by the Tasmanian Government and will begin next year.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“What this means is Tasmania will remain Australia’s gateway to Antarctica, as it should be. 

“This is an investment in Hobart, an investment in Tasmania and an investment in the future of Australian science.”

Premier Jeremy Rockliff:

“This agreement secures a fit-for-purpose home port for the Nuyina and locks in Tasmania’s future as the home of the Australian Antarctic Program.

“As part of the agreement we will also deliver appropriate refuelling infrastructure for the Nuyina and other vessels coming into Hobart.

“Tasmania has a proud heritage of supporting Antarctic and Southern Ocean endeavours with explorers and scientists using the port of Hobart as a base for expeditions since the 19th century.

“As part of our Government’s 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future, we will continue to promote and develop our world-leading Antarctic Gateway to grow jobs, maritime services, trade and investment, education, science and research, and visitor opportunities.”

Minister for the Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek:

“It’s absolutely fantastic that we’ve reached an agreement so the Australian Antarctic Program will have fit-for-purpose wharf infrastructure so they can continue world-leading Antarctic science based out of Hobart.

“I know how important being Australia’s gateway to Antarctica is to Tasmania. The Antarctic and Southern Ocean sector employs nearly 1,000 people in Tasmania and contributes more than $183 million each year to the Tasmanian economy.

“That’s why we’ve contributed $188 million towards a new home for the Nuyina and it’s why we have increased funding for the Australian Antarctic Division by more than half a billion since coming to government.”

Australia will provide $9 million to Myanmar through the Australian Humanitarian Partnership to support communities and conflict-affected populations. 

Australia remains deeply concerned by the worsening political, security and humanitarian situation in Myanmar, which has serious implications for regional peace and security. 

This brings Australia’s total humanitarian commitment to the crises in Myanmar and Bangladesh since 2017 to $880 million. 

Over 3.4 million people are internally displaced within Myanmar, and 18.6 million people need humanitarian assistance. Our assistance will support community organisations and target vulnerable people and communities that need it most.  

Australia does not provide any direct funding to the military regime and takes proactive steps to ensure our assistance does not legitimise the military regime in Myanmar. 

In addition to today’s announcement, Australia welcomes the release of $17.8 million (US$12 million) to respond to the crisis in Myanmar from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF). Australia is a longstanding donor to the CERF, contributing $11 million each year. 

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong: 

“Australia is deeply concerned by the conflict in Myanmar.  

“The people of Myanmar continue to demonstrate great resolve in the face of unspeakable violence and human rights abuses, and Australia remains resolute in our support for them. 

“Australia reiterates our call for the regime to cease violence against civilians, release those unjustly detained, allow access for aid and return Myanmar to the path of inclusive democracy.” 

Minister for International Development and The Pacific, the Hon Pat Conroy MP: 

“Australia’s support will help the most vulnerable in Myanmar including women, children and persons with disabilities access lifesaving humanitarian assistance.” 

The Albanese Labor Government is pleased to announce the appointment of Gavan Reynolds AO as the next Australian Border Force (ABF) Commissioner.

The new Commissioner will be sworn in on Sunday 10 November 2024.

Mr Reynolds brings a wealth of experience from his over 40 years of service to the nation, most recently as the Australian Defence Force’s inaugural Chief of Defence Intelligence.

Mr Reynolds career has included serving with distinction in a number of strategic and operational posts including as Australian Military Representative to NATO and the European Union, Head Military Strategic Commitments in the Department of Defence and deployment to Afghanistan as part of the International Security Assistance Force.

Mr Reynolds is well equipped to lead ABF through the current complex operating environment and meet the challenges of the future.

Mr Reynolds said: “It is a privilege to lead the Australian Border Force and the dedicated people protecting the national asset that is our border. I look forward to working closely with the Department of Home Affairs and across Government to deliver prosperity, security and unity for Australia.”

Mr Reynolds will take over from Michael Outram APM, who retires on Saturday 9 November 2024. The Government thanks Mr Outram for his dedicated service and his outstanding leadership of the ABF.

Since its establishment in 2015, the ABF has played a leading role in protecting Australia’s border while enabling legitimate travel and trade. As part of the Home Affairs portfolio, the ABF works closely with other agencies to ensure the security of our maritime environment and the integrity of our border.

Under Mr Reynolds’ leadership, the ABF will continue to be a global leader in border law enforcement and a trusted partner that helps build a safe, secure and prosperous Australia.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, met regional leaders yesterday at the Annual ASEAN-Australia Summit and today at the East Asia Summit in Vientiane, Laos.

Both forums are critical for promoting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and for building Australia’s trade links in the region and creating jobs and economic growth at home.

The Prime Minister met leaders from China, Laos, Vietnam, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Canada and New Zealand in the sidelines of the summits.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of relations between ASEAN and Australia.

At the ASEAN-Australia Summit, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to ASEAN centrality and to building Australia’s links with Southeast Asia. He highlighted progress delivering outcomes from the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit held in Melbourne in March, noting Southeast Asia’s economic prosperity is critical to Australia’s growth and jobs.

At the East Asia Summit – the Indo-Pacific’s premier forum for strategic dialogue – Prime Minister Albanese emphasised that dialogue and a strong ASEAN underpins regional stability, helps prevent conflict, and reinforces rules, norms and international law.

Prime Minister Albanese also participated in a meeting of the Asia Zero Emission Community, hosted by Prime Minister Ishiba of Japan, where leaders recognised the need for regional efforts to accelerate decarbonisation and ensure energy security through the transition to net zero. The Prime Minister updated regional leaders on Australia’s progress towards achieving net zero.

In Vientiane, the Prime Minister hosted an event attended by the Prime Minister of Vietnam His Excellency Mr Pham Minh Chính, Australia’s Special Envoy for Southeast Asia Mr Nicholas Moore AO, and Southeast Asian and Australian business representatives.

The Prime Minister highlighted the strong progress made over the past twelve months in implementing Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040. The event also involved Australian delegates taking part in an investment mission to Thailand and Laos – one of many business missions to have taken place since the launch of the Strategy.

The Prime Minister thanked Laos for being the 2024 ASEAN Chair. He announced Australia had committed an additional $4.5 million to Monash University’s World Mosquito Program to assist in the elimination of dengue fever in Laos.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“Australia has been an ASEAN partner for 50 years, longer than any other country.

“Maintaining peace and stability takes work and Australia will keep working with our partners towards a peaceful, stable and prosperous region with ASEAN at the centre.

“When our region prospers, Australia prospers, which is why deepening economic engagement through our Southeast Asia Economic Strategy remains a priority for my Government.

“We have delivered on 47 of the recommendations made under the Southeast Asia Economic Strategy over the past year, and will continue delivering for Australia and the region.

“I congratulate Prime Minister Sonexay on Laos’ ASEAN Chairmanship this year and look forward to continuing work with our ASEAN partners.

“I wish Malaysia success as it takes on the ASEAN Chair for 2025.”