Category: Australian News

Tomorrow I will welcome International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi to Australia.

Australia is a longstanding supporter of the IAEA’s mission to harness the peaceful use of nuclear technology in areas like medicine, industrial processes and environmental monitoring, as well as upholding the international nuclear non-proliferation regime.

Australia’s commitment to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons is unwavering.

I look forward to discussing with Mr Grossi the Australian Government’s open and transparent engagement with the IAEA on nuclear safeguards.

This includes our approach for the acquisition of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines under AUKUS, in which we are committed to the highest possible non-proliferation standards.

Mr Grossi and I will also discuss the challenging international security environment.

Australia supports the IAEA’s role in addressing proliferation risks in the DPRK and Iran and mitigating nuclear security risks created by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

In 2021-22, Australia provided the IAEA $31.5 million in core funding and an additional $5.2 million to assist our regional partners to safeguard healthy oceans, enhance women’s leadership in the nuclear field and support nuclear security in Ukraine.

Mr Grossi will also visit the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation to engage with Australian leaders in nuclear science and innovation.

The Coalition is passionate about ensuring Australians get off welfare and into work. When we left office in May 2022, the unemployment rate was 3.9%, which is a 50 year low.

This did not happen by accident. Getting people off welfare and into work was at the forefront of every decision the previous Government made.

The new employment services model that starts today, Workforce Australia, was developed by the previous Coalition Government over a number of years in consultation with jobseekers, providers, peak bodies and employers.

The new model seeks to build on the success of jobactive and give jobseekers the best opportunity to find employment through a tailor made approach. jobactive saw nearly 2 million placements since it was established in 2015. The success of this system was a key factor in keeping our unemployment rate low.

For the new Workforce Australia model to succeed, it is critical that it is based on the principle of mutual obligation, which ensures those receiving a welfare benefit are actively improving their chances of finding work.

The Labor Government must not abandon or try and water down this requirement through the new model.

Unfortunately, we are already seeing worrying signs that the new Labor Government is putting politics ahead of helping Australians find work.

Labor’s proposal to abolish the Youth Jobs PaTH program, which gave tens of thousands of young Australians the ability to find employment, will disadvantage some of the most vulnerable people in our community.

We will hold the government to account to ensure that these changes still allow the system to do what it is designed to do – get more people into jobs.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited Kyiv yesterday, where he met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and expressed Australia’s support for the brave people of Ukraine and the incredible defence of their homeland.

During the visit Prime Minister Albanese saw first-hand some of the devastation caused by Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.

Following President Zelenskyy’s request for further support, Australia will provide the following new package of assistance to Ukraine:

• A$99.5 million in military assistance, including 14 armoured personnel carriers, 20 Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles and other military equipment supplied by Australia’s defence industry, and a contribution to NATO’s Ukraine Comprehensive Assistance Package Trust Fund. This brings Australia’s total military assistance to Ukraine to approximately A$388 million.
• A$8.7 million (US$6 million) to assist Ukraine’s Border Guard Service to upgrade border management equipment, improve cyber security and enhance border operations in the field.
• Duty free access for Ukrainian imports to Australia, complementing similar trade measures taken by our partners, including the UK and the EU.
• Australia will intervene at the International Court of Justice in support of Ukraine in its case against Russia.
• Targeted financial sanctions and travel bans on 16 additional Russian ministers and oligarchs.
• Australia will prohibit imports of Russian gold to reduce Russia’s ability to fund its war, joining with partners, including Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom and United States.

Australia is the largest non-NATO contributor to Ukraine in the defence of their homeland.

The Prime Minister said:

“Russia’s brutal invasion is a gross violation of international law. I saw first-hand the devastation and trauma it has inflicted on the people of Ukraine.”

“My visit to Kyiv and recent visits by other world leaders sends a clear message that democratic nations like Australia will stand side-by-side with the Ukrainian people in their time of need.”

“I sincerely thank President Zelenskyy, the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the Australian Defence Force for ensuring the safety of my visit.”

“President Zelenskyy’s leadership has rallied the Ukrainian people to defend their country and inspired the world to support humanity and freedom. The road ahead is hard but I am confident Ukraine will prevail.”

Australia remains deeply concerned by the continuing erosion of Hong Kong’s rights, freedoms and autonomy, two years since the imposition of the National Security Law.

The National Security Law has been applied broadly to arrest or pressure pro-democracy figures, opposition groups, the media, trade unions and civil society. The electoral reforms imposed by Beijing in 2021 have further eroded Hong Kong’s democratic governance.

We urge the Chinese Government and Hong Kong authorities to uphold and protect those elements which have been so crucial to Hong Kong’s success, including its high degree of autonomy, the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Basic Law and the Sino-British Declaration, to which Beijing committed.

Many Australians know and love the city of Hong Kong and its people. Friday marks the 25th anniversary of the handover of Hong Kong, and we reaffirm the importance of those freedoms that have enabled its prosperity and stability.

The President of the Government of Spain, HE Pedro Sánchez Pérez-Castejón, welcomed the Prime Minister of Australia, The Hon Anthony Albanese MP, for bilateral talks in Madrid on 28 June 2022, marking the first bilateral visit to the Kingdom of Spain by an Australian Prime Minister.

Leaders reaffirmed the warm and productive relationship between Spain and Australia, underpinned by shared values, a commitment to multilateralism and the international rules-based order and close economic ties. Leaders noted 2023 will mark fifty-five years of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

Spain and Australia welcomed the strong growth in the bilateral economic and trade relationship between both countries. Prime Minister Albanese welcomed in particular the substantial contribution of Spanish companies to Australia’s renewable energy and infrastructure sectors. President Sánchez welcomed the important increase in the presence of Australian investment funds in Spain over recent years.

In line with their adherence to open trade relationships based on a level playing field and guided by the rules-based multilateral trading system, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the swift conclusion of a comprehensive and ambitious Australia-EU Trade Agreement. Prime Minister Albanese welcomed President Sánchez’s proposal for a high-level Spanish trade delegation to visit Australia in 2022.

As Spain prepares for its presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of 2023, leaders intend to deepen and expand the longstanding engagement of Australia and Spain in policy areas of mutual interest.

Leaders welcomed the long-standing defence industry cooperation between Spain and Australia which has contributed significantly to both nations’ naval capability. Prime Minister Albanese noted in particular Spanish ship-builder Navantia’s involvement in the design and construction of 60 per cent of the Royal Australian Navy’s on-water vessels by tonnage since 2006.

Leaders expressed their will to intensify cultural and educational exchanges through bilateral linkages and welcomed the contribution of the Cervantes Institute. They also recognised the important role of the Spain-Australia Council Foundation in fostering ties between both nations’ companies and civil societies.

Leaders discussed the urgent challenge of addressing the global climate crisis, including the need to work together to accelerate the clean energy transition while maintaining and enhancing energy security. President Sánchez welcomed Australia’s commitment to stronger climate action, and Prime Minister Albanese welcomed the EU’s REPowerEU plan and other EU climate initiatives to make Europe independent from Russian fossil fuels and hasten efforts to tackle climate change.

Leaders condemned Russia’s unilateral, illegal and immoral war of aggression against the people of Ukraine. The invasion is a gross violation of international law, including the Charter of the United Nations. Spain and Australia reaffirmed their strong support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and called on Russia to immediately withdraw its forces from Ukrainian territory. Spain and Australia agreed to continue to work together and with partners, to support Ukraine and hold Russia accountable for its actions.

Prime Minister Albanese commended Spain’s contribution to NATO’s unified efforts in supporting Ukraine and its ongoing efforts to address global security challenges. Australia is committed to working with NATO to maintain international solidarity in responding to authoritarian pressure, and commitment to international rules and norms. President Sánchez in turn expressed Spain’s appreciation for Australia’s steadfast support to Ukraine.

Spain and Australia reaffirmed their vision for free, open, and resilient Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic regions, where countries adhere to the fundamental principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, including the right to exercise freedom of navigation and overflight.

Australia welcomed increased European engagement in the Indo-Pacific, including Spain’s appointment of an Ambassador for the Indo-Pacific and the EU’s Joint Communication on the EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. Both countries agreed to explore further opportunities to work together in the region, including by supporting greater investment in infrastructure and clean energy.

As important partners in multilateral fora, including the United Nations and the G20, Spain and Australia agreed to increase collaboration and to work together to counter threats to the rules-based order and preserve the integrity of the multilateral system. The two countries will cooperate to promote human rights, gender equality, sustainable and inclusive development and climate action as shared priorities across the multilateral system.

Prime Minister Albanese expressed his gratitude to Spain for hosting this historic bilateral visit linked to the NATO Summit in Madrid, marking a new level of cooperation between the two countries.

PRIME MINISTER: Well, it’s good to be here in Madrid for the NATO summit. This is an important meeting at a critical time for the world. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has broken international law. What we know is that this brutal invasion is having real consequences for the people of Ukraine. And the people of Ukraine are inspiring the world with struggling to defend their national sovereignty, struggling against this brutal invasion. But this invasion is also having an impact on the world, and it’s a reminder that even an island continent like Australia, across the other side of the world, has been impacted by this, with rising petrol prices and the difficult issues relating to the supply chains as a result of the disruption from the Russian invasion of Ukraine. So over the next days I will have important meetings, including as a part of the AP4. The presence of Japan, Korea, New Zealand and Australia, who have all been invited to the summit, signifies that this is not just an issue for Europe, but there are also issues in our own region that need to be dealt with. And the Russian invasion of Ukraine, of course, came just after the arrangement was made of the special relationship between Russia and China. That reinforces the need for us to be engaged, and I’m very pleased to be here representing Australia at this NATO summit.

JOURNALIST: What message do you want to hear from the NATO members about China?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, that I’m sure that the NATO members know that China is more forward leaning in our region. We’ve seen actions from China against Lithuania, for example. China has been prepared to make sanctions not just against Australia, but to be more aggressive in its stance in the world and it requires the world to move towards peace and security, but to do so in a way which says that we are prepared as democratic nations to ensure that when something happens, like the invasion of Ukraine, the world is prepared to stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and provide practical and real support.

JOURNALIST: What’s the importance of there being insistent and long term pressure on Russia over this given that Xi Jinping might think that if people relent, he can wait too.

PRIME MINISTER: Well, this is critical. We know that the invasion of Ukraine has been a strategic disaster for Vladimir Putin. He was expecting to march into Ukraine and for it to be all over well before now. But he underestimated the courage and the resilience of the Ukrainian people. He also underestimated what the impact would be on the world. What Vladimir Putin has done with this invasion is to unify NATO and to unify democratic nations against this action, and we know that Sweden and Finland are considering joining NATO. So what this invasion has done, far from weaken NATO, it’s actually strengthened it, and that’s why this NATO summit comes at such a critical time.

JOURNALIST: Will you be joining the call from others to (Inaudible).

PRIME MINISTER: Well, we’re not members of NATO, but Australia regards a strong NATO as being absolutely critical. NATO has grown from its original composition up to 30 countries now. And the more countries that are involved, the stronger the message is of solidarity and unity against any aggression against any member countries.

JOURNALIST: PM I believe you spoke to Manasseh Sogavare in recent hours. What was the tone of that conversation? Did you reach out or did he reach out?

PRIME MINISTER: Well it was a very constructive discussion. I’ve had talks with the Pacific leaders, I received a congratulations from the Prime Minister, as I have from other Pacific leaders. We talked about the Pacific Islands Forum that will be coming up and the important agreement that has been made, led by the Fijian Prime Minister to make sure that the Pacific Islands Forum can remain united and strong. That’s an important breakthrough and it was a very constructive discussion. We both look forward to having a meeting during the Pacific Islands forum one-on-one as well as participating in that conference and as well, Prime Minister Sogavare reconfirmed his position that Australia remains the security partner of choice, a statement that he made of course, to Foreign Minister Wong.

JOURNALIST: Jens Stoltenberg is saying that nations now have to be behind Ukraine for the long haul. Are you coming here with additional commitments from Australia to support Ukraine in a humanitarian sense? 

PRIME MINISTER: Well, Australia has already made substantial commitments. We are in fact the largest non-NATO contributor to the defence of Ukraine. We need to make sure that those commitments are realised. All of them haven’t been delivered on the ground yet. We’ll make sure that happens. And we will, of course, listen to any request which is made. It is important that the world don’t tire of this. This is a struggle in which the Ukrainian people are showing incredible courage and resilience on what they deserve, what they deserve, and indeed the world needs to do is to make sure that the resilience of the world and the commitment is just as strong and long lasting as the Ukrainian people have shown themselves to hold. Thank you very much.

Australia will provide additional emergency relief of $1 million to support the people of Afghanistan, following the devastating earthquake on the 22nd June.

This is on top of the $140 million in assistance pledged to Afghanistan since September 2021.

The earthquake has caused extensive loss of life, homes and livelihoods, with the full effects still to be determined. This tragedy comes at a time when the humanitarian needs in Afghanistan are greater than ever.

Our support will be delivered through UN agencies already operating in the affected area, and will go towards providing shelter, food and medical support for those in need.

The Australian Government extend its deepest condolences to the people of Afghanistan, and the Afghan-Australian community.

A Dutton government would support older Australians, who choose to work more, by doubling the amount of income age pensioners and veteran service pensioners can earn without reducing pension payments.

This change will make it more worthwhile for older Australians to pick up an extra shift or work extra hours and help small and regional businesses deal with labour shortages.

The Leader of the Opposition the Hon Peter Dutton MP calls on the Albanese Government to implement the policy immediately to help relieve pressure on a very tight labour market.

“Employers can’t find staff – thousands of jobs across hospitality, agriculture, tourism and retail remain open,” Mr Dutton said.

“This policy ensures that pensioners and veterans, who want to work, are not financially penalised. It puts more money into their pocket.

“There are around 80,000 age pensioners and veterans who are choosing to work who will likely benefit from this change,” Mr Dutton said.

Currently, age pensioners and veteran service pensioners can earn $300 of income each fortnight without impacting pension payments. Under the proposed change, age pensioners will be able to earn up to $600 a fortnight and still receive the maximum pension payment. Pensioners will continue to accrue unused pension work bonus amounts up to a maximum of $7,800, which can exempt future earnings from the pension income test.

Well targeted policy, designed to increase labour supply, will ease workplace shortages and put downward pressure on inflation and interest rates.

Labor’s big spending agenda, which includes $18.3 billion of direct spending, and $45 billion in off-budget funds, and ill designed policies, which discourage Australians from working and earning more, will achieve the opposite: put upward pressure on inflation and interest rates.

The proposed change is expected to have a cost to the Budget of $145 million in 2022-23.

A Dutton government would review, on an annual cycle, the merits of extending the policy change to future years taking into account changes in overseas net migration levels, the unemployment rate and the workforce participation rate.

The Labor Government must outline its plan to ease cost of living pressures and put downward pressure on inflation. Australians can’t afford to wait for Labor to get its act together.

Tomorrow I will depart for a visit to Vietnam and Malaysia, my second trip to Southeast Asia since becoming Foreign Minister one month ago.

Australia’s future is tied to the future of Southeast Asia, a region we share.

It’s more than geography that binds us – we have genuine links in Vietnam and Malaysia: family, business, education and tourism.

My visit seeks to deepen these ties, building on our existing partnerships for the benefit of our countries and the region.

It’s important we work closely together to capitalise on shared economic opportunities, strengthen regional security, and address climate change.

In Vietnam I will meet with President Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Foreign Minister Bùi Thanh Sơn.

Ahead of next year’s 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, our discussions will focus on climate change cooperation, our shared trade and investment ambitions and Australia’s continued support for Vietnam’s COVID-19 recovery.

On the 28th, I will travel onto Malaysia, where I look forward to meeting Minister for Foreign Affairs Dato’ Sri Saifuddin bin Abdullah, as well as Defence Minister Dato’ Seri Hishammuddin Hussein and Minister for International Trade and Industry, Dato’ Seri Azmin Ali.

I will reaffirm our commitment as Comprehensive Strategic Partners and discuss economic recovery, climate action, education ties and health security.

I will also travel to Sabah. It’s a region with longstanding ties to Australia, and it’s the region where I am from. Having spent my early years in Kota Kinabalu, I look forward to the great honour of returning to the city as Australia’s Foreign Minister.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will travel to Europe from Sunday 26 June for the NATO Leaders’ Summit in Madrid. The Prime Minister will then travel on to France to accept President Emmanuel Macron’s invitation to meet in Paris.

The NATO Leaders’ Summit comes at a critical time. The conflict in Ukraine has significant consequences that reach far beyond Europe. Australia’s attendance also allows for engagement on strategic priorities for NATO engagement in our region.

Australia has been invited to attend the Summit as an Enhanced Opportunities Partner. In this role, Australia has worked closely with NATO on interoperability, military training and exercise programs, and other issues of mutual interest.

Through this partnership, the Prime Minister will engage with our Asia-Pacific partners and attend official engagements including bilateral meetings with NATO member countries.

At the conclusion of the NATO Leaders’ Summit, Prime Minister Albanese will travel to Paris, to meet with President Emmanuel Macron.

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles will be Acting Prime Minister while Prime Minister Albanese is overseas.

the Prime Minister said:

“I look forward to attending the NATO Leaders’ Summit. It could not come at a more critical time.

“I look forward to engaging on the strategic priorities for our region.

“Australia has been unequivocal in its support for Ukraine and its condemnation of President Putin. We will continue to stand up for freedom and democracy.

“I am also honoured to accept an invitation from President Macron to visit Paris.

“France is an important partner and friend to Australia, particularly in our shared vision for peace and stability in the Pacific.”