Category: Australian News

Overnight US President Donald Trump has told Kevin Rudd that “He doesn’t like him, and probably never will.” It is certainly a view of Rudd that most Australians agree with. 

One Nation has long called for Kevin Rudd’s recall from America. In fact, we’ve been calling for his recall from day one. Kevin Rudd doesn’t have the temperament or the talent to manage Australia–U.S. relations. His loose tongue has offended the very people who now hold the levers of power in Washington.

The disastrous U.S. trip by Anthony Albanese has exposed the problem: President Trump doesn’t like Kevin Rudd, and who could blame him?

Rudd is a loose-tongued fool, a self-important dunce with zero diplomatic skill and no ability to negotiate with the world’s leading superpower. His record as Prime Minister was a string of failures, and now he risks doing the same damage to one of our most important international relationships.

When in 2008 Prime Minister Rudd travelled to China and, in the host nation’s own language, delivered a lecture at Beijing University attacking China’s human rights record, he blew up our relationship with Beijing. That single undiplomatic, poorly timed speech triggered a two-decade decline in Australia–China relations. It showed exactly what Rudd has always been, a man who thinks he’s far cleverer than he really is.

The fact that Rudd remains in his post as U.S. Ambassador is proof of Anthony Albanese’s absolute inability to get anything right. While Trump was making it clear he didn’t trust or respect Rudd, Albanese was standing there grinning like a nervous schoolboy. Trump’s face was steely; he was dead serious.

Australia cannot maintain a strong relationship with the United States while this twerp, Kevin Rudd, continues in office.

If One Nation were in charge, Rudd would be sacked immediately. We’d appoint a capable, respected Ambassador to rebuild trust and lead the U.S.–Australia partnership with dignity. We’d also review the bloated staffing and perks Albanese handed Rudd as a former Prime Minister, a disgraceful use of public money for a man who delivers nothing but chaos and embarrassment.

It’s time to recall Kevin Rudd and restore some credibility to Australia’s diplomacy.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and President of the United States Donald J. Trump today signed a landmark bilateral framework on critical minerals and rare earths at the White House in Washington DC. This will see an accelerated pipeline of priority projects delivered by and for the two nations.

The United States–Australia Framework for Securing of Supply in the Mining and Processing of Critical Minerals and Rare Earths will deliver a US/Australia secured supply chain for critical minerals and rare earths, required for defence and other advanced technologies. This represents a significant new chapter in the over 70 years of our formal Alliance.

Also announced today, to complement the Framework, the US and Australia will take measures to each provide at least USD$1 billion in investments towards an USD$8.5 billion pipeline of priority critical minerals projects in Australia and the United States over the next six months.

Two of those priority projects have financial commitments being announced today by the Australian Government. 

The first project is the Alcoa-Sojitz Gallium Recovery Project in Wagerup, Western Australia. 

Australia is announcing today up to USD$200 million in concessional equity finance for the project, which includes a right of offtake for the Australian Government. The United States Government is also making an equity investment with a right of offtake.

This project will provide up to 10 per cent of total global gallium supply. Gallium is an essential input for defence and semiconductor manufacturing. This is a trilateral project with Japan, the United States and Australia, which will strengthen our collective economic security. Japan has already provided 50 percent of the project costs to date.

The second project is the Arafura Nolans project in the Northern Territory. 

Australia is announcing today a USD$100 million equity investment in the project. Once operational, this project will produce 5 per cent of global rare earths – essential for energy security and defence.

The historic framework signed today will assist both countries in achieving resilience and security of critical minerals and rare earths supply chains, including mining, separation, and processing, through use of economic policy tools and coordinated investment.

A US-Australia Critical Minerals Supply Security Response Group will be established under the leadership of the US Secretary of Energy and the Australian Minister for Resources to identify priority minerals and supply vulnerabilities and to develop a coordinated plan to accelerate delivery of processed minerals under this Framework.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“There are no closer friends and allies than the United States of America and Australia.

“President Trump and I agreed today we will work very hard together in both our nations’ interests.

“We’ve agreed today Australia and America are going to make more things together with our historic framework on critical minerals.

“Australia is home to much of the periodic table of critical minerals and rare earth metals that are vital for defence and other advanced technologies.

“Cooperation on critical minerals and rare earth supply chains is testament to the trusted partnership between Australia and the United States as strategic defence allies.

“I look forward to continuing to work with President Trump to strengthen our partnership and support American and Australian workers, businesses and investors.”

The Albanese Government will welcome Ministers from Papua New Guinea to Canberra today for the 31st Australia-Papua New Guinea Ministerial Forum. 

The Ministerial Forum co-hosted by Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong and Papua New Guinea Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon Justin Tkatchenko BEM OL MP, follows the historic signing of the Papua New Guinea-Australia Mutual Defence Treaty – the Pukpuk Treaty – by Prime Minister Albanese and Prime Minister Marape.

The Treaty elevates our relationship to an Alliance, and reflects both countries’ commitment to each other and to a region that is peaceful, stable and prosperous.  

Building on decades of close collaboration, the Forum will further our engagement across the breadth of our shared priorities, including: 

• Progression of the PNG-Australia Alliance through the establishment of a recruitment pathway that will enable PNG citizens to join the Australian Defence Force, and investments in infrastructure and common capabilities to support the Papua New Guinea Defence Force’s training initiatives.
• A new education and skills package worth over $150 million to support PNG’s productivity, economic growth and human development. Delivered in partnership with the PNG Government and local organisations, the package includes four new investments focused on foundational education (early grades); secondary education; improving retention, particularly for girls; and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
• A $25 million humanitarian and disaster relief package which includes the construction of new humanitarian warehouses to strengthen PNG’s ability to respond to disasters across the country; a new twinning partnership between Australia’s National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the PNG National Disaster Centre to enhance capacity building; and scoping for the construction of an emergency command and control centre in Port Moresby to monitor risks and better coordinate disaster response.  

In the year of PNG’s 50th anniversary of independence, we celebrate the deep friendship between our two nations, steeped in shared history and characterised by mutual respect and ongoing collaboration. 

The Ministerial Forum provides an opportunity for ministers across key policy areas to advance shared goals across our comprehensive strategic and economic partnership.

The delegation will also engage with Australian and Papua New Guinean private sector representatives through the Annual Australia-Papua New Guinea Business Dialogue, co-hosted by Australian Minister for Trade and Tourism, Senator the Hon Don Farrell, and PNG Minister for International Trade and Investment, The Hon Richard Maru OBE MP.  

Acting Prime Minister and Defence, Minister Richard Marles:   

“Our new Alliance is a natural evolution of our close and longstanding defence ties – one which supports sovereignty and safeguards the peace and security of our region.  

“We are working closely together as we move from defence partners to allies, building on decades of growing collaboration under our Defence Cooperation Program. I look forward to furthering those discussions with my good friends and colleagues during this Australia-PNG Ministerial Forum.”  

Foreign Minister, Penny Wong:  

“This is a historic moment in the story of our two nations, Australia and Papua New Guinea; we are the oldest of friends, closest of neighbours, and soon-to-be, newest of allies.  

“Today, we take our first steps on the stewardship of our alliance and nurture our full breadth of interests to shape a peaceful, stable and prosperous Blue Pacific.  

“Australia and Papua New Guinea have never been closer, evidenced through the number of ministers we will have around the table today.”  

Minister for Pacific Island Affairs and Defence Industry, Pat Conroy:   

“We have always stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Papua New Guinea. We’re committed to strengthening our close economic, development and security partnership, and working with PNG to improve outcomes in education and training.  

“This Ministerial Forum builds on the momentum from the historic signing of the PNG-Australia Mutual Defence Treaty, our NRL deal, and our Bilateral Security Agreement that have elevated our relationship.”   

In partnership with the Government of Papua New Guinea, the Albanese Government will gift 4,500 sets of Australian-made combat uniforms to the PNG Defence Force (PNGDF).

The uniforms will be the same quality and fit as those worn by members of the Australian Defence Force but customized with the unique pattern of the PNGDF. For the first time, uniforms will also be specifically designed for and provided to PNGDF women. 

Initial orders for the delivery of 2,500 uniforms are valued at about $1.4 million.

The uniforms are being designed and manufactured in Australia following a robust procurement process.

This includes the supply of boots by New South Wales-based manufacturer Redback Boots, the supply of socks by Humphrey Law & Co and the supply of shirts, trousers and hats by Australian Defence Apparel, both based in Victoria. 

Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Pat Conroy MP:

“PNG is our closest neighbour and one of our dearest friends, and this gift underscores the strength of our enduring partnership.

“These uniforms will support the Papua New Guinean Defence Force as they build their sovereign defence capabilities.

“As our defence forces continue to train together and improve interoperability, we will proudly see Australian and Papua New Guinean defence personnel standing shoulder-to-shoulder, wearing quality Australian-made combat uniforms.”

Today I announce the appointment of Ms Paula Ganly as Australia’s next Ambassador to Jordan.

Jordan is a key partner for Australia in the Middle East and an important anchor for regional stability.

Jordan and Australia celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations this year. Our relationship is underpinned by security and defence cooperation and growing commercial ties, which we look forward to developing further.

Ms Ganly is a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and was most recently First Assistant Secretary of the Consular and Crisis Management Division.

She has previously served overseas as Australia’s Ambassador to Iraq and through other postings in the United Kingdom, China, Hong Kong, Czech Republic, Republic of Korea, Bangladesh and Venezuela.

I thank outgoing Ambassador Bernard Lynch for his contributions to advancing Australia’s interests in Jordan since 2021.

Today I announce the appointment of Ms Jessica Hunter as Australia’s next Ambassador for Cyber Affairs and Critical Technology.

Cyber and critical technology affect all aspects of international relations. They underpin our national security, the protection and realisation of human rights and freedoms, global economic prosperity, sustainable development and international stability. For Australia, cyber and critical technology – including the rapidly evolving domain of artificial intelligence – are foreign policy priorities.

The Ambassador for Cyber Affairs and Critical Technology leads Australia’s international engagement on cyber affairs and critical technology issues, while delivering cyber capacity and resilience building, and incident responses across our region.

Ms Hunter will steer Australia’s international engagement under Australia’s 2023-2030 Cyber Security Strategy, focused on enhancing our role as a trusted and influential global cyber leader in Southeast Asia and the Pacific. The Strategy outlines Australia’s commitment to strengthening the capacity of our region and shaping international efforts to meet the evolving challenges of cyberspace.

Ms Hunter has had a distinguished career in cyber affairs, including in the Australian Cyber Security Centre.

She has served overseas as Head of Cyber Threat Operations Technical Teams, National Cyber Security Centre, in the United Kingdom’s Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ); and was seconded to the United States’ National Security Agency (NSA) as Deputy Australian Liaison Officer.

I thank former Ambassador Mr Brendan Dowling for his contributions to advancing Australia’s interests on cyber affairs and critical technology since 2023.

For the fourth year in a row, the Albanese Government is backing Western Australia’s most iconic fundraising event – committing $6 million to the Channel 7 Telethon Trust to help build a brighter, healthier future for children and babies across the state.

Funds raised through Telethon go directly towards medical research, essential health services, and life-changing programs that support sick, disadvantaged and vulnerable children and their families.

Over its 58-year history, Telethon has raised more than $688 million to give kids the care, treatment and opportunities they deserve.

The 26-hour televised appeal now supports 161 children’s charities and organisations, transforming lives through the power of generosity.

The Government’s contributions have already supported dozens of groundbreaking research projects into childhood cancer, mental health and gut health, as well as the purchase of vital medical equipment for hospitals and health services.

This continued investment ensures children can access the best possible care today and for generations to come.

Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles

“The Telethon is a wonderful West Australian tradition that brings communities together for an extraordinary cause.

“Our government is proud to once again support this important initiative, which continues to improve health outcomes for children with life-threatening illnesses and complex medical conditions.

“Every year, we’re inspired by the big-heartedness of Australians who dig deep to support Telethon.

“Every donation, big or small, helps change a young life for the better.”

The Coffs Harbour Bypass has reached a major milestone, with more than half of the project’s 21 bridges now completed – marking significant progress on one of the largest regional infrastructure projects on Australia’s east coast.

At 250 metres long and about 16.5 metres high, the twin bridges over the North Coast Railway Line are the longest and highest for the bypass.

With the piles, columns and headstocks complete, work has now begun to install 70 massive Super-T girders using a 600-tonne crane, which is the largest to be used on the project.

The Australian and NSW Governments are jointly investing $2.2 billion in the 14-kilometre Coffs Harbour Bypass, which will boost the regional economy, improve road safety and connectivity, and reduce travel times by up to 12 minutes by allowing motorists to avoid 12 sets of traffic lights through Coffs Harbour’s CBD.

The project has already delivered local benefits, including the recently opened Luke Bowen Pedestrian Bridge, providing safer crossings and honouring a local boy whose memory continues to unite the community.

By the end of 2025, only three bridges will remain under construction, with the final asphalt surfacing to be laid across all road bridges before the bypass opens to traffic in late 2026, and full project completion expected in late 2027.

Catherine King, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government:

“The Coffs Harbour community have been promised this project for a long time, so it’s really welcome to see bridge construction on the bypass pass the halfway point.

“Labor Governments have delivered legacy infrastructure like the Kempsey Bypass which cut travel times and removed trucks and traffic from the town centre. We’re now a step closer to doing that again, right here in Coffs Harbour.

“The completed project will be a big boost for Coffs, and will mean a safer and more efficient drive for motorists heading up and down the upgraded Pacific Highway.”

Jenny Aitchison, NSW Minister for Roads:

“Well done to the Coffs Harbour Bypass team on this major milestone. It’s incredible to see how quickly this project is taking shape.

“This project is just one part of our efforts to build a better NSW. Once complete, the Coffs Harbour Bypass will ensure families spend less time in the car and more time with their families. It will speed up the region and improve journey times to health, education and essential services.

“But this project isn’t just about faster travel times, it’s also about protecting local waterways, flora and fauna, and maintaining local access for motorists and pedestrians.

“Alongside the M1 to Raymond Terrace extension, the completed bypass will mean people can travel from Sydney to Brisbane without hitting a single set of traffic lights – a gamechanger for regional connectivity, freight operations and road safety.”

The Albanese Government is delivering more opportunities for Australian businesses to secure high-value manufacturing contracts in the United States submarine industrial base, thanks to a $19 million investment in the Australian Submarine Supplier Qualification (AUSSQ) Pilot.

The Albanese Government awarded HII Australia an initial $9.6 million contract to deliver the pilot phase of the AUSSQ program in March 2025, and today we are announcing a further investment of $9.3 million to deliver additional work packages. 

The initial phase of the program, delivered by H&B Defence—a HII and Babcock joint venture—focused on prospective Australian businesses in castings and forgings, and precision machining. This second tranche of investment will focus on industry uplift activities involving air and gas flasks, and fabricated parts.

AUSSQ is helping local companies become approved suppliers to HII, the largest military shipbuilder in the US and one of two companies that builds US nuclear-powered submarines.

Twenty-two Australian businesses are already taking part, with eight now fully qualified:

• MacTaggart Scott Australia; Levett Engineering; Century Engineering; H E Parts International; Veem; Hofmann Engineering; Dobbie; and MTA.

Further, three of the twenty-two participating Australian businesses have now been invited to quote for work in the US supply chain.

• Hofmann Engineering; Veem; and Axiom.

AUSSQ complements the Defence Industry Vendor Qualification Program (DIVQ), and is part of a broader effort to grow Australia’s defence industrial base. These programs are providing hands-on support to help Australian businesses to meet US standards, navigate export approvals, and connect with global supply chains.

This industrial uplift is helping to expand Australia’s submarine industrial base and prepare for the work required to build and sustain Australia’s future fleet of conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines.

This investment will assist Australian companies to build skills, create jobs, and strengthen our national security through industrial base collaboration with our closest ally and deliver a future made in Australia.

Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Pat Conroy MP:

“AUKUS is delivering real benefits for Australian industry and jobs. This program is helping build a strong, sovereign submarine enterprise that will keep Australia safe for decades to come.”

“This $19 million investment is helping Australian businesses break into global supply chains and contribute to allied industrial capacity. It’s about creating jobs, growing skills, and giving our manufacturers a chance to compete on the world stage.”

The Albanese Government announces its intention to nominate Mr Andrew Shearer as Ambassador to Japan in early 2026, following completion of his term as Director-General of the Office of National Intelligence this December.

Prior to his current role, Mr Shearer served as Cabinet Secretary, and National Security Adviser to two prime ministers.

He has held a number of other public service roles including in the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, when he was posted to Washington.

Mr Shearer has also held senior roles at the Center for Strategic and International Studies and the Lowy Institute.