HEATHER RIDOUT, CONSUL-GENERAL IN NEW YORK: It's great to have you all in New York. You don't come here enough, actually. But anyway, it's my real pleasure to introduce our Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, who's also coming to New York for the first time since I've been Consul-General and Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen.

Thank you all for being here this afternoon.

I thank our hosts Macquarie, a great Australian success story.

Among many distinguished guests, I acknowledge our Ambassador, Kevin Rudd and Australia’s Consul-General to New York, Heather Ridout.

When I had the privilege of serving in Kevin’s Cabinet as Minister for Infrastructure, we asked Heather to join the board of a new body we were establishing: Infrastructure Australia.

President Macron.

Your Royal Highness.

Secretary-General.

Colleagues.

Nearly 78 years ago, Australia was proud to be the first member of the United Nations to vote for the plan that made the modern state of Israel possible.

The international community’s vision for a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, always encompassed two states.

A state of Israel and a state of Palestine.

Living side by side, within internationally-recognised borders.

And recognising each other’s right to live in peace and security.

ANDREW CLENNELL, HOST: Your decision to recognise Palestine with the UK and Canada has made headlines here in the US today. Do you concede there's a chance it makes no difference to achieving peace, or even backfires? For example, Israel could annex the West Bank or take some sort of action.

KARL STEFANOVIC, HOST: For more we're joined by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in New York. PM, good morning to you. Good to have you coming this morning.

PRIME MINISTER: Good morning.

STEFANOVIC: Look, 25 Republicans say recognising Palestine is reckless policy that rewards terrorism and you risk retaliation. Are you ready for the blowback?

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Well, good morning. I'm very proud to be representing Australia at the United Nations General Assembly here in New York this week, and to be joined here this morning with Foreign Minister Penny Wong. 

This visit will allow Australia to continue to work with our international partners on a range of issues with one focus right across the board, which is, what is Australia's national interest and how is it best served.

Effective today, Sunday the 21st of September 2025, the Commonwealth of Australia formally recognises the independent and sovereign State of Palestine.

In doing so, Australia recognises the legitimate and long held aspirations of the people of Palestine to a state of their own.

Australia’s recognition of Palestine today, alongside Canada and the United Kingdom, is part of a co-ordinated international effort to build new momentum for a two-state solution, starting with a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of the hostages taken in the atrocities of October 7, 2023.

NATALIE BARR, HOST: Welcome back. Let's return to our top story this morning. And Australia has officially recognised the State of Palestine. And Minister Anthony Albanese joins us live from New York. Good morning to you.

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Good morning.

BARR: So, Benjamin Netanyahu has now come out and said there will never be a Palestinian State. An extraordinary statement to make. What is your reaction?

BRIDGET BRENNAN, HOST: We begin this morning with breaking news from New York overnight, where Australia has joined several nations in officially recognising Palestine ahead of the UN General Assembly.

JAMES GLENDAY, HOST: The Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, is leading the Australian delegation to the UN and he joins us now live from New York. Prime Minister, welcome back to the program.

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Good morning, good to be with you.

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Proud to be representing Australia at the United Nations this week. This is the first time I've been here as Prime Minister. It's an opportunity to advance Australia's economic, national security, and, of course, our related environmental interests as well – given that climate change will be front and centre of the United Nations General Assembly this week.

JOURNALIST: It's a time of great world turmoil. What do you hope comes out of this week?