A funding agreement is now in place for the Australian Government’s $55 million election commitment towards upgrading international terminal facilities at Newcastle Airport.

The funding will support construction of an upgraded international terminal to increase the capacity, efficiency and effectiveness of international passenger and border processing at Newcastle Airport.

This will bolster air transport links and connectivity opportunities for the Hunter.

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: It is fantastic to be here at the sod turning for the upgrade of the terminal here at Newcastle airport, a $55 million investment committed to by myself when I was the Opposition Leader today becoming a reality. Turning promises into delivery is something that has characterised my Government. And I do want to say it's such a pleasure to be here with Meryl Swanson, the local member and Minister Pat Conroy, as well. And we're also joined by Deputy Speaker, Sharon Claydon.

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Well, Mr President and your delegation, can I say what a privilege it is to host you here in my home city of Sydney and show the dynamism of modern Australia. And it is particularly nice to host you in this wonderful venue. I apologise that the weather isn't perfect today, but we have done our best. My first bilateral visit as Prime Minister was to Indonesia, and that is because there is no more important relationship than the relationship between our two great nations.

1. The Prime Minister of Australia, The Honourable Anthony Albanese MP, welcomed the President of the Republic of Indonesia, His Excellency Joko Widodo, to Sydney for the Australia-Indonesia Annual Leaders’ Meeting on 4 July 2023, on the eve of the third anniversary of the entry into force of the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA), and during the 70th anniversary of Australia’s scholarships for Indonesian students.
2. Leaders welcomed deepening links between Australia and Indonesia towards ensuring stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacif

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Well, it's indeed an absolute pleasure to welcome my friend, President Widodo, here to Australia. It is good to return the incredibly warm hospitality, Mr President, that I received during my first visit to Indonesia just two weeks after my election as Prime Minister. We didn’t give you a ride on a bicycle today but we did have a very nice and pleasant ride on this beautiful harbour here in Sydney.

MICHAEL ROWLAND, HOST: PM, a very good morning to you.

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

ROWLAND: Great to have you on. So the board at the RBA has decided on that pause. A great relief to everybody. But do you agree with the board that inflation is still too high in Australia? And therefore, that is going to result more likely than not in further rate rises in the months ahead?

NATALIE BARR, HOST: Now, the Reserve Bank has left rates on hold. While that sparked hope we've hit the peak of the cost of living crisis, there could still be tough times ahead with expectations the country is heading for at least a shallow recession.

KARL STEFANOVIC, HOST: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joins us now from Sydney. PM, good morning to you.

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Good morning, good to be with you. I am one of millions of Australians who welcomed the decision of the Reserve Bank yesterday.

STEFANOVIC: Look, it’s nothing to celebrate though it is? It’s more of a stay of mortgage execution isn’t it?

PETER STEFANOVIC, HOST: PM, good morning to you. Thank you for your time as always.

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Good morning, Pete.

STEFANOVIC: So, as you know, people are bleeding cash. Are we now at, or close to the peak of financial pain?

JACQUELINE MALEY, HOST: PM, are you ready?

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Hang on one tick, are we ready?