National Cabinet met virtually today to discuss national priorities.
National Cabinet received a briefing on COVID-19 from the acting Chief Medical Officer, Professor Michael Kidd.
First Ministers agreed to a strategic framework to support the transition of measures and policies to a sustainable COVID-19 steady state.
We are moving towards managing COVID-19 like any respiratory illness but in a way that keeps Australians safe and protected.
LEON BYNER, HOST: Let's talk to Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese.
ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Good morning, Leon. And can I say congratulations on quite a magnificent career? I know you'll continue to be there as a casual participant rather than each and every day. And I just think it's always been wonderful talking with you. And can I say as well, that you are someone who has championed issues over the years, particularly standing up for the people of Adelaide in South Australia?
I begin by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land on which we meet, I pay my respects to their elders past, present and emerging.
I am proud to lead a Labor Government committed to the Uluru Statement from the Heart, in full, including a constitutionally-enshrined Voice to Parliament.
I welcome Nicholas Whitlam, Catherine Dovey and your families
Federal and state colleagues, members of local government.
Distinguished guests
A great nation such as ours preserves its treasures.
Honours our legends.
Celebrates our history.
ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: It is fantastic to be here 50 years to the day when Gough Whitlam declared himself as the Prime Minister of Australia. The Whitlam Government changed our nation, modernised our nation, laid the foundations for the best healthcare system in the world, opened up educational opportunities, changed the way that investment happened in our suburbs, advanced Indigenous reconciliation, and changed our relationship with the world.
The Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon Anthony Albanese MP, welcomed Prime Minister Sanna Marin of the Republic of Finland to Sydney on 2 December 2022, marking the first visit to Australia by a Finnish Prime Minister. The Prime Ministers discussed a range of issues reflecting the breadth of their common interests and values.
ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER OF AUSTRALIA: Well, Prime Minister, can I very much welcome you to Kirribilli House, and to Sydney, and to Australia. You are a very welcome guest. Australia has very good relations with Finland. And there will be some important business announcements during your visit about cooperation that we have. Our governments have very similar policies on clean energy. And I see that as being an area of increased cooperation.
ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Well, thanks very much for joining us this morning. I’ll start off and then the Premier, my good friend Peter Malinauskas, will have some comments and then the Commissioner will add to those comments as well. Can I say we have been visiting here today in Renmark, talking to business operators, talking to local community members about the challenges that this community is facing. It is expected that the waters here will peak for the first time on 14 December. What we have seen is a preparedness that is being put in place for that event.
HOST: Good morning, Prime Minister. How are you?
ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Good morning. I'm pretty good this morning. It's a beautiful day here in Sydney today.
HOST: So, you've made it back safely?
Today Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met with the President of the National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Vuong Dinh Hue, during his visit to Australia as a Guest of the Australian Parliament.
ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Thank you, Nicholas for taking on this job.
NICHOLAS MOORE, SPECIAL ENVOY FOR SOUTHEAST ASIA: A great honour, Prime Minister. So thank you very much for asking me. And Minister, thank you very much.
PENNY WONG, MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS: We're very pleased.