This week marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Australia and the People’s Republic of China.

In 1972, then Prime Minister Gough Whitlam took a bold decision, recognising the importance of engagement and cooperation between our two nations and peoples.

In the decades since, China has grown to become one of the world’s largest economies and Australia’s largest trading partner.

Today we announce the Government’s intention to appoint the Hon Dr Kevin Rudd AC as Australia’s next Ambassador to the United States.

Dr Rudd brings unmatched experience to the role. Formerly Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Australia, he is now the global President and Chief Executive of leading international relations institute, the Asia Society.

He is also of the world’s most eminent and sought-after experts on China and US–China relations.

Our foreign service is the driver of Australia’s engagement with the world.

Today we announce new appointments that strengthen Australia’s diplomatic capability and its prosecution of our national interests around the globe.

In keeping with past practice of appointing experienced former ministers to significant diplomatic posts, the Government intends to appoint the Hon Dr Kevin Rudd AC as Australia's next Ambassador to the United States.

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: This year my Government has taken action to stabilise Australia's relationships around the world. It’s about better outcomes for Australia, but it’s also about better outcomes for Australians. I am proud to stand here today with Foreign Minister Penny Wong on a day we're taking another important step – her visit to Beijing on the anniversary of Australia's diplomatic relationship with the People's Republic of China. The 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations on the 21st of December is a significant milestone.

KELLY HIGGINS-DEVINE, HOST: Anthony Albanese is the Prime Minister of Australia. Prime Minister, good morning.

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

HIGGINS-DEVINE: So this proposal, this package you've put forward, what do you hope it will do?

All Australians are shocked and saddened by this tragic loss of life.

Two Queensland police officers, their lives cut short by this atrocity.

Constable Matthew Arnold, just 26 years of age.

Constable Rachel McCrow, just 29.

Constables from Tara Police Station, who lost their lives in this tragedy.

I pay tribute to them.

I pay tribute as well to their surviving fellow officers, Constable Randall Kirk and Constable Keeley Brough.

Prime Minister Albanese will travel to Papua New Guinea from 12-13 January to attend the Annual Leaders' Dialogue alongside his counterpart Prime Minister James Marape in Port Moresby.

Following the Dialogue, the Prime Ministers will travel together to Wewak on the northern coast of Papua New Guinea to visit the resting place of the late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare.

I want to thank Honourable Members and Senators for returning to Parliament today, to vote on our plan for Energy Price Relief for:

• Australian industry and business
• Australian manufacturing
• Australian jobs
• And Australian families.

This legislation is important - and it is urgent.

Because after a wasted decade of denial and delay…

After a wasted decade of neglecting the national energy grid and attacking renewables…

After a wasted decade:

Mr Speaker, I move that the House record its deep regret at the death on December 12, 2022, of Constable Rachel McCrow, Constable Matthew Arnold and Mr Alan Dare.

Place on record its acknowledgement of their bravery and sacrifice in the line of duty, and tender our sympathy to their families in their bereavement.

Mr Speaker, Monday, 12 December should have been an ordinary summer's day on the Western Downs.

A day of warmth under that big blue sky.

A day of peace.

Instead, that quiet was shattered by the gunfire of an atrocity.

I am pleased to announce I have recommended the Governor-General appoint Ms Alison Frame as the Secretary of the Department of Veterans' Affairs.

Ms Frame is currently Deputy Secretary, Social Policy, in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. She has been a senior public servant for both the Commonwealth and New South Wales governments in a range of complex service delivery and policy roles. Ms Frame brings significant experience working with stakeholders and leading staff to deliver positive outcomes for the community.