The Albanese and Perrottet Governments today announced a landmark deal to connect New South Wales’ Renewable Energy Zones (REZs) and plug Snowy 2.0 into the grid, to create thousands of new energy jobs, and deliver energy that’s more reliable, more secure and more affordable across the east coast.

The joint $7.8 billion deal will back eight critical transmission and REZ projects, supporting more than 3,900 jobs in the regions.

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Can I just begin by saying that the Memorial Service conducted by the Queensland Police, that I attended this morning, was a solemn occasion. And I once again express, on behalf of all Australians, our sense of grief and loss at the loss of Matthew Arnold and Rachel McCrow, two Queensland Police officers who were doing their job. This tragedy has impacted all members of the police force including, I'm sure, here in New South Wales and throughout the country. The tributes were ones that I will never forget this morning.

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Good afternoon. I did want to wish everyone a very safe and happy festive season going forward over the next few days. I also wanted to wish those people of faith all my best wishes. This is an opportunity where many Christians will renew their faith in the birth of Jesus Christ that we celebrate on 25 December. This era, though, is going to be also very difficult going forward.

Christmas is such a special time of year.

It's a day of giving. It's a day for relaxing together with family and friends.

And for many Australians, it is a day that is so central to their faith.

Of course, not everyone gets to take it easy today. If you're rostered on somewhere, I want to say thank you for your service to others.

BILL CREWS, EXODUS FOUNDATION: Welcome. I hope you all have Christmas lunch with us and you don't just rush off. But as you can see, this is Christmas lunch for the people who have got nowhere else and no one to share Christmas with. And I'm so grateful. I am so grateful for Anthony and Chris Minns to come up here and share it with them. Because that's what we need today. We need people who are in government who care for those who are the poorest and that are struggling. Because if governments care for the battlers, they'll care for everybody else.

SUSIE ELELMAN, HOST: It's always lovely to have your company. And if you are in Sydney and you're anywhere near Ashfield, I really welcome you to come out and see the Christmas spirit that is being portrayed here at the Uniting Church at Ashfield. It is just quite extraordinary. People are tucking into a delicious Christmas meal. The volunteers are going around. The joy that's here, having so many people that are dropping in to say hello.

MICHELLE GRATTAN, HOST: Anthony Albanese, thanks for being with us today. Could we start with your priorities for 2023, just the main three or four priorities?

JEROME LAXALE, MEMBER FOR BENNELONG: Welcome everyone. I'd like to start by acknowledging the traditional custodians of this land, the Darramuragal people, and pay respects to elders past, present and emerging. And welcome you all to Bennelong for the official office opening. Labor's only won Bennelong twice in 70 years, so it's great to have some red on the window, but also to have the Prime Minister here officially opening our office. It's been a really busy six months.

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.