PAUL TURTON, HOST: The catastrophic flooding across New South Wales, of course, that has impacted on so many communities, including here in the Hunter, will of course require a substantial response from all levels of government. The Prime Minister has already taken steps to address the crisis and joins me now. Prime Minister Albanese, thanks for coming on today. Good morning.

RICHARD KING, HOST: It's all hands on deck, including our Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, who I believe is on the way to our area. And the Prime Minister is on the line. Good morning, Prime Minister.

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Good morning, Richard. Good to be with you, but sorry about the circumstances of this visit to the Hunter and the Mid North Coast.

KING: Yeah. You're headed our way this morning, I believe, Prime Minister?

CHRIS BATH, HOST: The Prime Minister's just called in to 702 ABC Radio Sydney Drive, and far be it from me to knock back a call from the Prime Minister. Good afternoon, Prime Minister. Thanks for calling.

PRIME MINISTER: Good afternoon, Chris. Good to be with you. Although, very difficult circumstances for the communities dealing with these devastating floods in the Mid North Coast and in the Hunter region.

I have recommended to Her Excellency the Governor-General Sam Mostyn that the opening of the 48th Parliament take place on Tuesday 22 July 2025.

A proposed Parliamentary sitting calendar can be found on the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet website.

The Government is humbled by the support of the Australian people.

I look forward to advancing the Government’s legislative agenda over the coming Parliamentary term.

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Can I just say it's good to be back, arrived in the early hours of this morning after what was a very successful visit. Indonesia is such an important relationship for us, and we were looked after very well by President Prabowo. I had an extensive one on one meeting with him, as well as our leaders’ meeting. And I look forward to President Prabowo visiting Australia later this year. In addition to that, I had a meeting on the way back with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who was re-elected as Prime Minister on 3rd May 2025, at the same time.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has concluded his first international engagements since being re-elected.

Following successful meetings with President Prabowo Subianto in Indonesia, the Prime Minister joined Catholics and world leaders at the Vatican to represent Australia at the Papal Inauguration of His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV.

Prime Minister Albanese had the honour of a private audience with His Holiness to mark this momentous occasion for Catholics around the world and for those of faith in Australia.

KEITH PITT, AMBASSADOR-DESIGNATE TO THE HOLY SEE: Well, firstly, what an incredible privilege it was to attend the Inaugural Mass for Pope Leo this morning and of course for it to also be attended by the Prime Minister of Australia the Honourable, Anthony Albanese. It was a very moving service, very well attended and it was just an incredible privilege to be able to be here in Rome as Australia's Ambassador-Designate.

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Well, it’s a great honour for me to be here I’ve got to say. But good to also take the opportunity for us to once again meet. As you know, I thank you for your warm wishes on my re-election as well.

VOLODYMYR ZELENSKYY, PRESIDENT OF UKRAINE: Our congratulations, it’s a successful victory and yes, we were supportive of you and your people, your country, and we are thankful for your support. Our congratulations to you, it's historical. A chance for all the people.

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Well, Your Excellency, it is wonderful to see you again. And so soon after my re-election, which means that we're in position to continue to engage constructively as we have during the first three years of my prime ministership. And you as well have been successful in being re-elected and congratulations to you. Look, we have so much in common as Australia and Europe. We have common support for market-based systems, but also common views about human rights.

KEITH PITT, AMBASSADOR-DESIGNATE TO THE HOLY SEE: Well, good morning, and welcome, Australian press, to Rome. It is my absolute privilege and honour to introduce of course Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. And PM, congratulations for your election result and to your team. To be here at Domus Australia, which is uniquely Australian in Rome, I want to thank our hosts here very much for providing this opportunity, on a Saturday in Rome. Where things are usually a quiet start, and of course, we're here for the inauguration tomorrow.