MICHAEL ROWLAND, HOST: A regional security showdown is brewing in the Pacific as the new Albanese Government races to counter China's push to significantly expand its strategic influence right on Australia's doorstep. The Foreign Minister Penny Wong is making a diplomatic dash to Fiji this morning. At the same time, her Chinese counterpart is beginning an unprecedented tour to pitch a region-wide security deal that would intensify Beijing's presence in the Pacific.

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER OF AUSTRALIA: Thanks very much. This will be a short press conference for reasons that are obvious for those of you who are travelling with us to Tokyo.

I am incredibly honoured and humbled to have been sworn in as Australia's 31st Prime Minister. Australians have voted for change. And my Government intends to implement that change in an orderly way.