The Prime Minister's Literary Awards recognises the best of Australian literature and celebrates writing as a valuable cultural and intellectual influence.

Today in Launceston, the 2022 award winners have been recognised for their contributions and literary talents.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the Awards highlighted the creativity and excellence of Australian literature.

"It is through great writing we are able to celebrate and build upon our cultural and creative identity," the Prime Minister said.

WILL GOODINGS, HOST: It is the Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese. Prime Minister, good morning to you.

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

DAVID PENBERTHY, HOST: Great to have you PM. We can say it for you if you want, the only poll that matters is the one on polling day.

PRIME MINISTER: That's the phrase that's usually used, isn't it?

PENBERTHY: You're welcome to comment on it if you like, but…

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will lead a delegation to Papua New Guinea on 12-13 December.

The visit comes as our two nations approach the 50th anniversary of bilateral relations following Papua New Guinea’s independence in 1975.

Prime Minister Albanese will join his host, Prime Minister James Marape, for the Annual Leaders’ Dialogue in Port Moresby.

This afternoon I had a routine PCR test which has returned a positive result for COVID-19.

I will be isolating and will continue to work from home.

I encourage anyone who is unwell to test and to take any extra precautions to keep their families and neighbours well.

 VIRGINIA TRIOLI, HOST: Prime Minister, good morning, how are you? 

I begin by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land on which we meet, I pay my respects to elders past, present and emerging.

I am proud to lead a government committed to the Uluru Statement from the Heart, in full, including a constitutionally-enshrined Voice to Parliament.

The Bradfield Oration is a valuable opportunity to reflect on the legacy of a man who had a deep love for this city and boundless faith in the potential of this nation.

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Kerri Hartland as the new Director-General of the Australian Secret Intelligence Service.

Ms Hartland served as Deputy Director-General of ASIO from 2011 to 2017 and has continued to work with the national intelligence community as a consultant, as Chair of the AFP and the Office of the Special Investigator Audit and Risk Committees, Special Advisor to Fintel Alliance, and as a member of the National Security College Futures Council.

National Cabinet met virtually today to discuss national priorities.

COVID-19

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.