The Albanese Government will legislate 16 as the minimum age for access to social media, following endorsement by National Cabinet today.

The decision follows extensive consultation with young people, parents and carers, academics and child development experts, community, industry and civil organisations, First Nations youth, and state and territory governments.

The Albanese Government will introduce legislation in the next Parliamentary sitting fortnight.

MICHAEL WIPFLI, HOST: Yesterday was a really significant day in Canberra, thanks to the Prime Minister, who confirmed that there would be a rise in the age that kids can join social media from 13 to 16, or, as we have been campaigning – for that 36 months. So, yesterday we sat down with the Prime Minister and first things first, I feel really bad because he did the decency of putting in a phone call the night before to have a chat to me and I missed that.

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Can I thank everyone for joining us at relatively short notice. As you're aware, my Cabinet passed a position on Monday for a comprehensive plan to ban social media for under 16. This is what parents want to see around Australia. It's something that we know is talked about on the sideline of every sporting activity, outside school grounds. And it is something that state Premiers and Chief Ministers have raised with me directly, with Minister Rowland, who's with me this morning, and with their own constituencies as well.

JOHN LAWS, HOST: They tell me that Anthony Albanese is on the line. I hope that's the case. Are you?

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: G’day John.

LAWS: Good morning. How lovely to hear from you.

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

I extend a very warm welcome to all our international guests.

I am delighted that Australia is hosting this year’s Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Conference, so soon after a very warm and productive Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa.

It was a uniquely Pacific CHOGM – the first to be convened by a Pacific island country.

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Good morning. Firstly, I once again want to reiterate my congratulations to President Trump on his election victory. Our government will work closely with the new Trump Administration to realise the benefits of what is a very strong economic and security partnership. The United States has long played a leadership role in the stability and security of the Indo-Pacific. And Australia will strive to strengthen the cooperation between our two nations and the region. Australia and the United States are old allies and true friends.

JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, how do you reflect on the results out of the US tonight, and what does it mean for Australians?

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

I’m delighted to be here tonight to celebrate the contribution that the businesses and workers represented in this room make to our national prosperity.

It’s fitting that we are gathered in the magnificent National Gallery - because your organisation has a proud history of looking at the big picture.

You engage with the detail of policy, the here and now.

I congratulate President Trump on his election victory.

The election of the President of the United States is always an important moment for the world, for our region and for Australia.

Our Government will work closely with the new Trump Administration to realise the benefits of our strong economic partnership.

The United States has long played a leadership role in the stability and security of the Indo-Pacific. Australia will strive to strengthen the co-operation between our two nations in the region.

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

I’m proud to be here tonight to celebrate 40 years of Medicare.

Forty years of a great and enduring Australian achievement. 

Forty years since the leadership of Bob Hawke and the determination of Health Minister Neal Blewett paid off.

Universal health care is a proud Labor legacy that all Australians share in – a legacy that will keep changing the lives of Australians long after the last of Medicare’s architects is gone.