Today, Australia and Solomon Islands announce a new step in our bilateral relationship.
Australia will provide a package of support to grow the size and capability of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF), in response to a request by Solomon Islands. Our announcement follows discussions initiated between Prime Ministers in June 2024 and reflects Australia’s role as Solomon Islands’ security partner of choice.
ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Well, I'm delighted to be here with Jess Teesdale, our Labor candidate for Bass to launch her campaign. Along with local MPs and supporters, including, it's good that Michelle O'Byrne has joined us here today, and others have joined us in this beautiful spot overlooking this magnificent river in this great city of Launceston, in the electorate of Bass. Now Bass is a must win seat. It's a seat that has changed hands on a range of occasions, and on this occasion we think that we have a fantastic candidate in Jess Teesdale.
ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Today, 10 years on from this terrible event which traumatised this city, we pause to remember those who lost their lives, Katrina and Tori. We're here as well with Katrina Dawson's parents today paying respect to them. But for those who were injured and all those who are traumatised by this catastrophic event, it is a time to remember them and to pay our respects.
I am pleased to confirm that Australian citizens Matthew Norman, Scott Rush, Martin Stephens, Si Yi Chen, and Michael Czugaj have returned to Australia this afternoon.
I want to express my gratitude to President Prabowo for Indonesia’s cooperation and commitment to working with Australia on this matter.
I have conveyed my personal appreciation to President Prabowo for his act of compassion.
The five men have been returned to Australia under an arrangement agreed between our two countries.
The Australian Government can confirm that Australian citizens, Matthew Norman, Scott Rush, Martin Stephens, Si Yi Chen, and Michael Czugaj have returned to Australia.
The five men committed serious offences, serving over 19 years in prison in Indonesia.
We would like to convey our deep appreciation to the Government of Indonesia for its cooperation to facilitate the men’s return to Australia on humanitarian grounds.
This reflects the strong bilateral relationship and mutual respect between Indonesia and Australia.
A new national road safety campaign ‘don’t let a car change who you are’, funded by the Albanese Government, has launched across Australia today.
Driver behaviour is critical to improving safety on our roads and the campaign message of “Safer driving starts with you” encourages drivers to think about their own behaviour behind the wheel and reinforces the importance of driving safely.
SHANE PITT, MAYOR OF THE WEST COAST COUNCIL: I’d like to thank the Prime Minister for coming down to Strahan and Macquarie Harbour. We sent out an invitation back in June, and then also in August, and recently wrote him a letter. It’s good to see the Prime Minister, it’s great to come down and have a look at Macquarie Harbour, and how big it is and how small the footprint that the salmon industry does play in Macquarie Harbor. So yeah, thank you very much for coming down and I’m sure that the Strahan people and especially our children will appreciate you being here.
SAMMY J, HOST: I'm asking you about your final day on the job. My next guest will hope that that day is many years away. But of course the voters will have their say next year because he is none other than the Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese. Good morning, Prime Minister.
ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Good morning, Sammy. Happy Friday the 13th. An auspicious day, I've got to say, for Dutton to drop his nuclear nightmare policy out there.
ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER OF AUSTRALIA: Good morning. This is a great day, and I am so pleased to be here with my dear friend, Prime Minister Marape. Joining us is the Rugby League Commission Chair, Peter V’landys and we're also joined by the NRL CEO, Andrew Abdo, my parliamentary colleague Pat Conroy, and Ministers from Papua New Guinea. You are all very welcome here.
The Australian and Papua New Guinea (PNG) Governments are partnering with the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) to deepen our connections through rugby league.
Australia will support a PNG team to enter the National Rugby League (NRL) competition no later than 2028.
As PNG prepares to mark its 50th anniversary of independence in 2025, this partnership celebrates our countries’ shared history and future, reflects our strategic trust and opens new people-to-people and economic opportunities.