ALEX ZELINSKY, VICE-CHANCELLOR OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NEWCASTLE: Ladies and gentlemen, it's just our pleasure here to welcome everyone to the University of Newcastle, and for a very important announcement. It's my great pleasure to welcome one of the best friends that the university could ever have is our local Member, Sharon Claydon.

A $20.7 million investment for the Future Industries Facility in Newcastle will further establish the city as a hub for innovation.

The Albanese Government has today announced the University of Newcastle is a successful recipient under its regional Precincts and Partnerships program to construct two industrial scale spaces for technology innovation.

The facility will enable the university to provide a problem-solving centre for community and small businesses at a purpose-built innovation facility within its Next Gen Precinct.

HAMISH MACDONALD, HOST: Well, it is an election year, whether you like it or not, unofficial election campaigning is well and truly underway. You would have seen the Prime Minister, the Opposition Leader, out and about handing out money, promising money anyway. The Federal Cabinet has a few new Ministers coming in this morning. In fact, the Prime Minister is about to head off to the swearing in ceremony in a few minutes time. He's kindly stopping by here to talk to you first. So, he's our first guest this year. Very good morning, Prime Minister.

The Albanese Labor Government is Building Australia’s Future with a record $2 billion investment in the Australian-made aluminium industry, securing more well-paid jobs for Australian workers in our regions and suburbs.

Supercharging the local metals industry, a new Green Aluminium Production Credit will provide targeted support to Australian aluminium smelters switching to reliable, renewable electricity before 2036.

Facilities will be eligible for support for every tonne of clean, reliable Australian-made aluminium they make over a period of 10 years.

ANNE STANLEY, MEMBER FOR WERRIWA: Morning everybody, thank you so much for coming out to our wonderful part of the world in South West Sydney. And this is a really, really important announcement for our part of the world. I'd like to acknowledge all the special guests, and as you can see by the number of people who are interested in this project, this is how important it is for our community and our residents.

Today the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are taking another important step in building Australia’s future, announcing $1 billion to better connect Western Sydney to the word.

Jointly funded by both governments, the project will upgrade Fifteenth Avenue to create a critical transit corridor from Liverpool to the new Western Sydney International Airport.

DAVID LIPSON, HOST: The Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese is on the line. PM, thanks for joining AM.

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Good morning, David.

LIPSON: It doesn't look like this ceasefire deal in the Middle East has cooled the temperature much here in Australia.

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Good morning everyone. Australia welcomes the announcement of a ceasefire and hostage agreement in Gaza after 15 months of conflict and a devastating loss of civilian life. The Australian government has consistently been part of international calls for a ceasefire and for a release of hostages. This agreement is a constructive step to peace and stability in the region. Today must mark the beginning of a new chapter for the Israeli and Palestinian people.

Today I announce updates to the Cabinet and the Ministry, following the foreshadowed resignation of Bill Shorten MP as Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme and Minister for Government Services.

I intend to recommend to the Governor-General, Her Excellency Ms Sam Mostyn AC, that she make the following changes to the Ministry:

Australia welcomes the announcement of a ceasefire and hostage agreement in Gaza after 15 months of conflict and a devastating loss of civilian life.

Australia has consistently been part of the international call for a ceasefire and release of hostages.

We urge all parties to respect its terms and safeguard a lasting peace, including ensuring the immediate release of all hostages and unimpeded and sustained increases in humanitarian assistance to all parts of Gaza.