I want to wish every Australian a very merry Christmas.

For so many, this can be a chance for a well-earned break, spending time with family and catching up with friends, and creating beautiful new memories with those that we love.

For Christians, of course, this is a holy celebration.

For all of us, it is a season of generosity and kindness.

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Well, I'm delighted to be here at Gough Whitlam Park, here in Earlwood, to announce Ash Ambihaipahar as our candidate for the Federal election for Barton. Of course, Ash will replace Linda Burney. And I do want to pay tribute to Linda Burney for her many years of service in the Federal Parliament as a Minister, in the State Parliament as a Minister and as someone who is cherished very much as a great Australian.

China has today notified Australia that full resumption of live rock lobster trade can recommence.

The Australian Government welcomed this notification which followed agreement between Prime Minister Albanese and Premier Li in October 2024 to resume live rock lobster trade by the end of this year.

This is a major win for our hard-hit live rock lobster industry and follows sustained engagement and advocacy by government and industry. We thank the Australian live rock lobster industry for its patience and resilience as we worked to reinstate market access.

There is a deep reservoir of friendship and solidarity between the Timorese and Australian people. Our governments are working closely together to further our bilateral ties and our shared interest in a peaceful, stable and prosperous region. Befitting the close relationship between our countries, Australia and Timor-Leste are pleased to announce important new initiatives to support Timor-Leste’s economic development.

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Today is another very good day in relations between Australia and our Pacific family. This morning I spoke to the Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manele, and I'm pleased to announce that a new foundation for Australia's security relationship with the Solomon Islands has been advanced. We’ve worked tirelessly in the Pacific to improve relations upon coming to government and everyone knows – including people here in the Press Gallery – know that it was at a very low ebb in 2022.

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.