Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will travel to the United States from 19 to 21 October for an official visit hosted by President Donald J. Trump in Washington DC.
Australia and the United States are the strongest of allies and closest of friends. Our unique relationship is underpinned by a shared vision for peace and security, close economic connections and deep personal ties between our two nations.
For the fourth year in a row, the Albanese Government is backing Western Australia’s most iconic fundraising event – committing $6 million to the Channel 7 Telethon Trust to help build a brighter, healthier future for children and babies across the state.
Funds raised through Telethon go directly towards medical research, essential health services, and life-changing programs that support sick, disadvantaged and vulnerable children and their families.
I am pleased to announce that the Governor-General has agreed to the appointment of Ms Kathy Klugman as the next Director-General of National Intelligence, the head of the Office of National Intelligence.
Ms Klugman will take up her appointment when the current Director-General, Mr Andrew Shearer completes his term of appointment.
Ms Klugman is the first woman to lead the Office of National Intelligence or its predecessor the Office of National Assessments.
The Prime Minister will be on leave for seven days from Saturday 11 October 2025.
During this time, the Deputy Prime Minister will be Acting Prime Minister.
DAVID WOIWOD, HOST: Welcome back to Weekend Sunrise. Returning to our lead story now, and the peace plan between Israel and Palestine is now underway, leaders around the world speaking out in support of the ceasefire.
MONIQUE WRIGHT, HOST: We're joined now by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. PM, good to see you. Thanks for being with us.
ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Good morning from beautiful Brisbane.
RENEE COFFEY, MEMBER FOR GRIFFITH: Welcome back here to Stones Corner in the beautiful electorate of Griffith. It's fantastic to have the Prime Minister back here. Last time we were here, I was the candidate for Griffith, and it was April, and this was a construction site, so we had our hard hats and our goggles. So it's great to be here now that we've got tenants moving in with the BHC.
Australians have clocked up more than two million visits to Labor’s free Medicare Urgent Care Clinics, easing pressure on hospital emergency departments and keeping critical care focused where it is needed most.
New data shows that the average number of visits to Medicare Urgent Care Clinics has risen to almost 26,000 per week nationally, and this number is expected to continue to grow as more clinics open.
Nearly half of all patients who attended a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic would have used a hospital emergency department if no clinic was available.
Australia welcomes President Trump’s announcement that Israel and Hamas have signed off the first phase of the plan to bring peace to Gaza.
After more than two years of conflict, hostages held and a devastating loss of civilian life, this is a much needed step towards peace.
Australia has consistently been part of international calls for a ceasefire, return of the hostages, and the unimpeded flow of aid to Gaza.
We urge all parties to respect the terms of the plan.
ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER OF AUSTRALIA: Well, thanks for joining us. I'm absolutely delighted to host my friend, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, on his first official visit to Australia as Prime Minister of Singapore. Although this is our first official meeting in Canberra, this is our fourth in-person meeting since May last year. Singapore and Australia are close partners, but we are even closer friends.