People in Perth’s north east are finally connected to affordable, world-class public transport, with the METRONET Ellenbrook Line officially opening today – marking the biggest expansion of Perth’s rail network in more than 16 years.

Delivered by the WA Labor Government with funding support from the Federal Albanese Labor Government, the new line will connect tens of thousands of people in Perth’s growing north-eastern suburbs to the rail network for the first time.

TRACEY ROBERTS, MEMBER FOR PEARCE: Good morning, everybody. I’ve got the biggest smile on my face, and it’s a great to welcome the Prime Minister of Australia, the Honourable Anthony Albanese, to Pearce, and the Honourable Minister Madeleine King, the Minister for Resources and Northern Australia. So, it’s just fantastic to be here and so exciting. I would like to invite Ministers to talk about the projects, welcome to the Pearce electorate, and I’ll hand over right now. So, welcome, everybody and thank you for being here.

The Albanese Labor Government is delivering vital support to Australia’s critical minerals sector by providing up to $475 million in additional finance to develop the Eneabba Rare Earths Refinery project in Western Australia.

This project is Australia’s first integrated rare earths refinery and will support 900 jobs at its peak during construction, and an additional 250 secure, well-paid jobs once operational.

RAF EPSTEIN, HOST: The synagogue fire in Ripponlea is clearly suspicious. The Jewish community are on edge. It comes at a time, of course, of really heightened debate. The Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, is in Perth. He is about to leave for Perth. Good morning, Prime Minister.

TOM CONNELL, HOST: Well, plenty of politicians are putting their feet up at this time of year. Not my next panel. A current - and I guess he's a former but he'll always be the Member for Mackellar, for some people, I suppose, - joining me, the Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister, Patrick Gorman and former Liberal MP Jason Falinski. Gentlemen, thanks both for your time. I know Jason, you would have been watching the RBA very closely. You'll get your go at this, don't worry.

I am pleased to announce the Governor-General has accepted my recommendation to appoint Mr Michael Lye as Secretary of the Department of Social Services.

Mr Lye has had an extensive career in the Australian Public Service and has a proven track record of implementing complex reforms, particularly in the area of social policy.

He has served as Deputy Secretary, Ageing and Aged Care, at the Department of Health and Aged Care since 2019, and has previously held senior positions at the Department of Social Services from 2013 to 2019.

The Albanese Labor Government welcomes China lifting the remaining suspensions on two Australian meat processing establishments, paving the way for full resumption of red meat exports to China.

This development follows the lifting of suspensions on eight beef processing facilities over the past year.

The Government has consistently advocated for the final two establishments in Queensland to be able to resume exports into China.

MICHAEL WIPFLI, HOST: On this Tuesday morning, a very special phone call has come through and we want to welcome this man because he's done an amazing job on the topic of social media and raising the age. We're going to get to that, but we want to welcome the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese. Hello buddy.

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Good morning. Great to be with you.

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Good morning. Today, we are releasing the Government’s Response to the Final Report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, setting out a plan for real, meaningful and enduring reform for defence personnel, veterans and their families.

The Albanese Government has today released its response to the Final Report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, setting out a plan for real, meaningful and enduring reform for Defence personnel, veterans and families.