I am pleased to announce the Governor-General has appointed Ms Victoria Anderson as the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

Ms Anderson has an extensive career in the Australian Public Service, most recently as Deputy Secretary of the Small Business, Corporate and Law Group at the Department of the Treasury.

Prior to this, Ms Anderson held senior roles in the Department of Education, Skills and Employment and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: When we came to government, we promised we would reform Australia's broken environmental laws. Today, we deliver that promise. The sensible, responsible and balanced laws are good for business and good for the environment. Today, I can announce our Government's landmark environmental law reform will pass the Parliament today, heralding a new era for the environment and productivity in Australia. We have consulted extensively with the business community, with environmental groups and with community organisations.

The Albanese Government’s landmark environmental law reforms will pass the Parliament this week, heralding a new era for the environment and productivity in Australia.

More than five years after Professor Graeme Samuel handed down his independent review into the nation’s 25-year-old environmental laws, the Government’s Environment Protection Reform Bill will be passed with the support of the Greens in the Senate.

More than 3 million Australians will have their student debt cut by 20 per cent by the end of next week, wiping almost $16 billion in total.

Today alone, more than 1.5 million Australians will see their student debts cut by 20 per cent. That’s around half of all people with a student debt.

It continues the ATO’s roll out of the Albanese Labor Government’s cut to student debt.

For someone with the average HELP debt of $27,600 this will see around $5,520 wiped from their debt.

Formal agreement has been reached for COP31 to be hosted by Türkiye in Antalya, with the Pacific’s interests advanced by Australia assuming the role of President of Negotiations in the lead up to and at the meeting.

Australia will have “exclusive authority in relation to the negotiations”, to shape and guide global decision making in support of the multilateral system and global trade and investment in clean energy industries.

The Pacific will host a special pre-COP for leaders and others, bringing attention to the existential threat climate change poses to the region.

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Firstly on Tropical Cyclone Fina, I’ve been in touch with our local MPs there, including of course Luke Gosling, Marion Scrymgour, and Minister McCarthy, but also Lia Finocchiaro the Chief Minister as well has been engaged.

The Commonwealth is providing every bit of support that is requested, and NEMA of course, its creation has made a real difference to the capacity to respond very quickly. But our thoughts are with people back in the Northern Territory and Darwin and surrounds as well.

Australia, Canada and India today agreed to enter into a new trilateral technology and innovation partnership: the Australia-Canada-India Technology and Innovation (ACITI) Partnership.

The three sides agreed to strengthen their ambition in cooperation on critical and emerging technologies, to complement existing bilateral initiatives.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joined world leaders at the G20 Leaders' Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa this weekend.

Leaders agreed on the priorities of achieving inclusive and sustainable economic growth, increasing resilience, and building a fair and just future.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed Australia's commitment to an open, rules-based multilateral trading system and called for members to take action on climate change, increase disaster preparedness and seize the economic opportunities of the clean energy transition.

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Can I firstly just make some comments about Tropical Cyclone Fina. Category 2, it's expected to impact the Tiwis and Darwin, and NEMA is monitoring the situation closely and my Government is working with the Northern Territory Government. We stand ready to provide whatever assistance is necessary. My thoughts are with the people in that area and I urge everyone to look after not just themselves, but I know they'll be looking after each other.

Distinguished guests

Friends

It is a great honour to be here at Freedom Park.

A place dedicated to commemorating those who have fought for a free and democratic South Africa.

And to fostering understanding and reconciliation between all peoples.

Today, we pay tribute to three Australians who embodied these causes — former Prime Ministers Bob Hawke and Malcolm Fraser, and former diplomat Bruce Haigh.

In recognition of their courage and commitment, their names will forever be inscribed here on this Wall.