Joint Statement of the Prime Ministers of Australia and the Republic of Finland

The Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon Anthony Albanese MP, welcomed Prime Minister Sanna Marin of the Republic of Finland to Sydney on 2 December 2022, marking the first visit to Australia by a Finnish Prime Minister. The Prime Ministers discussed a range of issues reflecting the breadth of their common interests and values.

Bilateral meeting - Opening remarks

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER OF AUSTRALIA: Well, Prime Minister, can I very much welcome you to Kirribilli House, and to Sydney, and to Australia. You are a very welcome guest. Australia has very good relations with Finland. And there will be some important business announcements during your visit about cooperation that we have. Our governments have very similar policies on clean energy. And I see that as being an area of increased cooperation.

Doorstop Interview - Renmark

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Well, thanks very much for joining us this morning. I’ll start off and then the Premier, my good friend Peter Malinauskas, will have some comments and then the Commissioner will add to those comments as well. Can I say we have been visiting here today in Renmark, talking to business operators, talking to local community members about the challenges that this community is facing. It is expected that the waters here will peak for the first time on 14 December. What we have seen is a preparedness that is being put in place for that event.

Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Gala

It’s an honour to be here with all of you this evening to celebrate the hard work and success of the Australian job-creators, employers and entrepreneurs you represent.

I’m grateful for this chance to reflect on the last six months of co-operation and collaboration between our government and the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Working together, here and overseas.

ACCI were key representatives of Australian business at the B20 in Indonesia.

A forum that brought together influential business leaders from the G20 economies.

Delivering secure jobs and better pay

The Albanese Labor Government has delivered on the next step of its plan to lift wages, improve job security and start closing the gender pay gap.

The Government’s Secure Jobs, Better Pay Bill – which passed Federal Parliament today – will give Australian workers a better deal and a better future.

After a decade of deliberate wage suppression under the Liberals and Nationals, Australian workers need a pay rise and these new laws will deliver.