Statement on Remembrance Day

Today on Remembrance Day, as we observe the minute of silence in all its solemnity, we think of that moment 106 years ago as the guns fell still across Europe.

There, in that profound silence that belonged equally to the dead and the living, stood the hope that the world would never know such conflict again.

Although it was not realised, we hold on to hope with the same determination we hold on to memory.

We think of every Australian who has answered the call through the decades.

Press Conference - Parliament House, Canberra

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Good morning on this beautiful Canberra day. Today I can announce that National Cabinet has endorsed my government's world first decision to legislate 16 as the minimum age to use social media. We had a really good constructive discussion about the details of what the legislation will look like. Tasmania would have preferred the age of 14, but they didn't want to stand in the way of national uniformity and regarded getting a uniform national decision and process was most important.

National Cabinet agrees to age limit for social media access

National Cabinet met virtually today to discuss the Australian Government’s proposed social media legislation.

First Ministers agreed to the Commonwealth legislating a minimum age of 16 to access social media.

Setting the minimum age at 16 will protect young Australians from the harms that come with social media, and will support mums, dads and carers to keep their kids safe.

Minimum age for social media access to protect Australian kids

The Albanese Government will legislate 16 as the minimum age for access to social media, following endorsement by National Cabinet today.

The decision follows extensive consultation with young people, parents and carers, academics and child development experts, community, industry and civil organisations, First Nations youth, and state and territory governments.

The Albanese Government will introduce legislation in the next Parliamentary sitting fortnight.

Radio interview - Nova Sydney

MICHAEL WIPFLI, HOST: Yesterday was a really significant day in Canberra, thanks to the Prime Minister, who confirmed that there would be a rise in the age that kids can join social media from 13 to 16, or, as we have been campaigning – for that 36 months. So, yesterday we sat down with the Prime Minister and first things first, I feel really bad because he did the decency of putting in a phone call the night before to have a chat to me and I missed that.

Opening remarks, National Cabinet meeting

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Can I thank everyone for joining us at relatively short notice. As you're aware, my Cabinet passed a position on Monday for a comprehensive plan to ban social media for under 16. This is what parents want to see around Australia. It's something that we know is talked about on the sideline of every sporting activity, outside school grounds. And it is something that state Premiers and Chief Ministers have raised with me directly, with Minister Rowland, who's with me this morning, and with their own constituencies as well.

Address to Commonwealth Parliamentary Association

I begin by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land on which we meet and I pay my respects to their elders past, present and emerging.

I extend a very warm welcome to all our international guests.

I am delighted that Australia is hosting this year’s Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Conference, so soon after a very warm and productive Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa.

It was a uniquely Pacific CHOGM – the first to be convened by a Pacific island country.

Press Conference - Parliament House, Canberra

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Good morning. Firstly, I once again want to reiterate my congratulations to President Trump on his election victory. Our government will work closely with the new Trump Administration to realise the benefits of what is a very strong economic and security partnership. The United States has long played a leadership role in the stability and security of the Indo-Pacific. And Australia will strive to strengthen the cooperation between our two nations and the region. Australia and the United States are old allies and true friends.