JAMES MARAPE, PRIME MINISTER OF PAPUA NEW GUINEA: We just concluded a very thoughtful leaders dialogue. In fact, this is the fourth PNG-Australia Leadership Dialogue. And it was fruitful, it was very meaningful, especially sitting in a room talking to the leader of a nation that has a very close affinity with Papua New Guinea. It is one that is mutual. A meeting that you could expect from a brother or a sister nation.
ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: I also thank the traditional owners for giving us permission to be here today. Can I particularly think, as well, the Somare family for the welcome that we have received here this morning. And to my good friend, Prime Minister Marape. We've been talking about this visit here for a period of time now, since I had the great honour of being elected Prime Minister of Australia.
The Australian Government is announcing an additional $65 million for the Nowra Bypass planning project, bringing the total joint commitment with the New South Wales Government to $105 million.
The additional funding will allow robust planning and preparatory works to occur on this priority project for the people of Shoalhaven.
A bypass is expected to ease traffic congestion, reduce travel times, improve safety for all road users and increase amenity for the community and businesses of Nowra.
CHRIS O’KEEFE, HOST: Prime Minister, thanks for joining us.
ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: G’day Chris. Good to be with you and congratulations on the new gig.
O’KEEFE: I appreciate that. Now, I want to start by asking, what does it mean for reconciliation if Australia rejects the Voice?
BARRY O'ROURKE, MEMBER FOR ROCKHAMPTON: My name is Barry O'Rourke, I'm the State Member for Rockhampton. It is absolutely wonderful to have our Prime Minister Anthony Albanese here today, and also the acting Premier, Steven Miles. It's just such a big event for Rockhampton and Central Queensland, the works that have taken place here with the Rockhampton Ring Road. I'm so proud to be part of government that is delivering on major infrastructure projects like this that creates so many local jobs and looks after our community.
GLEN CLARK, PHARMACIST: Welcome to T+C Pharmacy. We have very special guest today, we have the PM here. So, obviously just like to welcome him and welcome him to the store. It's a brand new store, it’s only been open for about six months now. Thank you for coming to visit us here. I'm really excited to announce your policy with regards to the reduction in the general co-payment down to that $30 limit for patients, which will just make a big difference for those people that are struggling with the rising costs of cost of living.
SARAH HOWELLS, HOST: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, good afternoon.
Mr Speaker
Honourable Prime Minister, Honourable Leader of the Opposition, Honourable Members, Friends.
Gudpela monin olgeta
[Good morning to you all]
Thank you for your warm and generous welcome.
I am delighted to be the first Australian Prime Minister to visit Papua New Guinea since 2018.
And I am deeply, deeply honoured to be the first foreign Head of Government to address your Parliament.
And what a magnificent Parliament this is.
RICHARD MARLES, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER:
Victoria Daly regional communities in the Northern Territory affected by severe weather and heavy rainfall brought on by ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie have access to disaster assistance to support emergency relief and recovery efforts.
The assistance, jointly funded under the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), may include: