PATRICIA KARVELAS, HOST: The Prime Minister is my lead guest this afternoon, Anthony Albanese, Welcome to the program.

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Goood afternoon. Good to be with you.

KARVELAS: In the last couple of weeks, some Labor MPs have been feeling a little bit nervous. Today you told your Caucus you would be kicking with the wind in the fourth quarter. It's a term you used before the last election I recall –

PRIME MINISTER: And the one before.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will welcome His Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to Australia from 13 to 14 October 2026.

Australia and Jordan share a warm relationship, underpinned by defence and security cooperation.

Our countries are working together to advance peace and regional security, support humanitarian efforts, to counter terrorism and violent extremism, to grow trade and to strengthen cooperation on resources, energy, and the environment.

It is a profound honour to join with you today on this landmark anniversary.

I acknowledge Her Excellency, the Governor-General of Australia, Sam Mostyn, I acknowledge the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, and the Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Matt Keogh. 

I acknowledge the Leader of the Opposition, and other parliamentarians who are here. 

I acknowledge former prime ministers' John Howard, Tony Abbott and Scott Morrison. 

Today marks 25 years since the commencement of Operation Slipper, Australia’s first military contribution to the war in Afghanistan and the beginning of a significant chapter in our nation’s military history.  

In the wake of the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States, Australia joined an international coalition to combat terrorism and support security and stability in Afghanistan.

I was very sorry to hear of the passing of Richard Morecroft. As the face and the voice of the news of the ABC, Richard became a beloved part of Australian life. 

Combining a consummate professionalism with an unyielding humanity, Richard was a figure of absolute trust, a warm and familiar presence who guided us through the good times and bad. 

Today, we pause to remember the devastation that Hamas unleashed in the terrorist attack in Israel on the 7th of October, 2023. 

On this dark anniversary, we remember the 1200 who were taken from the world, the largest loss of Jewish life on any single day since the Holocaust.

We think of everyone who was dragged into captivity, everyone who never returned home to their families, and everyone forever scarred by what they endured. 

Our nation’s thoughts are with the family, friends and colleagues of the Australian Army soldier who has tragically died during a training exercise in the Northern Territory yesterday.  

Our thoughts are also with the five other Australian Army soldiers who were injured in the incident, and we wish them a speedy recovery. 

There are no safe or easy days for those who serve in our country's name. This sad incident is a terrible reminder of what families take on when their loved one bravely puts on our nation's uniform. 

It's wonderful to be here in Fiji and to also be visiting Tuvalu in what is the important meeting leading up to the Climate Change Conference next month. It is important that Pacific voices are heard, because the Pacific is the front line of action on climate change. For many of the nations represented by leaders here, it is literally a threat to their very existence, which is why the world must act. We know that we're seeing more intense and more extreme weather events, more frequent on occasion, because of the science on climate change has told us that that would occur.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will travel to Fiji and Tuvalu from 5 to 7 October 2026 for the Pre-COP Leaders’ event.  

At COP30, Australia secured the role of COP31 President of Negotiations and agreement to deliver a Pacific-hosted Pre-COP, including a special Leaders’ event. Australia will co-host the event with Fiji and Tuvalu.

With the passing of Bruce Baird, Australia has lost a real gentleman and a true parliamentarian. 

Bruce had the uncommon distinction of serving his nation as a Liberal member at both the state and federal level, including as Transport Minister in the Greiner NSW Government. It was a portfolio he handled with such aplomb that I was pleased to appoint him years later as the inaugural chair of the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator Board.

Then of course there was his glittering success as the minister in charge of Sydney’s bid for the 2000 Olympic Games.