Well, it is fantastic to be back here at Tomago. 

I stood here on not quite this sunny a day, it must be said, for those of you who remember that amazing thunderclap that occurred, and it rained torrentially that day. 

But it was also a bright day. 

It was a bright day because we promised that our government had your back. 

More than 1,000 Hunter jobs are secure, after the Albanese and the Minns Labor Governments have jointly contributed $2.5 billion to secure the future of aluminium smelting in the region.

The joint investment will deliver a long-term renewable energy solution for the Tomago Aluminium smelter that supports commercially sustainable operations beyond 2028 and accelerates decarbonisation of more than 10 per cent of NSW’s electricity grid, supporting and securing the future of one of the state’s most important industrial assets.

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER OF AUSTRALIA: It is my great pleasure to welcome the General Secretary and State President of Vietnam, Tô Lâm, in what is his first official visit to Australia. Australia and Vietnam are close friends and trusted strategic partners. Vietnam is one of the fastest-growing economies in our region. Its success creates opportunities for both of our countries, and our trade relationship is stronger than ever.

Australia and Vietnam have agreed to bolster defence and security cooperation to support our shared commitment to a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, His Excellency Mr To Lam issued the Joint Statement on Deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Australia and Vietnam, reinforcing cooperation on shared priorities including defence and security.

Australia and Vietnam have agreed to strengthen cooperation across education, trade and innovation, to enhance the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, His Excellency Mr To Lam issued a Joint Statement on Deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Australia and Vietnam on priorities including economic engagement, climate, energy and science.

TÔ LÂM, GENERAL SECRETARY AND PRESIDENT OF THE SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM: The Honourable Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, I am much delighted to return to the beautiful country of Australia on this state visit. I'd like to extend my sincere thanks to the leaders and people of Australia and you personally for the warm welcome extended to me and the high-level delegation of Vietnam.

1. On the occasion of the visit to Australia by His Excellency To Lam,

1. On the occasion of the visit to Australia by His Excellency To Lam, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Viet Nam and State President of Viet Nam, the Leaders of Viet Nam and Australia agreed and committed to deepening cooperation on economic resilience, pursuant to our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
2. Leaders affirmed that economic resilience is foundational to national security and prosperity. It is a key pillar of our shared vision for a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific, where sovereignty is respected.

1. On the occasion of his visit to Australia, His Excellency To Lam, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Viet Nam and State President of Viet Nam, met the Honourable Anthony Albanese MP, the Prime Minister of Australia in Canberra, on the traditional land of the Ngunnawal peoples.
2. Leaders reaffirmed the strength of the Viet Nam-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) built on mutual strategic trust and understanding over more than 50 years.

I congratulate Melissa Donnelly on her appointment to the position of Secretary-elect of the Australian Council of Trade Unions. 

Melissa will assume the Secretary role at the end of August after seven successful years leading and growing the Community and Public Sector Union.

Melissa will step into the role replacing the outgoing Sally McManus, who leaves the job with the gratitude and well-wishes of the entire Australian labour movement.