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.

JOHN LAWS, HOST: They tell me that Anthony Albanese is on the line. I hope that's the case. Are you?

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: G’day John.

LAWS: Good morning. How lovely to hear from you.

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.

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.

JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, how do you reflect on the results out of the US tonight, and what does it mean for Australians?

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

I’m delighted to be here tonight to celebrate the contribution that the businesses and workers represented in this room make to our national prosperity.

It’s fitting that we are gathered in the magnificent National Gallery - because your organisation has a proud history of looking at the big picture.

You engage with the detail of policy, the here and now.

I congratulate President Trump on his election victory.

The election of the President of the United States is always an important moment for the world, for our region and for Australia.

Our Government will work closely with the new Trump Administration to realise the benefits of our strong economic partnership.

The United States has long played a leadership role in the stability and security of the Indo-Pacific. Australia will strive to strengthen the co-operation between our two nations in the region.

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

I’m proud to be here tonight to celebrate 40 years of Medicare.

Forty years of a great and enduring Australian achievement. 

Forty years since the leadership of Bob Hawke and the determination of Health Minister Neal Blewett paid off.

Universal health care is a proud Labor legacy that all Australians share in – a legacy that will keep changing the lives of Australians long after the last of Medicare’s architects is gone.

AMANDA KELLER, HOST: Well, the Prime Minister has announced – it’s quite extraordinary – to establish Fee-Free TAFE as an enduring feature of our education and training system. And from July 1 next year, the Government will reduce the amount Australians with student debt have to repay per year and raise the threshold at which they have to start repaying. This is big news for students with a HECS debt. Prime Minister, good morning.

PRIME MINISTER: Good morning. Good to be with you.

SABRA LANE, HOST: Mr. Albanese, thanks for talking to AM.

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Good to be with you again, Sabra.

LANE: You respect independent economist Chris Richardson?

PRIME MINISTER: I do indeed.

LANE He says the government's announcement on wiping student debt is not smart policy and fails the fairness test, pointing out that those who don't go to university end up earning a third less than those who go to uni in their lifetime. Why is that fair?