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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defended his government’s stance on China, immigration, parliamentary reform and aged care policy Wednesday during a wide-ranging press conference in Canberra that shifted quickly from a medical research funding announcement to foreign affairs and domestic politics.
Albanese appeared at the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse in Sydney to unveil federal funding for a new brain cancer research chair but soon faced questions on Australia’s representation at events in Beijing, the nation’s migration program, and proposals for fixed parliamentary terms.
Relations with China and the World Stage
Reporters pressed the prime minister on why Victoria Premier Dan Andrews was the most senior Australian official attending a Chinese military parade that also drew leaders Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un, while Canberra dispatched a junior diplomat.
“We’re sending a diplomat. We’ll be there,” Albanese said. “The last time around, 10 years ago, Minister [Michael] Ronaldson was the government’s representative.”
Asked about Andrews joining the line greeting Chinese President Xi Jinping, Albanese said, “He’s not meeting them.”
The prime minister reiterated Australia’s reliance on its key ally in Washington. “The United States is our most important partner. My job as the Australian Prime Minister is to stand up for Australia’s national interest,” he said. “I engage diplomatically across the board.”
Albanese said he expects to hold more talks with U.S. President Donald Trump and will focus on strengthening ties in the Pacific, with the Pacific Islands Forum next week and Papua New Guinea’s 50th anniversary celebrations later this month.
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Immigration Debate
Albanese also rejected claims from Deputy Opposition Leader Sussan Ley that immigration levels are undermining Australia’s way of life.
“Immigration has played a role in this country over a long period of time,” he said. “With the exception of First Nations people, we’re all either migrants or descendants of migrants in this country.”
Fixed Four-Year Terms
The prime minister expressed longstanding support for fixed four-year terms in federal parliament but ruled out pursuing a referendum during this term.
“I support fixed four-year terms, always have,” Albanese said. “But referendums are pretty hard to carry in this country. Opportunism kicks in, and unless you have bipartisan support, then it’s not going to be supported.”
Most states and territories already have fixed four-year terms, with Tasmania the exception. “I have no intention of any referendums this term,” he said.
Taiwan and the Pacific
Albanese confirmed that Australia opposed changes to exclude Taiwan from regional dialogue partner roles in the Solomon Islands, but said the decision rested with Honiara.
“We supported the previous arrangements,” he said. “We recognise the Solomon Islands as a sovereign nation and they’ve made that decision.”
He stressed Australia’s role as the “security partner of choice” in the Pacific.
Transparency and FOI
The prime minister rejected suggestions his government was walking back transparency pledges after a parliamentary committee moved against anonymous Freedom of Information requests.
“It’s the opposite,” Albanese said. “I think most people would find it surprising that people can put in anonymous FOI requests. The obvious implications of security are there for all to see.”
Aged Care Reform
On domestic issues, Albanese and Health Minister Mark Butler defended the government’s aged care overhaul, as senators debated amendments to new legislation.
“There’s a case to be made for aged care reform, which is why we did it,” Albanese said. “The biggest reform this century is what we announced and are delivering.”
Butler said the government had compressed “a decade of reform into three short years” to address what the 2018 Royal Commission into Aged Care described as “neglect.”
“We delivered more packages in the 23 budget, in the 24 budget, in the 24 MIFO and in this year’s budget as well,” Butler said. “We have to get this legislation through this week.”
Albanese closed by underscoring Australia’s diplomatic workload. “This month is going to be a busy month, beginning with the Pacific Island Forum next week,” he said. “We’ll have some significant announcements attached to [Papua New Guinea’s] commemorative day. I look forward to it.”
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