Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

As Leader of the Labor Party, I'm proud that it was John Curtin who looked to America in Australia's darkest hours during World War II. Since that occurred, the US alliance has grown and prospered, under Labor and Liberal governments and under Democrat and Republican administrations. Over many decades and throughout many global challenges, we've always sought to work together to advance our shared interests, and I have every confidence that we'll continue to do so.

I want to take the opportunity to pay tribute to my friend President Joe Biden. Within 48 hours of being sworn in as PM, I was meeting with President Biden at the Quad meeting in Tokyo. It was a whirlwind, but I'll never forget the genuine warmth of Joe's welcome. We have worked together very closely to make Australia's alliance with the United States stronger than it has ever been—working together not just on AUKUS and defence issues but on taking action against climate change and on areas such as critical minerals as well. I look forward to deepening that cooperation even further at APEC and the G20, which will commence next week and then the week after. We have made great progress on trade, on technology, on climate and on all of these issues, working together with our friends in the region as well, to promote stability, security and prosperity.

Though President Biden has several months left in his presidency, I do want to acknowledge his lifetime of service to the American people. His has been an extraordinary contribution. First elected to the Senate in 1972, Joe Biden has been a powerful advocate for working people, for the cause of democracy and for peace. He has also been someone who has a deep interest in the Asia-Pacific region, and under his presidency there certainly has been a pivot to this region. It has been an honour to work with him, and I look forward to catching up with him yet again. He gave me the honour of welcoming me into his home just weeks ago. I look forward to catching up with him at those important global summits coming up.

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