Milton Dick (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I'm pleased to present the report of the Australian Parliamentary Delegation to the United States of America which took place from 7 July to 16 July this year. As leader of this delegation, I'd first like to thank the other members of the delegation for their contribution to the visit: the Leader of the Nationals, the Deputy Speaker, the Chief Government Whip and the Chief Opposition Whip. The delegation worked well together and brought a variety of interests and knowledge of issues, which proved to be very valuable during our meetings and discussions. The delegation had extensive programs in Washington as well as elements in New York and Dallas.

I'd like to thank His Excellency the Hon. Dr. Kevin Rudd AC, Australian Ambassador to the United States of America; Ms Heather Ridout AO, Australian Consul-General in New York; and Mr Ned Talbot, Australian Deputy Consul-General in Houston, as well as their staff, for the valuable briefings and support they provided to the delegation.

The major aim of the delegation was to participate in the Australian American Leadership Dialogue, as well as to strengthen relations between the Australian parliament and the United States Congress; to discuss economic and trade links between Australia and the US; and to discuss issues of common interest and concern, including the AUKUS partnership and defence cooperation. We held productive discussions with parliamentarians, senior government officials, business leaders and academics. We were also privileged to visit the United States Congress, as well as Newport News shipyard in Virginia and the Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter production facility in Dallas. This report details all of the meetings and visits the delegation had and the various matters discussed.

A highlight for the delegation was our participation in the 2024 Australian American Leadership Dialogue, held in Washington, DC. The AALD brings together Australian and American leaders from government, enterprise, space and technology, media, education and the community to help review and refine the parameters of the Australian-American bilateral relationship. First held in 1993, the dialogue allows a rich and ongoing exchange of ideas across a range of themes, including economics and trade, security and defence, foreign policy, innovation, technology, energy and climate, health, cybersecurity and emerging social issues.

On behalf of the delegation, I would like to record our appreciation for the hard work that went into preparing for the visit, including the arrangements by staff of the International and Parliamentary Relations Office, and material provided by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. I commend this report to the House.