Anthony Albanese meets Xi Jinping in Beijing
The Chinese President, smiling, greeted his Australian guest in the East Hall - one of the many spacious ornate chambers in the Great Hall of the People.
With the Australian and Chinese national flags adorning the walls, it was a welcome befitting the charm offensive waged on the Prime Minister since landing over the weekend.
The leaders seated opposite a long polished table, Mr Xi praised Mr Albanese for fostering stronger ties.
He pointed to past meetings as 'in depth discussions on the strategic overarching issues critical to the direction of China-Australia relations'
'And we've reached many common understandings with efforts from both sides,' Mr Xi said.
'The most important thing we can learn from this is that a commitment to equal treatment, to seeking common ground while sharing differences, pursuing mutually beneficial co-operation, for our countries and peoples.'
Mr Albanese said he was looking forward to a 'productive conversation'.
He said: 'Australia values our relationship with China, and we'll continue to approach it in a calm and consistent manner guided by our national interest.
'It is in our national interest, and indeed, in the interest of the region as well.
'It is important that we have these direct discussions on issues that matter to us, and to the stability and prosperity of our region.
'As you and I have agreed previously, dialogue needs to be at the centre of our relationship, and I welcome the opportunity to set out Australia's views and interests and our thinking on how we can maintain peace, security, stability and prosperity in our region.'
Ahead of the meeting, Mr Albanese had been careful not to pre-empt how his meeting with the world's second-most powerful leader would go.
He had a cruisey first leg of his state visit spruiking Australia's economic offerings and being wooed by Chinese officials and business leaders in the glitzy beauty of central Shanghai.
But differences remain and both sides have indicated they will raise them despite efforts to keep things positive.
The Chinese have already indicated they will raise the Port of Darwin, which is leased to Chinese logistics giant Landbridge Holdings.
A former state media propagandist-turned influencer warned of 'countermeasures' if the Albanese government follows through with its election vow to break the 99-year lease.
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News.com.au
15 minutes ago
- News.com.au
‘English speakers excluded': Chinese agents hit back at divisive real estate video
Chinese real estate firms in Melbourne have hit back at a self-described 'Western civilisation enjoyer' after his video shared on social media suggested they 'exclude' English speakers. Drew Pavlou, best known for leading a year-long protest at the University of Queensland against Beijing's anti-democracy activities in Hong Kong, has almost 300,000 followers across various social media platforms. Earlier this week, he published a video declaring he had 'counted 12 Chinese real estate firms on two of the main shopping streets in Melbourne CBD'. Mr Pavlou, 26, wrote alongside the video: 'Most of them advertise only in Chinese to foreign buyers, English speakers are excluded ... nobody can explain how this benefits Australia during the worst housing crisis in our national history.' In the full video, published to YouTube, Mr Pavlou said he was 'fascinated' by 'graffiti everywhere, massive economic changes' and the fact that 'I counted within one 500m stretch 15 bubble tea stores and about 12 Chinese real estate firms'. '(They) only advertise in the Chinese language for Chinese people to buy property in Australia,' he said. 'It was just beautiful.' There was plenty of support for Mr Pavlou's video. 'Check out every capital city. Same playbook,' one person wrote. Speaking to Mr Pavlou said his video was 'not racially motivated' and was 'filmed by my Hong Konger friends (who) fully supported me in making it'. 'My family background is Greek Australian and if there were 12 Greek real estate agencies advertising to Greek overseas buyers in the heart of the Melbourne CBD, I would equally oppose it,' he said. 'I believe this is a legitimate public interest issue. Right now, young Australians are locked out of the housing market due to record-high prices and low supply, yet prime property stock is being marketed directly to offshore buyers who will never live here. 'That inevitably drives demand upward and puts extra pressure on ordinary families and first-home buyers.' He said an 'open conversation' should be had about 'how to prioritise the housing needs of Australians over overseas buyers'. Mr Pavlou said he was particularly concerned by a Nord International branch that 'did not feature even a single piece of English language advertising in their shop window'. reached out to Nord International, as well as the other agencies that appeared in Mr Pavlou's video. Nord International did not respond to a request for comment but other firms hit back. A number of the firms said they advertise in Chinese and English and have multilingual team members. Kristy Zhang is the director and co-founder of Austrump Hosting, a real estate business that she says 'serves a diverse client base that reflects Melbourne's multicultural community'. 'While many of our team members are multilingual and we occasionally use Chinese language materials to assist clients who prefer it, we also regularly produce and distribute all our marketing materials — including flyers and brochures — in English,' she said. 'We work with clients from all backgrounds and are committed to providing inclusive and professional service to everyone, regardless of their language or cultural background.' A spokesperson for Elite Real Estate, also featured in the video, hit back at Mr Pavlou. 'We are aware of the video you've referenced and appreciate the chance to clarify. Our agency operates in one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world, and we take pride in reflecting that diversity across our team and marketing efforts,' the spokesperson said. 'While some of our content includes Chinese language elements, all of our listings are advertised in English, and our window cards are displayed primarily in English to ensure they are accessible to the wider public. 'Our multilingual team — fluent in English, Mandarin, Cantonese, and more — allows us to assist a wide range of clients, including first-home buyers, seasoned investors, landlords, and renters, both locally and internationally. 'To suggest that we exclusively target one demographic is not only inaccurate but also overlooks the reality of our day-to-day operations. We work with clients from all backgrounds and are committed to delivering inclusive, professional, and ethical service to everyone.' There was some pushback to Mr Pavlou's video by members of the public, too. Some pointed out that the video was filmed adjacent to Chinatown, a vibrant, historic neighbourhood that celebrates Chinese restaurants, shops and culture. 'When you visit Chinatown and it's Chinese,' one person wrote. 'Bro, you're literally walking through Chinatown, of course there's going to be Chinese restaurants,' another wrote. 'It would be like counting every Italian restaurant in Lygon Street or Pho place in Springvale.' Pollster and director of the RedBridge Group, Kos Samaras, was among hundreds of people who commented on Mr Pavlou's video. 'Greeks used to run exclusively Greek focused businesses,' he said. 'Brunswick Street in Melbourne was once dotted with countless stores, businesses, that advertised only in Greek. It's what migrant diasporas have done for numerous decades, across the Western world, even in the US and UK.' Mr Pavlou, who in 2022 interrupted the Chinese Ambassador's speech in Sydney declaring China a 'dictatorship' that is keeping 'one million Muslims in concentration camps', was approached for comment about his concerns regarding 'foreign buyers'. Foreign buyers own about two per cent of Australia's housing stock and are currently banned from buying established homes in Australia. The Albanese Government announced earlier this year it would crack down on foreign land banking. Treasurer Jim Chalmers said the ban would take place on foreign purchases of established dwellings from April 1 this year until April 2027. 'This is all about easing pressure on our housing market at the same time as we build more homes,' Mr Chalmers said. 'It's a minor change, but a meaningful one because we know that every effort helps in addressing the housing challenge we've inherited. 'The ban will mean Australians will be able to buy homes that would have otherwise been bought by foreign investors. 'Until now, foreign investors have generally been barred from buying existing property except in limited circumstances, such as when they come to live here for work or study.' But as Australian economist Leith van Onselen notes, 'it is likely that the homes being advertised by the Chinese agencies are newly built properties, since they are permitted for purchase by non-residents'. 'Australian property has long been a magnet for Chinese buyers, both as a store of wealth and for migration purposes,' he told 'Australia's large annual intake of Chinese students and migrants helps to create new demand for purchases.'
The Advertiser
43 minutes ago
- The Advertiser
Albanese to travel across the ditch for leaders meeting
Defence, economic partnerships and security will be on the agenda for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese when he meets his New Zealand counterpart. Mr Albanese will spend the weekend in Queenstown for the annual Australia-New Zealand leaders meeting with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. It will be the second time across the Tasman for Mr Albanese, who last visited in 2023 to meet with then-Labour prime minister Chris Hipkins. Mr Albanese and Mr Luxon represent opposite ends of the political spectrum, but both have affirmed their nations share a "deep and enduring bond" as friends, neighbours and allies. "I look forward to discussing how we can work together to build on our single economic market, modernise the rules-based trading system, deepen our alliance, and back our Pacific partners," Mr Albanese said. The single economic market was established in 2009 to grow trade and deepen investment links between the two countries, making it easier for trans-Tasman business. Two-way trade between the two countries is worth $32 billion. Co-operation between the two governments is broad, with more than half of the New Zealand cabinet visiting Australia since Mr Luxon's government took office in late 2023. The "complicated" relationship between opportunities and challenges posed by China was likely to be a focus of talks behind the scenes, Victoria University of Wellington's New Zealand Contemporary China Research Centre director Jason Young said. "Both prime ministers have recently visited China," the professor told AAP. "They had, at least, public-facing, very good visits to stabilise and manage the economic relationship. But at the same time, there's a bunch of particularly regional security issues which have an impact on both countries." The pair could also discuss the impact of the US President Donald Trump's tariffs. While Mr Trump raised tariffs against dozens of nations, he showed mercy on Australia and kept levies against most products at 10 per cent. But New Zealand was not spared and was hit with a 15 per cent "reciprocal" tariff. At the most recent leaders' meeting in Canberra in 2024, Mr Albanese and Mr Luxon discussed migration and creating a closer defence partnership. David Capie, another professor from Victoria University of Wellington, said the Luxon government had leaned into its partnership with Australia since coming to power. "You've got a New Zealand government that wants to do more with Australia," the NZ foreign and defence policy expert told AAP. "The upending of the economic order with the Trump tariffs, the Middle East - all of those things NZ and Australia are finding that they're very closely aligned." Yet deportation remains a point of friction, as New Zealand has long protested Australia's practice of deporting criminals with Kiwi passports but with stronger ties to Australia. After the 2024 meeting, the two leaders agreed to "engage closely" on the matter. Prof Capie said the issue hadn't faded away completely but was being more delicately handled compared to the Morrison government era. "You had a lot of deportations and a government that was basically basking in it," he said. "But more importantly, the structural changes to the rights of New Zealanders to be able to find a pathway to citizenship mean that there are going to be fewer and fewer over time." Mr Albanese is expected to be welcomed in a pōwhiri, a formal Māori welcoming ceremony, before he meets with Mr Luxon on Saturday. He will also meet with Australian and New Zealand business leaders and take part in a business roundtable. Defence, economic partnerships and security will be on the agenda for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese when he meets his New Zealand counterpart. Mr Albanese will spend the weekend in Queenstown for the annual Australia-New Zealand leaders meeting with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. It will be the second time across the Tasman for Mr Albanese, who last visited in 2023 to meet with then-Labour prime minister Chris Hipkins. Mr Albanese and Mr Luxon represent opposite ends of the political spectrum, but both have affirmed their nations share a "deep and enduring bond" as friends, neighbours and allies. "I look forward to discussing how we can work together to build on our single economic market, modernise the rules-based trading system, deepen our alliance, and back our Pacific partners," Mr Albanese said. The single economic market was established in 2009 to grow trade and deepen investment links between the two countries, making it easier for trans-Tasman business. Two-way trade between the two countries is worth $32 billion. Co-operation between the two governments is broad, with more than half of the New Zealand cabinet visiting Australia since Mr Luxon's government took office in late 2023. The "complicated" relationship between opportunities and challenges posed by China was likely to be a focus of talks behind the scenes, Victoria University of Wellington's New Zealand Contemporary China Research Centre director Jason Young said. "Both prime ministers have recently visited China," the professor told AAP. "They had, at least, public-facing, very good visits to stabilise and manage the economic relationship. But at the same time, there's a bunch of particularly regional security issues which have an impact on both countries." The pair could also discuss the impact of the US President Donald Trump's tariffs. While Mr Trump raised tariffs against dozens of nations, he showed mercy on Australia and kept levies against most products at 10 per cent. But New Zealand was not spared and was hit with a 15 per cent "reciprocal" tariff. At the most recent leaders' meeting in Canberra in 2024, Mr Albanese and Mr Luxon discussed migration and creating a closer defence partnership. David Capie, another professor from Victoria University of Wellington, said the Luxon government had leaned into its partnership with Australia since coming to power. "You've got a New Zealand government that wants to do more with Australia," the NZ foreign and defence policy expert told AAP. "The upending of the economic order with the Trump tariffs, the Middle East - all of those things NZ and Australia are finding that they're very closely aligned." Yet deportation remains a point of friction, as New Zealand has long protested Australia's practice of deporting criminals with Kiwi passports but with stronger ties to Australia. After the 2024 meeting, the two leaders agreed to "engage closely" on the matter. Prof Capie said the issue hadn't faded away completely but was being more delicately handled compared to the Morrison government era. "You had a lot of deportations and a government that was basically basking in it," he said. "But more importantly, the structural changes to the rights of New Zealanders to be able to find a pathway to citizenship mean that there are going to be fewer and fewer over time." Mr Albanese is expected to be welcomed in a pōwhiri, a formal Māori welcoming ceremony, before he meets with Mr Luxon on Saturday. He will also meet with Australian and New Zealand business leaders and take part in a business roundtable. Defence, economic partnerships and security will be on the agenda for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese when he meets his New Zealand counterpart. Mr Albanese will spend the weekend in Queenstown for the annual Australia-New Zealand leaders meeting with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. It will be the second time across the Tasman for Mr Albanese, who last visited in 2023 to meet with then-Labour prime minister Chris Hipkins. Mr Albanese and Mr Luxon represent opposite ends of the political spectrum, but both have affirmed their nations share a "deep and enduring bond" as friends, neighbours and allies. "I look forward to discussing how we can work together to build on our single economic market, modernise the rules-based trading system, deepen our alliance, and back our Pacific partners," Mr Albanese said. The single economic market was established in 2009 to grow trade and deepen investment links between the two countries, making it easier for trans-Tasman business. Two-way trade between the two countries is worth $32 billion. Co-operation between the two governments is broad, with more than half of the New Zealand cabinet visiting Australia since Mr Luxon's government took office in late 2023. The "complicated" relationship between opportunities and challenges posed by China was likely to be a focus of talks behind the scenes, Victoria University of Wellington's New Zealand Contemporary China Research Centre director Jason Young said. "Both prime ministers have recently visited China," the professor told AAP. "They had, at least, public-facing, very good visits to stabilise and manage the economic relationship. But at the same time, there's a bunch of particularly regional security issues which have an impact on both countries." The pair could also discuss the impact of the US President Donald Trump's tariffs. While Mr Trump raised tariffs against dozens of nations, he showed mercy on Australia and kept levies against most products at 10 per cent. But New Zealand was not spared and was hit with a 15 per cent "reciprocal" tariff. At the most recent leaders' meeting in Canberra in 2024, Mr Albanese and Mr Luxon discussed migration and creating a closer defence partnership. David Capie, another professor from Victoria University of Wellington, said the Luxon government had leaned into its partnership with Australia since coming to power. "You've got a New Zealand government that wants to do more with Australia," the NZ foreign and defence policy expert told AAP. "The upending of the economic order with the Trump tariffs, the Middle East - all of those things NZ and Australia are finding that they're very closely aligned." Yet deportation remains a point of friction, as New Zealand has long protested Australia's practice of deporting criminals with Kiwi passports but with stronger ties to Australia. After the 2024 meeting, the two leaders agreed to "engage closely" on the matter. Prof Capie said the issue hadn't faded away completely but was being more delicately handled compared to the Morrison government era. "You had a lot of deportations and a government that was basically basking in it," he said. "But more importantly, the structural changes to the rights of New Zealanders to be able to find a pathway to citizenship mean that there are going to be fewer and fewer over time." Mr Albanese is expected to be welcomed in a pōwhiri, a formal Māori welcoming ceremony, before he meets with Mr Luxon on Saturday. He will also meet with Australian and New Zealand business leaders and take part in a business roundtable. Defence, economic partnerships and security will be on the agenda for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese when he meets his New Zealand counterpart. Mr Albanese will spend the weekend in Queenstown for the annual Australia-New Zealand leaders meeting with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. It will be the second time across the Tasman for Mr Albanese, who last visited in 2023 to meet with then-Labour prime minister Chris Hipkins. Mr Albanese and Mr Luxon represent opposite ends of the political spectrum, but both have affirmed their nations share a "deep and enduring bond" as friends, neighbours and allies. "I look forward to discussing how we can work together to build on our single economic market, modernise the rules-based trading system, deepen our alliance, and back our Pacific partners," Mr Albanese said. The single economic market was established in 2009 to grow trade and deepen investment links between the two countries, making it easier for trans-Tasman business. Two-way trade between the two countries is worth $32 billion. Co-operation between the two governments is broad, with more than half of the New Zealand cabinet visiting Australia since Mr Luxon's government took office in late 2023. The "complicated" relationship between opportunities and challenges posed by China was likely to be a focus of talks behind the scenes, Victoria University of Wellington's New Zealand Contemporary China Research Centre director Jason Young said. "Both prime ministers have recently visited China," the professor told AAP. "They had, at least, public-facing, very good visits to stabilise and manage the economic relationship. But at the same time, there's a bunch of particularly regional security issues which have an impact on both countries." The pair could also discuss the impact of the US President Donald Trump's tariffs. While Mr Trump raised tariffs against dozens of nations, he showed mercy on Australia and kept levies against most products at 10 per cent. But New Zealand was not spared and was hit with a 15 per cent "reciprocal" tariff. At the most recent leaders' meeting in Canberra in 2024, Mr Albanese and Mr Luxon discussed migration and creating a closer defence partnership. David Capie, another professor from Victoria University of Wellington, said the Luxon government had leaned into its partnership with Australia since coming to power. "You've got a New Zealand government that wants to do more with Australia," the NZ foreign and defence policy expert told AAP. "The upending of the economic order with the Trump tariffs, the Middle East - all of those things NZ and Australia are finding that they're very closely aligned." Yet deportation remains a point of friction, as New Zealand has long protested Australia's practice of deporting criminals with Kiwi passports but with stronger ties to Australia. After the 2024 meeting, the two leaders agreed to "engage closely" on the matter. Prof Capie said the issue hadn't faded away completely but was being more delicately handled compared to the Morrison government era. "You had a lot of deportations and a government that was basically basking in it," he said. "But more importantly, the structural changes to the rights of New Zealanders to be able to find a pathway to citizenship mean that there are going to be fewer and fewer over time." Mr Albanese is expected to be welcomed in a pōwhiri, a formal Māori welcoming ceremony, before he meets with Mr Luxon on Saturday. He will also meet with Australian and New Zealand business leaders and take part in a business roundtable.
The Advertiser
43 minutes ago
- The Advertiser
The price of inaction: why our communities can't afford a weak climate plan
The Australian government is about to make one of the most consequential economic decisions of the decade: setting our national climate target for 2035. This is about shaping the kind of economy we want in the years ahead. Do we want to remain shackled to geopolitically volatile fossil fuel markets? Or do we want to build a cleaner, more resilient economy that delivers secure, skilled jobs in every corner of the country? As someone who's spent decades working across energy systems in Australia and abroad - from oil and gas to wind and solar - I've seen how strong, clear targets drive investment and job creation. And I've seen the costs when governments do too little. The economic damage from climate pollution is already here. According to the Insurance Council annual average cost of extreme weather has more than doubled in the last 30 years. Marine heatwaves are battering fisheries, aquaculture and tourism. Back-to-back floods have devastated regional communities. Drought is hitting farmers hard. The risks are rising, and they are being felt on the ground - in jobs lost, bills rising, and industries under pressure. But there's another side to this story: if we act decisively, we can turn this challenge into one of Australia's biggest economic opportunities. We're already seeing signs of what's possible. There are more than 30,000 Australians employed in clean energy generation, storage and transmission. Rooftop solar is cutting bills and creating work for electricians and engineers. Renewable energy zones and battery hubs are supporting new projects and new careers, particularly in regional areas. This is just the beginning. With the strongest possible 2035 climate target - one that aligns with a cut of at least 75 per cent to climate pollution - we can unlock hundreds of thousands of jobs in clean industries. These are jobs in construction, advanced manufacturing, critical minerals, green hydrogen and clean exports. Jobs that will underpin our economic future and help Australia remain competitive in a decarbonising global economy. We have the ingredients: world-class solar and wind, critical minerals, skilled workers, and trusted trade relationships. What we need now is policy certainty. A strong 2035 target will send a clear signal to investors, industries and international partners that Australia is serious about being a clean energy leader. The Productivity Commission's recent report on climate change makes it clear: tackling climate change isn't just about safety - it's critical to Australia's productivity and long-term prosperity. Climate damage is already undermining key industries, from farming to tourism to insurance. But cutting climate pollution, and doing it faster, can keep us safer and provide a boost to our economy. We've made good progress over the last few years. But after a lost decade, we have catching up to do. We must accelerate the growth of our renewable energy-based resources, for that is where our comparative advantage lies. We must electrify our transport and strategically couple the grids and vehicles, delivering massive battery energy storage and further consolidating resilience. We must use the abundant electricity we create to transition manufacturing and industrial processes to an emission-free future, further enhancing Australia's resilience and economic strength. Accelerating action now means stronger economic growth, and more employment opportunities for communities on the frontlines of change. READ MORE: We cannot avoid all that projected climate changes will bring, but we can and must build resilience in our communities, infrastructure and economy by identifying weaknesses and investing in strengthening or eliminating where possible those weaknesses. This is a strategic imperative. We cannot afford to aim low. A weaker target risks locking Australia out of new markets, putting regional jobs at risk, and burdening our children with even greater climate and economic disruption. A strong 2035 climate target is entirely achievable, economically sound, and in line with the direction our trading partners are heading. This isn't just about reducing pollution. It's about creating good, lasting jobs and securing a fairer, safer future for all Australians. The decisions we make in the next few months will define the opportunities for the coming decades. Let's make them count. The Australian government is about to make one of the most consequential economic decisions of the decade: setting our national climate target for 2035. This is about shaping the kind of economy we want in the years ahead. Do we want to remain shackled to geopolitically volatile fossil fuel markets? Or do we want to build a cleaner, more resilient economy that delivers secure, skilled jobs in every corner of the country? As someone who's spent decades working across energy systems in Australia and abroad - from oil and gas to wind and solar - I've seen how strong, clear targets drive investment and job creation. And I've seen the costs when governments do too little. The economic damage from climate pollution is already here. According to the Insurance Council annual average cost of extreme weather has more than doubled in the last 30 years. Marine heatwaves are battering fisheries, aquaculture and tourism. Back-to-back floods have devastated regional communities. Drought is hitting farmers hard. The risks are rising, and they are being felt on the ground - in jobs lost, bills rising, and industries under pressure. But there's another side to this story: if we act decisively, we can turn this challenge into one of Australia's biggest economic opportunities. We're already seeing signs of what's possible. There are more than 30,000 Australians employed in clean energy generation, storage and transmission. Rooftop solar is cutting bills and creating work for electricians and engineers. Renewable energy zones and battery hubs are supporting new projects and new careers, particularly in regional areas. This is just the beginning. With the strongest possible 2035 climate target - one that aligns with a cut of at least 75 per cent to climate pollution - we can unlock hundreds of thousands of jobs in clean industries. These are jobs in construction, advanced manufacturing, critical minerals, green hydrogen and clean exports. Jobs that will underpin our economic future and help Australia remain competitive in a decarbonising global economy. We have the ingredients: world-class solar and wind, critical minerals, skilled workers, and trusted trade relationships. What we need now is policy certainty. A strong 2035 target will send a clear signal to investors, industries and international partners that Australia is serious about being a clean energy leader. The Productivity Commission's recent report on climate change makes it clear: tackling climate change isn't just about safety - it's critical to Australia's productivity and long-term prosperity. Climate damage is already undermining key industries, from farming to tourism to insurance. But cutting climate pollution, and doing it faster, can keep us safer and provide a boost to our economy. We've made good progress over the last few years. But after a lost decade, we have catching up to do. We must accelerate the growth of our renewable energy-based resources, for that is where our comparative advantage lies. We must electrify our transport and strategically couple the grids and vehicles, delivering massive battery energy storage and further consolidating resilience. We must use the abundant electricity we create to transition manufacturing and industrial processes to an emission-free future, further enhancing Australia's resilience and economic strength. Accelerating action now means stronger economic growth, and more employment opportunities for communities on the frontlines of change. READ MORE: We cannot avoid all that projected climate changes will bring, but we can and must build resilience in our communities, infrastructure and economy by identifying weaknesses and investing in strengthening or eliminating where possible those weaknesses. This is a strategic imperative. We cannot afford to aim low. A weaker target risks locking Australia out of new markets, putting regional jobs at risk, and burdening our children with even greater climate and economic disruption. A strong 2035 climate target is entirely achievable, economically sound, and in line with the direction our trading partners are heading. This isn't just about reducing pollution. It's about creating good, lasting jobs and securing a fairer, safer future for all Australians. The decisions we make in the next few months will define the opportunities for the coming decades. Let's make them count. The Australian government is about to make one of the most consequential economic decisions of the decade: setting our national climate target for 2035. This is about shaping the kind of economy we want in the years ahead. Do we want to remain shackled to geopolitically volatile fossil fuel markets? Or do we want to build a cleaner, more resilient economy that delivers secure, skilled jobs in every corner of the country? As someone who's spent decades working across energy systems in Australia and abroad - from oil and gas to wind and solar - I've seen how strong, clear targets drive investment and job creation. And I've seen the costs when governments do too little. The economic damage from climate pollution is already here. According to the Insurance Council annual average cost of extreme weather has more than doubled in the last 30 years. Marine heatwaves are battering fisheries, aquaculture and tourism. Back-to-back floods have devastated regional communities. Drought is hitting farmers hard. The risks are rising, and they are being felt on the ground - in jobs lost, bills rising, and industries under pressure. But there's another side to this story: if we act decisively, we can turn this challenge into one of Australia's biggest economic opportunities. We're already seeing signs of what's possible. There are more than 30,000 Australians employed in clean energy generation, storage and transmission. Rooftop solar is cutting bills and creating work for electricians and engineers. Renewable energy zones and battery hubs are supporting new projects and new careers, particularly in regional areas. This is just the beginning. With the strongest possible 2035 climate target - one that aligns with a cut of at least 75 per cent to climate pollution - we can unlock hundreds of thousands of jobs in clean industries. These are jobs in construction, advanced manufacturing, critical minerals, green hydrogen and clean exports. Jobs that will underpin our economic future and help Australia remain competitive in a decarbonising global economy. We have the ingredients: world-class solar and wind, critical minerals, skilled workers, and trusted trade relationships. What we need now is policy certainty. A strong 2035 target will send a clear signal to investors, industries and international partners that Australia is serious about being a clean energy leader. The Productivity Commission's recent report on climate change makes it clear: tackling climate change isn't just about safety - it's critical to Australia's productivity and long-term prosperity. Climate damage is already undermining key industries, from farming to tourism to insurance. But cutting climate pollution, and doing it faster, can keep us safer and provide a boost to our economy. We've made good progress over the last few years. But after a lost decade, we have catching up to do. We must accelerate the growth of our renewable energy-based resources, for that is where our comparative advantage lies. We must electrify our transport and strategically couple the grids and vehicles, delivering massive battery energy storage and further consolidating resilience. We must use the abundant electricity we create to transition manufacturing and industrial processes to an emission-free future, further enhancing Australia's resilience and economic strength. Accelerating action now means stronger economic growth, and more employment opportunities for communities on the frontlines of change. READ MORE: We cannot avoid all that projected climate changes will bring, but we can and must build resilience in our communities, infrastructure and economy by identifying weaknesses and investing in strengthening or eliminating where possible those weaknesses. This is a strategic imperative. We cannot afford to aim low. A weaker target risks locking Australia out of new markets, putting regional jobs at risk, and burdening our children with even greater climate and economic disruption. A strong 2035 climate target is entirely achievable, economically sound, and in line with the direction our trading partners are heading. This isn't just about reducing pollution. It's about creating good, lasting jobs and securing a fairer, safer future for all Australians. The decisions we make in the next few months will define the opportunities for the coming decades. Let's make them count. The Australian government is about to make one of the most consequential economic decisions of the decade: setting our national climate target for 2035. This is about shaping the kind of economy we want in the years ahead. Do we want to remain shackled to geopolitically volatile fossil fuel markets? Or do we want to build a cleaner, more resilient economy that delivers secure, skilled jobs in every corner of the country? As someone who's spent decades working across energy systems in Australia and abroad - from oil and gas to wind and solar - I've seen how strong, clear targets drive investment and job creation. And I've seen the costs when governments do too little. The economic damage from climate pollution is already here. According to the Insurance Council annual average cost of extreme weather has more than doubled in the last 30 years. Marine heatwaves are battering fisheries, aquaculture and tourism. Back-to-back floods have devastated regional communities. Drought is hitting farmers hard. The risks are rising, and they are being felt on the ground - in jobs lost, bills rising, and industries under pressure. But there's another side to this story: if we act decisively, we can turn this challenge into one of Australia's biggest economic opportunities. We're already seeing signs of what's possible. There are more than 30,000 Australians employed in clean energy generation, storage and transmission. Rooftop solar is cutting bills and creating work for electricians and engineers. Renewable energy zones and battery hubs are supporting new projects and new careers, particularly in regional areas. This is just the beginning. With the strongest possible 2035 climate target - one that aligns with a cut of at least 75 per cent to climate pollution - we can unlock hundreds of thousands of jobs in clean industries. These are jobs in construction, advanced manufacturing, critical minerals, green hydrogen and clean exports. Jobs that will underpin our economic future and help Australia remain competitive in a decarbonising global economy. We have the ingredients: world-class solar and wind, critical minerals, skilled workers, and trusted trade relationships. What we need now is policy certainty. A strong 2035 target will send a clear signal to investors, industries and international partners that Australia is serious about being a clean energy leader. The Productivity Commission's recent report on climate change makes it clear: tackling climate change isn't just about safety - it's critical to Australia's productivity and long-term prosperity. Climate damage is already undermining key industries, from farming to tourism to insurance. But cutting climate pollution, and doing it faster, can keep us safer and provide a boost to our economy. We've made good progress over the last few years. But after a lost decade, we have catching up to do. We must accelerate the growth of our renewable energy-based resources, for that is where our comparative advantage lies. We must electrify our transport and strategically couple the grids and vehicles, delivering massive battery energy storage and further consolidating resilience. We must use the abundant electricity we create to transition manufacturing and industrial processes to an emission-free future, further enhancing Australia's resilience and economic strength. Accelerating action now means stronger economic growth, and more employment opportunities for communities on the frontlines of change. READ MORE: We cannot avoid all that projected climate changes will bring, but we can and must build resilience in our communities, infrastructure and economy by identifying weaknesses and investing in strengthening or eliminating where possible those weaknesses. This is a strategic imperative. We cannot afford to aim low. A weaker target risks locking Australia out of new markets, putting regional jobs at risk, and burdening our children with even greater climate and economic disruption. A strong 2035 climate target is entirely achievable, economically sound, and in line with the direction our trading partners are heading. This isn't just about reducing pollution. It's about creating good, lasting jobs and securing a fairer, safer future for all Australians. The decisions we make in the next few months will define the opportunities for the coming decades. Let's make them count.
