Albanese to lay out political vision for second term

Perth Now

3 hours ago

Anthony Albanese is set to lay out his second-term agenda in a key speech, as he prepares for potential talks with Donald Trump.
In his first major address since an emphatic election win in May, the prime minister will speak at the National Press Club about his priorities for when parliament resumes in July.
After securing an expanded mandate among voters at the election in which Labor increased its parliamentary majority, Mr Albanese will say delivering on promises will be his priority.
"Delivering these commitments matters for every Australian, regardless of who they voted for. It matters for our economy, for the jobs, skills, technology, infrastructure and energy we need to grow and thrive in the years ahead," he will say in the speech.
"It also matters for our democracy. We are living in a time of significant global uncertainty - and that reaches beyond just economic instability."
May's federal poll was the first time since 1966 an incumbent government retained all the seats it held at an election.
Mr Albanese will say promises of expanding urgent care clinics, cheaper childcare and an increase in affordable housing will remain central to his government's priorities.
"Our government's vision and ambition for Australia's future was never dependent on the size of our majority. But you can only build for that future vision if you build confidence that you can deliver on urgent necessities," he will say.
Labor will have a responsibility in its second term to disprove voter cynicism with governments, the prime minister will say.
"To recognise that some of this frustration is drawn from people's real experience with government - be it failures of service delivery, or falling through the cracks of a particular system," he will say.
"And to counter this, we have to offer the practical and positive alternative."
The speech comes days before Mr Albanese flies to Canada for the G7 summit, where a one-on-one meeting with US President Donald Trump is on the cards.
Tariffs imposed by Mr Trump on other countries are set to dominate discussions at the international forum, with Australia trying to carve out an exemption to the economic measure.
Australia had been slapped with a 10 per cent tariff on all exports to the US, with steel and aluminium products having a 50 per cent tariff.
Mr Albanese will say Australia will still be able to play a critical role in global affairs amid the instability.
"Our vision is for a society that is a microcosm for the world, where all are respected and valued and our diversity is recognised as a strength," he will say.
"Our international relationships in the fastest growing region of the world in human history benefit us, but also provide a platform for us to play a positive a stabilising global role in uncertain times."