Opening

I would like to thank the Australian National University, and particularly the Indonesia Project, for inviting me to speak tonight at this 60th anniversary gala dinner.

I acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are meeting, the Ngunnawal people, and I acknowledge their ongoing connection to Country.

I pay my respects to their Elders – past and present – and extend my respect to any First Nations people who are with us tonight.

By participating in international events, Australia makes an important contribution to advancing the rights of women and girls globally.

In July 2025, Padma Raman, Executive Director for the Office for Women, attended the third G20 Empowerment of Women Working Group (the Working Group).

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has concluded his second official visit to China, marking a further step forward in stabilising relations between our countries.

In Shanghai, the Prime Minister met leading businesses from Australia and China to discuss deepening trade and business ties, including through new markets and innovation in the agriculture, resources, education and services sectors.

During NAIDOC Week (6 to 13 July), PM&C staff took some time to attend a range of events and celebrate the history, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Across the week, staff were able to attend a number of events. This included a flag raising and Welcome to Country, storytelling with Ngunnawal Elder Serena Williams, bush tucker sampling, First Nations Cultural Awareness Training, touch football carnival and a historical NAIDOC poster gallery display.