The Australian Government has agreed to the majority of recommendations from an independent review of Commonwealth funding for strategic policy work.

The independent review considered all Australian Government funding to non-government organisations for national security-related research, education and engagement activities. It focused on ensuring that government funding delivers value for money and that funded programs remain aligned to Australia’s national interests and strategic circumstances.

A State Funeral for the Honourable Kevin Andrews will take place at 11.00 am on Monday 23 December 2024 at St Patrick's Cathedral, 1 Cathedral Place, Melbourne, Victoria.

In 1991, Mr Andrews was elected the Member for Menzies in Victoria. He was later appointed Cabinet Minister in the Howard and Abbott governments. Mr Andrews was appointed Minister for Ageing; Employment and Workplace Relations; Immigration and Citizenship; Social Services; Defence; and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Public Service.

The Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on the Beijing+30 Review (Beijing+30) was held in Bangkok, Thailand in November 2024.

Beijing+30 brought together nations from the Asia-Pacific, to review the region’s progress towards implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BPfA) – a global blueprint for advancing women’s and girls’ human rights - adopted in 1995.

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Acknowledgements 

Thank you Selina for your Welcome to Country.

Please allow me to also acknowledge the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of these unceded lands and recognise the many Aboriginal people with connection to the lands of the ACT and region. We are privileged to be on your country, to benefit from the continuing culture and care you bring to this community.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese attended the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Lima on 15-16 November, and the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Rio de Janeiro on 18-19 November. Both APEC and the G20 play a critical role in steering the regional and global economies.