More federal disaster assistance for flood-impacted Far North Queenslanders

The Albanese Government is delivering additional financial support for people directly impacted by the devastating floods in Far North Queensland.

From 2pm AEST, Wednesday 20 December, applications for the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) and Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) will open for people who live and work in the Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Cook, Douglas, Hope Vale, Mareeba, Tablelands, Wujal Wujal and Yarrabah Local Government Areas (LGAs):

Radio interview - 4CA Breakfast

MURRAY JONES, HOST: Let's talk about the Australian Defence Force helicopters, more personnel deployed to the area. That's one of the key things that we need as we go into a recovery phase here in Tropical North Queensland. Also some incredible stories when it comes to people being absolute heroes and some of the things that they've done. Joining me this morning to talk about the way forward for Tropical North Queensland, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Good morning.

Visit by the Prime Minister of New Zealand

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will welcome the Prime Minister of New Zealand, The Rt Hon Christopher Luxon, to Australia on 20 December 2023.

This will be Prime Minister Luxon’s first official overseas visit.

The early engagement between the two leaders demonstrates the closeness of the Australia-New Zealand partnership.

The leaders will meet in Sydney to discuss how to continue deepening ties between the two countries and our shared vision for a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.

Radio interview - ABC AM

SABRA LANE, HOST: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joins us now from Kirribilli. Good morning and welcome to the program.

PRIME MINISTER, ANTHONY ALBANESE: Good morning Sabra.

LANE: Some areas have had huge amounts of rain, a metre in 24 hours, dangerous flash flooding, people on rooftops needing to be rescued. Civic leaders want Defence help, will they get it?

Farewell from the Labor Family - Tribute to Peta Murphy

Peta Murphy was a cherished member of our Labor family.

A proud trade unionist, a wonderful staffer, a magnificent candidate, an outstanding local member, a brilliant Parliamentarian and the very best kind of colleague and friend.

Above and beyond all this, she was the darling daughter of Bob and Jan, the beloved sister of Penni and Jodi and the perfect partner to Rod.

All of you have been in our thoughts in the terribly sad days that have followed Peta’s passing.

On Wednesday last week, we recalled the Parliament to pay tribute to Peta’s memory.

Radio interview - 2GB The Mark Levy Breakfast Show

MARK LEVY, HOST: Great to have you with us. Mark Levy in the chair for Summer Breakfast. Thank you to all these donations that continue to pour in for the Vinnies Christmas radio appeal here on 2GB. And you wouldn't believe it, the Prime Minister has phoned through. Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister, good morning to you.

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: G'day, Mark. Greetings from Western Australia.

LEVY: And Merry Christmas, I should say too, Prime Minister.

Joint statement by the Prime Ministers of Australia, Canada and New Zealand

Australia, Canada, and New Zealand mourn every Israeli and Palestinian innocent life which has been lost in this conflict and express our condolences to all families and communities affected by the violence.

We unequivocally condemn Hamas’ terror attacks on Israel on October 7, the appalling loss of life, and the heinous acts of violence perpetrated in those attacks, including sexual violence. We condemn Hamas’ unacceptable treatment of hostages and call for the immediate and unconditional release of all remaining hostages.

Co-operation key to Labor delivering for families and nation

On the last day of Parliament for 2023, Australia and Papua New Guinea signed an historic security agreement and our Government passed new laws to ensure more Australians get a fair go at work.

From now on, wage theft and industrial manslaughter will be criminal offences.

This will help make workplaces safer and it will make it clear that businesses can’t get away with stealing from their employees.

We’re also closing the loopholes in labour hire. Labour hire laws were designed to help employers bring in people with specialist skills or deal with temporary shortages.