As Prime Minister and Federal Labor Leader, I mourn Bill Hayden’s passing and honour his life.

My first thoughts are with Dallas, his beloved wife of 63 years, their children and all those who knew and loved him best.

If Bill Hayden left no other legacy than as a key architect of universal healthcare, he would still stand for all time as a legend of our labour movement and a great contributor to our nation.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will travel to the People’s Republic of China from 4 to 7 November. 

In Beijing, the Prime Minister will meet with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. In Shanghai, the Prime Minister has accepted Premier Li’s invitation to attend the China International Import Expo.

The Prime Minister’s visit will build on his productive discussions with President Xi and Premier Li over the last twelve months, as well as increased ministerial engagement over that time.

Sunday 22 October 2023 marked the fifth anniversary of the National Apology to Victims and Survivors of Institutional Child Sexual Abuse.

The National Apology was delivered in response to a five-year Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse initiated by former Prime Minister, the Honourable Julia Gillard AC.

More than 17,000 victims and survivors bravely came forward in response to the Royal Commission and nearly 8,000 victims and survivors recounted their horrendous abuse in private sessions.

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Good afternoon. This afternoon, I'll travel to the United States, as a result of President Biden's invitation for an official State Visit. This will be the ninth occasion in which President Biden and I have had meetings since I was elected Prime Minister, some 16 months ago. And it will be an important visit. The alliance between Australia and the United States is central to Australia's foreign policy.

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Well, it's wonderful to be here in the United States for an official visit, after the invitation of President Biden. The United States' relationship with Australia is our most important. It's an alliance that was forged, of course, during World War Two, when under John Curtin, Australia look to America. Ever since then we've worked side by side. And the third pillar of our alliance will be a focus this week.

Well, thanks very much, Kevin, and to Ambassador Kennedy, as well.

Welcome. It's fantastic to have you here with us.

And to Brad and Steve, and other representatives who are here. What a fantastic announcement.

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER OF AUSTRALIA: Thank you very much. It is indeed a great honor to host Prime Minister Rabuka today. And it was wonderful to be hosted by the Prime Minister in Fiji very soon after his election. And it has been great to be able to renew our friendship on a face-to-face basis. The Prime Minister is here for a number of days, and I look forward to hosting the Prime Minister at The Lodge tonight with his delegation with a range of my Ministers. Australia deeply values the close and long-standing partnership that we have with Fiji.

PRIME MINISTER, ALBANESE: Prime Minister Rabuka, it is an honour to host you today. And it is wonderful that you have brought Suluweti here as well and your delegation, you’re all very welcome. You welcomed me so warmly to Nadi earlier this year. And it is my pleasure to return the hospitality.

PRIME MINISTER, RABUKA: Do they know what you, what you did the day before, the day before, you called me.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda in Canberra today – the first visit by a Lithuanian President to Australia in 17 years.

The productive relationship between Australia and Lithuania is underpinned by shared democratic values, a commitment to human rights and open markets, and strong people-to-people ties.

ALLAN ALDWORTH, HOST: The Prime Minister of our country, Anthony Albanese, good morning. Helps if I turn your mic on, how disrespectful to the Prime Minister. Once again, good morning.

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Good morning. And it's fantastic to be back here in Perth. And what a beautiful day.

CARLY PORTCH, HOST: It is.

ALDWORTH: It is. We've turned it on for you, mate. We've turned it on.