Priorities of the Australian Government
The Prime Minister, the Hon Anthony Albanese MP, used his address at the National Press Club on 22 February 2023 to reflect on the first 9 months in government and outline priorities for the coming year. These priorities were framed with the intent to provide stability, confidence and security to the Australian people.
The Australian Government is undertaking major reviews and initiatives across portfolios, to move from the response and recovery phases of the COVID-19 pandemic and other recent crises, to reform and renewal to position Australia for the future.
On defence and national security, investing in Australia’s sovereignty, strengthening Australia’s relationships in the region and securing Australia’s place in the world are priorities. Related actions have included commissioning and responding to the Defence Strategic Review and confirming the AUKUS trilateral security pact between Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom in March 2023.
Internationally, the Australian Government’s approach is to work with Pacific neighbours as partners and equals, and to deepen connections with countries in South East Asia bilaterally and through the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the East Asia Summit. Collaboration on regional security in the Indo-Pacific is taking place with the United States, Japan and India, including through the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue Leaders summits. The Australian Government is focused on stabilising Australia’s relationship with China, which is Australia’s major trading partner.
The Australian Government has implemented new policies in relation to climate change, legislating a national emissions reduction target of 43% by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2050. In addition to setting targets for the environment, the goal is to mobilise clean energy investment and the transition to a decarbonised economy.
On social policy, areas of focus for the Government include strengthening Medicare, putting people with disability back at the centre of the NDIS, universal and affordable childcare, new housing policies and greater security in aged care.
A National Reconstruction Fund has been established to support a more resilient and diversified economy. It has an investment mandate across 7 priority areas: renewables and low emission technologies, medical science, transport, value-adding in agriculture, forestry and fisheries, value-adding in resources, defence capability and technologies that support new jobs in areas like manufacturing.
Other major Australian Government reviews and initiatives in 2022–23 include those related to the Constitution Alteration (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice) 2023, Robodebt, migration, higher education, cyber security, the Reserve Bank of Australia and emergency management.
See also
Prime Minister of Australia Address to the National Press Club, Prime Minister of Australia website. https://www.pm.gov.au/media/address-national-press-club, accessed 5 October 2023.