Incoming prime minister Anthony Albanese’s decision to put on hold the formation of his new government so he can travel to Japan for top-level security talks was an important marker about continuing Australia’s commitment to regional order.

Mr Albanese and foreign minister-designate Penny Wong will fly to Tokyo at midday on Monday, just hours after they are sworn in, to attend the meeting of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue with the leaders of the United States, India and Japan.