Anthony Albanese reveals 2023 priorities in Woodford Folk Festival speech

Acknowledging the “clock is always ticking” on a government’s time in office, Anthony Albanese will attempt to fill Bob Hawke’s shoes at the Woodford Folk Festival.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Tuesday. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

Ending the year with a determined pledge to enshrine an Indigenous Voice to Parliament, Anthony Albanese will also make skills reform, energy transition, bringing back manufacturing and ensuring all Australians benefit from economic growth his priorities for 2023.

Acknowledging the “clock is always ticking” on a government’s time in office, the Prime Minister will reflect on his first seven months in office and outline his focus for next year in a wide-ranging speech at the Woodford Folk Festival in South East Queensland on Wednesday.

In an address in honour of late Labor prime minister Bob Hawke – a longtime fan and guest of the festival – Mr Albanese will vow to continue to work with the Parliament’s cross bench rather than seek to exploit differing views for votes.

“Bob Hawke left a great a legacy, and that’s because he understood that for any legacy to have staying power requires a government that lasts the distance,” Mr Albanese will say.

“No one’s time in government is infinite. The clock is always ticking.

“But I firmly believe that a good way to make the best possible use of that time is to carry Bob’s example in your heart.”

Mr Albanese will recommit to a domestic manufacturing “renaissance”, increasing renewable energy capacity and delivering on economic policies that are “inclusive” – meaning they benefit all Australians.

“There is a great future on the horizon, and it is so exciting. Australia can be a renewable energy superpower,” he will say.

“Along with all that solar and wind power to generate clean, cheap, reliable electricity, we have – with our great abundance of lithium – everything we need to build the batteries we need right here.”

In his speech, Mr Albanese will reaffirm “proudly and clearly” his determination to enshrine an Indigenous Voice to Parliament in the Australian Constitution by holding a referendum on the issue in the second half of next year.

“We live in the world’s greatest nation, but an even greater Australia is so tantalisingly within our reach,” he will say.

Criticising the previous Coalition government’s lack of communication with China, Mr Albanese says his government will continue to repair Australia’s relationships in the region and stabilise tense relations with Beijing.

“It doesn’t mean we agree with China on everything. It doesn’t mean we don’t raise our concerns and our significant points of difference,” he will say.

“We will co-operate with China where we can, disagree where we must, and engage in Australia’s national interest.”

Skills will also be a focus, with the government’s 20,000 additional university places and 180,000 fee-free TAFE places to come into effect from January.

“This will create more opportunities for trainees and apprentices, and address the skills drought that has been hampering businesses right across the country,” Mr Albanese will say.

In pictures: Woodford Folk Festival day one

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